David Roach Dies at 59: David Roach, the charismatic frontal of the 1980s heavy metal band Junkyard, has passed away at the age of 59 . just weeks after marrying his wife, Jennifer.
David Roach’ Dies at 59..
According to a GoFundMe page created to support his care, Roach had been battling an aggressive form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, which had spread to his head, neck, and throat. The diagnosis was described as a heartbreaking turn, especially after he had recently found personal happiness. Jennifer left her job to become his full-time caregiver.
On Sunday, August 3, Junkyard announced Roach’s death in a heartfelt statement.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach,” the band wrote. “After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife. David was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer—but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother. Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.”
Who was David Roach?
Roach co-founded Junkyard in Los Angeles in 1987 alongside musicians from other notable acts, including Minor Threat, Big Boys, and Dag Nasty. The group signed with Geffen Records in 1988 and released their self-titled debut album the following year.
Watch Video:
https://youtu.be/K-Fz5y1rs0M
Their sophomore record, Sixes, Sevens & Nines, was produced by Ed Stasium—known for his work with the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Motörhead—and featured contributions from country-rock legend Steve Earle, who co-wrote and sang backing vocals on “Slippin’ Away.”
The band disbanded in 1992 after Geffen dropped them, shelving their third album. Roach later formed the band Borracho before reuniting with Junkyard members Patrick Muzingo, Todd Muscat, and Brian Baker, along with guitarist Tim Mosher.
They went on to release new music, including High Water (2017) and Old Habits Die Hard (2019), the latter recorded back in 1992.
Former bandmate Chris Gates, who played with Roach from 1987 to 2009, shared a personal tribute on Instagram:
“I’m saddened to hear that David Roach has passed, but grateful he’s no longer suffering. We met when he was 16 and I was 20, back when our girlfriends lived in the same apartment complex. I’d seen him around the music scene, and I think his band the Pagans had already played with the Big Boys. His girlfriend at the time was the inspiration for the song ‘Hands Off.’
When I moved to LA, no one wanted to play with the ‘fat guy from Texas.’ Then I heard David was moving out, and I spent weeks tracking down his number. I called him and said we should start a band when he arrived. The rest is history.
I loved him like a little brother. We had our ups and downs, but that never changed. My condolences to his family, friends, and everyone touched by his life or music. I’ll miss making music with him, but he’ll always be a part of me.”
Trending News:
