David Roach, lead singer of the 1980s heavy metal band Junkyard, has died at the age of 59, just weeks after getting married. The US musician had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, which affected his head, neck and throat.
A GoFundMe page described the diagnosis as a 'devastating blow' to Roach, 'especially after he finally found happiness' with his wife, Jennifer, who left her job to care for him. The band confirmed his death on Sunday, stating that he passed away peacefully at home in his wife's arms after a courageous battle with cancer.
Roach co-founded Junkyard in Los Angeles in 1987 with bandmates from other acts including Minor Threat, Big Boys and Dag Nasty. They signed to Geffen Records and released their self-titled debut in 1989, followed by 'Sixes, Sevens & Nines', produced by Ed Stasium and featuring Steve Earle. The band split in 1992 after being dropped by Geffen, but Roach later reformed the group and released further albums.
Former bandmate Chris Gates paid tribute on Instagram, recalling their first meeting and saying he loved Roach 'like a little brother'. The band's statement described Roach as a 'gifted artist, performer, songwriter and singer – but above all, a devoted father, husband and brother'.
