David Roach, the frontman 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 – that affected his head, neck and throat.
According to a GoFundMe page, the diagnosis was a “devastating blow” to Roach, “especially after he finally found happiness” with his wife, Jennifer, who stepped away from full-time employment to care for him. The band confirmed his death on Sunday (3 August), stating that he passed away peacefully at home, in the arms of his wife.
Roach co-founded Junkyard in 1987 in Los Angeles, 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. Country-rock legend Steve Earle co-wrote and provided backing vocals for the song “Slippin’ Away”.
Junkyard split in 1992 after being dropped by Geffen. Roach later formed Borracho and reunited with former bandmates, releasing albums including 2017’s High Water and 2019’s Old Habits Die Hard. Former bandmate Chris Gates paid tribute, recalling their long friendship and musical partnership.
