Rock singer David Roach remembered after losing short battle with cancer weeks after wedding
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An emotional farewell is underway for a beloved figure from the hard rock scene who left behind not just a legacy in music but a story of strength, family, and perseverance.
He passed away shortly after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony—making the loss feel even more bittersweet for those closest to him.
His battle was difficult and aggressive, but it didn’t stop him from facing each day with strength and humor.
Now, those who knew him best—from fans to fellow musicians—are honoring his life in the way he would have wanted.
David Roach, co-founder and lead vocalist of the 80s rock band Junkyard, has died at the age of 59.
The singer passed away after a tough battle with a “very aggressive” form of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that impacted his head, neck, and throat.
According to a GoFundMe created to support his medical expenses, his diagnosis came as a devastating blow earlier this year.
Just two weeks before his passing, Roach married his partner, Jennifer, in a small, heartfelt ceremony.
The band announced his death with a statement: “After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.”
“He was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer—but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother.”
Roach was known for his gravelly voice, gritty onstage presence, and raw, emotionally honest lyrics.
He helped form Junkyard in 1987 and the band signed with Geffen Records the following year.
Their debut self-titled album dropped in 1989, featuring breakout tracks like “Hollywood” and “Simple Man.”
The band quickly became a key player in the Sunset Strip rock scene in Los Angeles during the late 1980s.
They shared the stage with legends like Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Poison, and Ratt.
Also read: Is your favorite rock band about to change forever? Legendary drummer exits after 27 years
In 1992, Geffen dropped Junkyard, and the group disbanded shortly afterward. An unreleased third album surfaced in 1998 under the titles XXX and The Joker.
They reunited in 2000 and returned with several live and studio projects, including 2003’s Tried and True and their 2017 comeback album High Water.
Their most recent release was the single “Lifer” in 2021. The group also toured alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd and appeared frequently on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.
Roach’s bandmates shared emotional messages following his passing.
Chris Gates, a longtime member of Junkyard, wrote, “I loved him like a little brother. We had our ups and downs, but that never changed.”
“I’ll miss playing music with him, but he’ll always be an important part of me.”
L.A. Guns guitarist Ace Von Johnson added, “Rest easy, brother. We will miss you. Sending my love to the entire Junkyard family.”
Jennifer, David’s wife, previously wrote, “It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.”
Also read: Rock frontman David Roach hospitalized with aggressive cancer—here’s how fans are rallying behind him
“David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he's still managing to keep his sense of humor. It's a reminder of how amazing he is.”
Fans took to online platforms to share tributes: “You will never be forgotten. I listen to Junkyard every day and will forever be grateful for their music. Rest in a peace David.”
Another wrote, “Thank you, David Roach. You will live on in our hearts and our souls. Your words and music got me through some dark times.”
Others described him as a “real deal rock n roll warrior” and “an excellent singer… a really great man.”
David Roach’s impact extended beyond the stage—his music connected with fans in deep and lasting ways. Though his battle was painful, his final days were filled with love, music, and a celebration of life.
Read next: Country star Jeannie Seely remembered for her soulful voice and lasting legacy dies at 85
What’s your favorite Junkyard memory or track? Share your thoughts and stories below—we’d love to hear from fans keeping David’s legacy alive.
He passed away shortly after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony—making the loss feel even more bittersweet for those closest to him.
His battle was difficult and aggressive, but it didn’t stop him from facing each day with strength and humor.
Now, those who knew him best—from fans to fellow musicians—are honoring his life in the way he would have wanted.
David Roach, co-founder and lead vocalist of the 80s rock band Junkyard, has died at the age of 59.
The singer passed away after a tough battle with a “very aggressive” form of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that impacted his head, neck, and throat.
According to a GoFundMe created to support his medical expenses, his diagnosis came as a devastating blow earlier this year.
Rock singer David Roach remembered after losing short battle with cancer weeks after wedding. Image Source: Inside Celebrities / YouTube
Just two weeks before his passing, Roach married his partner, Jennifer, in a small, heartfelt ceremony.
The band announced his death with a statement: “After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.”
“He was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer—but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother.”
Roach was known for his gravelly voice, gritty onstage presence, and raw, emotionally honest lyrics.
Roach married his partner, Jennifer, in a small, heartfelt ceremony. Image Source: Junkyard / Facebook
He helped form Junkyard in 1987 and the band signed with Geffen Records the following year.
Their debut self-titled album dropped in 1989, featuring breakout tracks like “Hollywood” and “Simple Man.”
The band quickly became a key player in the Sunset Strip rock scene in Los Angeles during the late 1980s.
They shared the stage with legends like Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Poison, and Ratt.
Also read: Is your favorite rock band about to change forever? Legendary drummer exits after 27 years
In 1992, Geffen dropped Junkyard, and the group disbanded shortly afterward. An unreleased third album surfaced in 1998 under the titles XXX and The Joker.
They reunited in 2000 and returned with several live and studio projects, including 2003’s Tried and True and their 2017 comeback album High Water.
Their most recent release was the single “Lifer” in 2021. The group also toured alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd and appeared frequently on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.
Roach’s bandmates shared emotional messages following his passing.
Chris Gates, a longtime member of Junkyard, wrote, “I loved him like a little brother. We had our ups and downs, but that never changed.”
“I’ll miss playing music with him, but he’ll always be an important part of me.”
L.A. Guns guitarist Ace Von Johnson added, “Rest easy, brother. We will miss you. Sending my love to the entire Junkyard family.”
Jennifer, David’s wife, previously wrote, “It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.”
Also read: Rock frontman David Roach hospitalized with aggressive cancer—here’s how fans are rallying behind him
“David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he's still managing to keep his sense of humor. It's a reminder of how amazing he is.”
Fans took to online platforms to share tributes: “You will never be forgotten. I listen to Junkyard every day and will forever be grateful for their music. Rest in a peace David.”
Another wrote, “Thank you, David Roach. You will live on in our hearts and our souls. Your words and music got me through some dark times.”
Others described him as a “real deal rock n roll warrior” and “an excellent singer… a really great man.”
David Roach’s impact extended beyond the stage—his music connected with fans in deep and lasting ways. Though his battle was painful, his final days were filled with love, music, and a celebration of life.
Read next: Country star Jeannie Seely remembered for her soulful voice and lasting legacy dies at 85
