Musician David Roach, renowned for his performances at junkyards, passes away at the age of 59.
Junkyard Frontman David Roach Passes Away at 59
David Roach, the lead vocalist and co-founder of the '80s heavy metal band Junkyard, has sadly passed away at the age of 59. Roach died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife Jennifer.
Roach's career with Junkyard began in 1987 when he co-founded the band alongside guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, drummer Patrick Muzingo, and guitarist Brian Baker. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1989, offered a bluesier take on the Sunset Strip glam metal sound. Their second album, Sixes, Sevens & Nines, followed in 1991.
However, before the release of a third album, Junkyard was dropped by their label, Geffen. Despite this setback, the band continued to perform and reunited in 2000, releasing a new studio album, High Water, 17 years later.
In March of this year, Junkyard announced that Roach had been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. A GoFundMe page was set up to help raise money for his medical bills, showcasing the community's support for the singer.
Roach was known for his distinctive gravelly tone and commanding stage presence. His death was mourned by his bandmates and family as a loss of a gifted artist and devoted family man who left a meaningful legacy in music.
Riki Rachtman, former Headbanger's Ball host, paid tribute to Roach on Instagram, describing him as a singer of a true rock & roll band. He encouraged people to play Junkyard's music to hear some good rock and roll.
Junkyard's current members shared a post on their Instagram account after Roach's death, including a photo of the singer. The post did not repeat earlier facts about Roach's life or career but instead encouraged fans to remember him and his music.
[1] Junkyard - Wikipedia [2] Tribute Post - Junkyard's Instagram [3] GoFundMe Page for David Roach [4] Statement on David Roach's Death - Junkyard's Website [5] David Roach Obituary - LA Times
- David Roach, the gravelly-voiced frontman of the '80s heavy metal band Junkyard, passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a legacy in music that continues to resonate.
- Known for his commanding stage presence, Roach offered a bluesier take on the Sunset Strip glam metal sound with Junkyard, as heard on their self-titled debut album released in 1989.
- Despite battling a very aggressive form of cancer since March, Roach continued to perform with Junkyard until a few months before his death.
- A GoFundMe page was set up to help Roach with his medical bills, showcasing the community's love and support for the singer.
- Riki Rachtman, former Headbanger's Ball host, paid tribute to Roach on Instagram, encouraging people to play Junkyard's music to hear some good rock and roll.
- In a tribute post on Instagram, Junkyard's current members honored Roach's memory, inviting fans to remember him and his powerful music.
- The '80s hard rock band Junkyard began their career in 1987 and released their second album, Sixes, Sevens & Nines, in 1991 but were dropped by their label, Geffen.
- After a successful reunion in 2000, Junkyard released their third studio album, entitled High Water, in 2017, demonstrating their enduring influence on the hardcore and classic rock genres.
