David Roach, lead singer and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based rock band Junkyard, died Friday at age 59 following a battle with aggressive skin cancer. His death came just two weeks after he married his wife Jennifer in an intimate ceremony attended by his bandmates.
The band announced Roach’s death in a statement posted to social media on Saturday, August 3. According to E! Online, the statement indicated that “after a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.” The band described him as a gifted artist, performer, songwriter and singer, but above all, a devoted father, husband and brother.
Roach had been diagnosed with aggressive squamous cell carcinoma affecting his head, neck and throat in February 2025, according to multiple reports. The diagnosis came after he developed an ongoing fever and cough that led to his admission to an emergency room. His wife Jennifer Michael-Roach and close friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical expenses, which raised $35,000 toward a $50,000 goal.
The musician’s wedding to Jennifer was announced by the band on July 20 in a Facebook post that included photos from the ceremony. One image showed Roach in a wheelchair surrounded by his bandmates, while another captured him standing to place a ring on his wife’s finger at the altar. The band congratulated the couple, referring to them as Mr. and Mrs. David Patrick Roach.
Roach formed Junkyard in Los Angeles in 1987, initially featuring skateboarding pioneer Tony Alva on bass. The band’s lineup included guitarist Brian Baker, formerly of Minor Threat and later Bad Religion, and Chris Gates from the Big Boys. They signed with Geffen Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1989, which peaked at number 105 on the Billboard 200.
The group stood out from the typical Sunset Strip scene with their blues-based hard rock sound and biker aesthetic, drawing comparisons to early Guns N’ Roses and the Black Crowes. Their singles “Simple Man” and “All the Time in the World” became their highest-charting tracks, while their video for “Hollywood” gained traction on MTV’s Headbangers Ball.
Junkyard released their second album, “Sixes, Sevens & Nines,” in 1991, produced by Ed Stasium, who had worked with the Ramones and Living Colour. The album featured “Slippin’ Away,” an acoustic track with backing vocals by country-rock artist Steve Earle. However, the changing music landscape following the release of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” in 1991 led to declining interest in Los Angeles hard rock bands.
Geffen dropped the band in 1992, leading to their initial breakup. An unreleased third album was independently issued in 1998. The band reformed in 2000 and released the live album “Shut Up – We’re Tryin’ to Practice!” In 2017, they issued “High Water,” their first new studio album in more than 25 years, which reached the top 25 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Album Sales Chart. A standalone single titled “Lifer” was released in 2021.
Former bandmate Chris Gates, who played with Junkyard from 1987 to 2009, paid tribute to Roach on social media. Gates recalled meeting Roach when he was 16 and Gates was 20, and how he tracked down Roach’s phone number when moving to Los Angeles. He indicated that he loved Roach like a little brother and that despite their ups and downs, that relationship never changed. Gates noted that he would miss playing music with Roach but that the singer would always be an important part of him.
In June, the band had addressed Roach’s cancer diagnosis in an Instagram post, describing the news as devastating and life-altering. Jennifer had written about her husband’s strength and resilience during his battle, noting his ability to maintain his sense of humor even in difficult circumstances. She indicated that while the journey ahead would be extremely tough, Roach had made clear he was not giving up hope.
Riki Rachtman, former host of MTV’s Headbangers Ball, remembered Roach on Instagram, describing him as the singer of a true rock and roll band. L.A. Guns rocker Ace Von Johnson also paid tribute, expressing that Roach would be missed and sending love to the entire Junkyard family.
Roach’s death adds to the list of notable music industry losses in 2025. The band’s current lineup included Brian Baker, Chris Gates, Patrick Muzingo, Tim Mosher, Jimmy James and Todd Muscat alongside Roach. His passing marks the end of a career that spanned nearly four decades in rock music, from the height of the Sunset Strip scene through the band’s later reunion and continued touring.
