After all he gave to music, his final act was filled with love and resolve
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CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses terminal illness and death.
He only had weeks to enjoy married life before tragedy struck.
Beloved rock frontman held on as long as he could—but cancer claimed him just days after his wedding.
Now, fans and bandmates are mourning a life cut short.
David Roach, the co-founder and lead singer of the American hard rock band Junkyard, died at home on 2 August at the age of 59.
He passed away in the arms of his wife Jennifer, just two weeks after the pair married.
Roach had been battling an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma that affected his head, neck and throat.
A Junkyard social media post read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach.
‘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.
‘Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.’
The band had revealed in June that Roach’s cancer was ‘aggressive’.
Jennifer shared their emotional reaction to the diagnosis, writing on social media: ‘It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.
‘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 humour. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is.
‘But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we’re going to need all of your love and prayers.’
Roach co-founded Junkyardin 1987 alongside guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, drummer Patrick Muzingo, and guitarist Brian Baker.
The group released several albums between 1989 and 1992 and returned to the stage in the early 2000s.
Their 2017 comeback album marked the band’s first studio release in more than two decades.
Tributes have poured in since news of Roach’s death broke.
Award-winning composer Jake Curtis Allard described Roach as an ‘excellent’ singer.
Music stars Chips Z’Nuff and Danko Jones also paid their respects online.
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer, particularly in the UK and US.
Although typically treatable, it can spread to other parts of the body if left unchecked.
Symptoms may include skin-coloured or discoloured bumps, unhealed sores, and lesions in the mouth.
Health experts urge anyone with a sore that doesn’t heal within two months to seek medical advice.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, around 1.8 million cases are diagnosed each year in the US alone.
Roach’s courage throughout his illness was remembered by many.
He was praised not only for his music, but for his strength and resilience during his final weeks.
Losing someone you love is never easy—especially when the journey is long, painful, and filled with uncertainty.
Support during those final weeks and beyond can make all the difference, yet not everyone has access to the help they need.
If you or someone you know is grieving, this next story highlights a service that many rely on—and the urgent fight to keep it going.
Read more: This crucial service is at risk—ensure it continues helping those in need
Rest in peace to a powerful voice, both on and off the stage.
He only had weeks to enjoy married life before tragedy struck.
Beloved rock frontman held on as long as he could—but cancer claimed him just days after his wedding.
Now, fans and bandmates are mourning a life cut short.
David Roach, the co-founder and lead singer of the American hard rock band Junkyard, died at home on 2 August at the age of 59.
He passed away in the arms of his wife Jennifer, just two weeks after the pair married.
Roach had been battling an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma that affected his head, neck and throat.
Rock frontman dies weeks after wedding. Image source: Instagram/junkyardhollywood
A Junkyard social media post read: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach.
‘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.
‘Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.’
The band had revealed in June that Roach’s cancer was ‘aggressive’.
Jennifer shared their emotional reaction to the diagnosis, writing on social media: ‘It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.
‘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 humour. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is.
‘But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we’re going to need all of your love and prayers.’
Roach co-founded Junkyardin 1987 alongside guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, drummer Patrick Muzingo, and guitarist Brian Baker.
The group released several albums between 1989 and 1992 and returned to the stage in the early 2000s.
Their 2017 comeback album marked the band’s first studio release in more than two decades.
Tributes have poured in since news of Roach’s death broke.
Award-winning composer Jake Curtis Allard described Roach as an ‘excellent’ singer.
Music stars Chips Z’Nuff and Danko Jones also paid their respects online.
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer, particularly in the UK and US.
Although typically treatable, it can spread to other parts of the body if left unchecked.
Symptoms may include skin-coloured or discoloured bumps, unhealed sores, and lesions in the mouth.
Health experts urge anyone with a sore that doesn’t heal within two months to seek medical advice.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, around 1.8 million cases are diagnosed each year in the US alone.
Roach’s courage throughout his illness was remembered by many.
He was praised not only for his music, but for his strength and resilience during his final weeks.
Losing someone you love is never easy—especially when the journey is long, painful, and filled with uncertainty.
Support during those final weeks and beyond can make all the difference, yet not everyone has access to the help they need.
If you or someone you know is grieving, this next story highlights a service that many rely on—and the urgent fight to keep it going.
Read more: This crucial service is at risk—ensure it continues helping those in need
Rest in peace to a powerful voice, both on and off the stage.
