Junkyard singer David Roach dead at 59 after aggressive skin cancer battle

Perth Now

04-08-2025

David Roach, the singer of '80s rock band Junkyard, has died aged 59.
The musician battled aggressive squamous cell carcinoma - a type of skin cancer that begins in the squamous cells - with a fundraiser launched to help pay for his medical bills.
News of his passing was announced by the band on Instagram on Sunday (03.08.25).
They said: '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 GoFundMe fundraiser has so far raised $36,048 of its $50,000 target.
It noted how Roach required "around the clock care and supervision".
According to reports, Roach had married his partner Jennifer - who had to quit her job to become his full-time care giver - just weeks before his death.
In a post on July 21, Jennifer thanked fans for their support and admitted the past month had been "a nightmare rollercoaster ride, with many ups and downs and differing opinions from various medical teams."
The post continued: "David is in good spirits, keeping his humor alive, and currently enjoying time spent with his close family. Tomorrow, his brothers/bandmates will be joining the party to bring even more love and happiness! We're optimistic about coming home from the hospital within the next few days and we are definitely not giving up on this fight!! We'll keep you updated as we gather more information and the medical teams come together as one.
Thank you so much for your love and support!"
His bandmate Chris Gates shared a moving tribute, writing: 'I loved him like a little brother. We had our ups and downs, but that never changed. My condolences to his brother and sisters, v and to ask the people who lived him or were touched by his/or songs. I'll miss playing music with him, but he'll always be an important part of me. (sic)"
Known for his gravelly voice and gritty stage presence, Roach led Junkyard through the highs and lows of a turbulent career.
Formed in 1987, Junkyard brought together members of influential punk outfits including Minor Threat, Big Boys and Dag Nasty. Signed to Geffen Records in 1988, they released their self-titled debut the following year, featuring breakout tracks like Hollywood and Simple Man, both of which became MTV staples and fan favourites.
They swiftly became favourites of the Sunset Strip scene in Los Angeles in the late 1980s, alongside the likes of Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, Poison and Ratt.
Their 1991 follow-up, Sixes, Sevens and Nines, featured songwriting contributions from Steve Earle and showcased a more polished, roots-driven direction. But just a year later, the band was dropped by Geffen, and disbanded soon after. A third album — recorded but unreleased — later surfaced in 1998 under the titles XXX and The Joker.
Junkyard reunited in 2000, releasing a series of live and studio projects including 2003's Tried and True and 2017's comeback album High Water. Their most recent release was the single Lifer in 2021.
They toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd and were regulars on MTV's Headbanger's Ball.