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Metro
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Junkyard frontman David Roach dies age 59 two weeks after tying the knot
David Roach, lead singer of 80s rock group Junkyard, has died at age 59 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. His bandmates shared the devastating news on Instagram, sharing that he died 'in the loving arms of his wife', Jennifer Roach. The pair had only tied the knot on July 19, just two weeks before his death, in a private ceremony with their closest friends. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach,' the band wrote. '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 Simple Man hitmaker was diagnosed in late March with squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. His wife had left her job in order to become his full-time carer, with a GoFundMe launched to help cover his medical bills as he needed around-the-clock care. 'David is a true friend to everyone he meets,' the GoFundMe read. 'He has a knack for making people feel special and appreciated, and his incredible sense of humor always brings laughter and happiness to those around him. 'His generous spirit really shines through in everything he does, including donating his amazing artwork to support others.' The page raised over $36,000 (£27,000) with Jennifer sharing an update that described the time since his diagnosis as 'a nightmare rollercoaster'. On July 21, she wrote that Roach had been living in a cancer centre 'for a month now' but was 'in good spirits' with hopes he could move home soon. Following his death, bandmate Chris Gates shared: '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.' Junkyard formed in 1987 with the core line-up consisting of Roach on vocals, Gates and Brian Baker on guitar, bassist Clay Anthony and drummer Patrick Muzingo. They were often compared to Guns N' Roses, who were also on Geffen Records, the label which dropped Junkyard after two albums. More Trending At the time they had their third album ready to go, which was later released as two issues: XXX and The Joker. After being dropped in 1992, Junkyard disbanded but kept a cult following before reforming in 2000 for a world tour complete with live album from their heyday. In 2017, they released comeback album High Water — their first studio recording in 25 years — with a final single dropped in 2021 titled Lifer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: WKRP in Cincinnati actress Loni Anderson dies aged 79 after 'prolonged' illness MORE: Country legend Jeannie Seely dies aged 85, months after her husband MORE: Yungblud shares poignant tribute for friend Ozzy Osbourne after the rock legend is laid to rest
Metro
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
A-ha's Morten Harket shares emotional statement after Parkinson's diagnosis
Morten Harket, the iconic frontman of 80s band A-ha, has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Norwegian band released a statement that read: 'This isn't the sort of news anyone wants to deliver to the world, but here it is: Morten has Parkinson's disease.' In an interview about the diagnosis on the band's official website that serves as Harket's statement on the matter, the 65-year-old said: 'I've got no problem accepting the diagnosis. With time I've taken to heart my 94-year-old father's attitude to the way the organism gradually surrenders: 'I use whatever works.'' He elaborated: 'Part of me wanted to reveal it. Like I said, acknowledging the diagnosis wasn't a problem for me; it's my need for peace and quiet to work that has been stopping me. I'm trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline. 'It's a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects. There's so much to weigh up when you're emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general.' Later, when asked if he can still sing, he responded: 'I don't really know. I don't feel like singing, and for me that's a sign. I'm broadminded in terms of what I think works; I don't expect to be able to achieve full technical control.' A-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band formed in Oslo in 1982, consisting of Morten Harket (vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards), and Pål Waaktaar-Savoy (guitar). They rose to international fame with their 1985 debut album Hunting High and Low, which featured the iconic hit Take On Me, known for its innovative animated music video and Harket's falsetto vocals. More Trending The song became a global success, reaching number one in multiple countries, and remaining one of the most recognisable songs in the world to this day. While often associated with the 1980s, a-ha continued to release music and tour into the 21st century, building a loyal fanbase and evolving their sound. Notable later work include albums like Memorial Beach, Lifelines, and Cast in Steel. Despite several breakups and reunions, a-ha remains an influential and enduring act in pop music history. Harket has six children, three with his former wife Camilla Malmquist Harket, whom he divorced in 1998, a daughter with former girlfriend Anne Mette Undlien. and another daughter with his current partner Inez Andersson. This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. For more stories like this, check our entertainment page. Follow Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Talking Heads fans feel 'gaslit' after rumoured 50th anniversary announcement is finally revealed MORE: Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to rewrite one of the most famous lines in movie history MORE: Famous Hollywood couple shattered after learning they can't move to Ireland permanently
