Rock Star Dead At 64 After Cancer Battle

David Roach, the powerhouse lead singer of the hard-hitting metal band Junkyard, has passed away at the age of 64 after a fight with aggressive cancer.

The band confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post over the weekend, writing, “After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.”

Roach had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a fast-moving form of cancer that affected his head, neck, and throat, according to a GoFundMe created during his illness. Just weeks before his death, Roach had tied the knot with his longtime partner, who left her job to care for him full-time during his final days.

A founding member of Junkyard, Roach helped launch the group in Los Angeles in 1987. The band signed with Geffen Records a year later, joining a lineup that included guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, drummer Patrick Muzingo, and guitarist Brian Baker. Junkyard enjoyed a solid run before disbanding in 1992, but Roach returned to the stage with the group in 2000 and remained a driving force until earlier this year.

“He was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer—but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother,” the band shared. “Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.”