David Roach, the lead singer of the Los Angeles hard rock band Junkyard, has passed away at 64. His bandmates shared the news on Instagram, revealing that he died peacefully at home in his wife’s arms, just two weeks after their wedding. Roach had been fighting cancer.
With heavy hearts, his bandmates wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach. After a brave battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife. He was a talented artist, performer, songwriter, and singer—but most importantly, a devoted father, husband, and brother. Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.”
David Roach was an American rock vocalist, best known as the magnetic frontman of Junkyard, the hard rock band based in Los Angeles. Born in 1960, Roach made his mark in the late 1980s L.A. rock scene, where he embraced a blend of gritty melodies and raw energy. With Junkyard, he helped define a rebellious era of hard rock, known for its swagger and blue-collar spirit. His soulful and powerful vocals earned the band a loyal following.
Formed in the mid-1980s, Junkyard quickly rose to prominence thanks to their electrifying live performances and a mix of hard rock, punk, and blues. Roach’s dynamic stage presence and distinctive voice propelled tracks like “Hollywood” and “Still Standing” onto radio playlists, MTV, and major tours. Their self-titled debut album (1989) and the follow-up Sixes, Sevens & Nines (1991) solidified their legacy. However, internal tensions and lineup shifts slowed their commercial success in later years.