![\"David](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_261151648-f2a5.jpg\")
\n\t\tDavid Roach has died age 59 after a short cancer battle (Picture: Scott Dudelson\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tDavid Roach has died age 59 after a short cancer battle (Picture: Scott Dudelson\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
David Roach, lead singer of 80s<\/a> rock<\/a> group Junkyard, has died at age 59 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n His bandmates shared the devastating news on Instagram<\/a>, sharing that he died \u2018in the loving arms of his wife\u2019, Jennifer Roach.<\/p>\n The pair had only tied the knot on July 19, just two weeks before his death, in a private ceremony with their closest friends.<\/p>\n \u2018It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach,\u2019 the band wrote. \u2018After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away peacefully last night at home, in the loving arms of his wife.<\/p>\n \u2018He was a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer\u2014but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother. Our thoughts are with the entire Roach family and everyone who loved him.\u2019<\/p>\n The Simple Man hitmaker was diagnosed in late March<\/a> with squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t 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.<\/p>\n \u2018David is a true friend to everyone he meets,\u2019 the GoFundMe read. \u2018He 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.<\/p>\n \u2018His generous spirit really shines through in everything he does, including donating his amazing artwork to support others.\u2019<\/p>\n The page raised over $36,000 (\u00a327,000) with Jennifer sharing an update that described the time since his diagnosis as \u2018a nightmare rollercoaster\u2019.<\/p>\n \t\t On July 21, she wrote that Roach had been living in a cancer centre \u2018for a month now\u2019 but was \u2018in good spirits\u2019 with hopes he could move home soon.<\/p>\n Following his death, bandmate Chris Gates shared: \u2018I 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. <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll miss playing music with him, but he\u2019ll always be an important part of me.\u2019<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t They were often compared to Guns N\u2019 Roses, who were also on Geffen Records, the label which dropped Junkyard after two albums.<\/p>\n At the time they had their third album ready to go, which was later released as two issues: XXX and The Joker.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In 2017, they released comeback album High Water \u2014 their first studio recording in 25 years \u2014\u00a0with a final single dropped in 2021 titled Lifer.<\/p>\n Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n \t\t\tComments Arrow Arrow![\"Junkyard](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_261152235-82df.jpg\")
\n\t\tHe had married his partner Jennifer just two weeks before (Picture: @junkyardhollywood\/Instagram)<\/p>\n![\"Lead](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_257399227-9ab9.jpg\")
\n\t\tJunkyard rose to fame in the late 80s with hits like Hollywood and Simple Man (Picture: John Atashian\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Junkyard](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_261152233-00e6.jpg\")
\n\t\tHe was in \u2018good spirits\u2019 in the last update shared (Picture: @junkyardhollywood\/instagram)<\/p>\n![\"Junkyard](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_261152236-5dac.jpg\")
\n\t\tRoach\u2019s bandmates came to see him before his death (Picture: @junkyardhollywood\/Instagram)<\/p>\n![\"Mandatory](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEI_261152176-28b3.jpg\")
\n\t\t\u2018He\u2019ll always be a part of me\u2019 (Picture: David Wala\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
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