David Roach, Frontman of Junkyard, Passes Away at 59

Legendary singer and founding member of the late 1980s hard rock group Junkyard, David Roach, passed away peacefully at the age of 59 following a courageous battle with cancer. The band announced his death via social media on Saturday, expressing their heartfelt condolences. "David left us peacefully last night at home, surrounded by the love of his wife," the statement read. "He was a talented artist, performer, songwriter, and vocalist—yet above all, a dedicated father, husband, and brother." Originating from Dallas, Texas, Roach's gritty voice—characterized by a Southern drawl and smoky attitude—was the defining element of Junkyard's raw, blues-infused sound. Although the band had a niche following on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip in the 1980s, they distinguished themselves with their edgy aesthetic reminiscent of early Guns N’ Roses and The Black Crowes, rather than glam metal groups like Poison or Warrant. Formed in Los Angeles in 1987, Junkyard featured Roach as frontman, guitarist Chris Gates, and briefly, skateboarding icon Tony Alva on bass. In 1989, guitarist Brian Baker, later of Bad Religion, joined the lineup. That same year, they released their self-titled debut album on ...