David Roch dead: Rock icon dies after short battle with cancer as band pay tribute

Legendary rock star David Roach, who was the frontman of Junkyard, died at the age of 64 on Saturday, August 2 after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. The band, who he fronted since 1987, confirmed the news in a social media post. "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," they wrote. Junkyard burst onto the music scene in 1989 with their self-titled debut album. Heavy rotation of the music on both MTV and on rock radio put the band among the forefront of the crop of rock bands coming out of Los Angeles in the late 1980s.

The star had only married his wife Jennifer on July 19 this year after she gave up her job to care for him full time following his diagnosis. He initally fell ill with what he thought was just a "fever and cough" but was rushed to the ER, where doctors gave him the shock diagnosis he was battling the fast spreading cancer squamous cell carcinoma which affected his head, neck, and throat.

Following his diagnosis the band launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs, and Jennifer shared an emotional message with fans on Instagram. "We wish we could respond to each of you, but honestly, there are no words right now. We're still struggling to process the news," she wrote.

"After David's ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world. It's devastating and life-altering, and we're trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it. David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he's still managing to keep his sense of humor. It's a reminder of how amazing he is.

"But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we're going to need all of your love and prayers.

"Thank you for standing by us. Your kindness and support mean everything to us. Please keep David in your thoughts as we take this one step at a time."

Devastated fans paid tributes as they learned the news taking to social media to share their grief. "R.I.P. David Roach I'm lost for words. Devastated is an understatement. I feel like my heart stopped when I heard this...I know you're not in pain anymore. My prayers and sympathy to all your family and friends and extra long hugs to your bandmates. Your music will live on in our hearts forever..." one wrote.

"I dont know what to say......There is a void that can't be replaced.......Junkyard changed my life in more ways than I can count from meeting my wife at a junkyard show to making life long friends ships and everything in-between. David you will be truly missed brother, no matter how long I make this post and how much time I put into it it'll never be enough to emphasize how much you ment to me and soo many people," another penned.

A third chimed in: "David Roach of Junkyard wrote some songs that hit me right in the soul. I just found out he passed away last night... and I thought I should say something."

Meanwhile a fourth wrote: "So sad to hear about the untimely passing of David Roach. Junkyard were one of those bands I loved from the first listen, & they were magnificent live too. RIP Roach."