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Legendary rock singer David Roach has died at the age of 59.
The star, who co-founded the rock band Junkyard in 1987, passed away after a battle with skin cancer just a fortnight after getting married.
He had suffered from an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma that affected his head, neck and throat, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser.
In a statement shared on social media by the band, it said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Roach.
‘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. – Junkyard.’
His bandmate Chris Gates shared a moving tribute, writing: ‘I 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.
‘I’ll miss playing music with him, but he’ll always be an important part of me. (sic)’
Just two weeks ago, Roach married his wife Jennifer.
Jennifer previously wrote on a social media post about the diagnosis: ‘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.’
Known for his gravelly voice and gritty stage presence, David led his band through the highs and lows of a turbulent career.
Signed to Geffen Records in 1988, they released their self-titled debut the following year, featuring breakout tracks like Hollywood and Simple Man.
They became favourites of the Sunset Strip scene in Los Angeles in the late 1980s, alongside the likes of Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Poison and Ratt.
In 1992, the band was dropped by Geffen, and disbanded soon after.
A third album – recorded but unreleased – later surfaced in 1998 under the titles XXX and The Joker.
Junkyard got back together in 2000 and went on to release a series of live and studio projects.
This included 2003’s Tried and True and 2017’s comeback album High Water.
Their most recent release was the single Lifer in 2021.
Junkyard toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd and were regulars on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.
WHAT IS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the upper layers of the skin.
It often looks like scaly red patches, open sores, elevated growths with a central dip or warts, all of which may crust or bleed.
They can become disfiguring or life-threatening if allowed to grow.
More than one million people are diagnosed with SCC every year in the US. Its UK prevalence is unclear.
SCC is mainly caused by overexposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds.
People are more likely to suffer if they:
- Have fair hair or skin
- Work outdoors
- Are over 50
- Have a personal or family history of the disease
- Have a suppressed immune system, such as chemotherapy or AIDS patients
Although SCC can occur anywhere on the body, it is most common on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face and hands.
SCCs spotted at an early stage and removed promptly are mostly curable and cause minimal damage.
Treatment typically includes surgery to remove the growth, as well as radiotherapy and topical drugs.
People can reduce their risk of developing the disorder by:
- Wearing a high-factor sun cream that is reapplied at least every two hours, or more if swimming
- Covering up with clothing
- Seeking shade between 10am and 4pm
- Not using UV tanning beds
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
