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Junkyard Drummer david Roach Dies After Cancer Battle
David Roach, the drummer for the influential hardcore punk band Junkyard, passed away peacefully at his home in Mobile, alabama, last night following a battle with squamous cell carcinoma. He was 63 years old. The news was confirmed by Junkyard via an Instagram statement.
Roach’s passing comes just two weeks after he married his fiancรฉe, Jennifer, in a private ceremony attended by his bandmates. Junkyard, formed in 1983 in Mobile, Alabama, was a key player in the Southern hardcore punk scene, known for their energetic live shows and raw sound. The band released several EPs and albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including their self-titled debut in 1988 and Night Life in 1990, both on Touch and Go Records.
According to a GoFundMe campaign launched to support his medical expenses, Roach was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma affecting his neck, throat, and head. The campaign, initiated in February 2024, detailed the aggressive nature of the cancer and the financial strain of treatment.
The band’s statement, released by members Brian Baker, Chris Gates, Patrick Muzingo, Tim Mosher, Jimmy James, and Todd Muscat, described Roach as “a gifted artist, performer, songwriter, and singer – but above all, a devoted father, husband, and brother.”
Junkyard’s music, characterized by its blend of punk, metal, and Southern rock influences, garnered a dedicated following and influenced numerous bands in the hardcore scene. The band briefly disbanded in the early 1990s but reunited for occasional performances in the years since, continuing to perform locally in the Mobile area.Roach remained a central figure in the local music community.
Roach is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his children. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free