Junkyard (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Los Angeles, United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, singles |
| Website | www |
Junkyard is a heavy metal group from the United States, established in 1987 in Los Angeles. Its members previously played in bands such as Minor Threat, Big Boys, Decry, and Dag Nasty. The band was often likened to Guns N' Roses, another act that, like Junkyard, secured a deal with Geffen Records.
Formation
The initial roster featured guitarist and songwriter Max Gottlieb alongside drummer Johnny Hell; skateboarder Tony Alva had a brief association with the band. Eventually, the lineup solidified with lead vocalist David Roach, guitarist Chris Gates, bassist Clay Anthony, and drummer Patrick Muzingo. Shortly before recording their debut album, Brian Baker (guitarist and former member of Dag Nasty and Minor Threat) joined the group. Although Southern rock influenced their sound, Baker deliberately distanced himself from its stereotypical imagery.
In January 1988, Junkyard signed with Geffen Records, releasing their eponymous debut album in 1989 under the production of Tom Werman. This record fused Southern rock, boogie-woogie rhythms, and elements reminiscent of AC/DC, featuring singles such as "Hollywood" and "Simple Man," supported by various session musicians. Their sophomore album, Sixes, Sevens & Nines (1991), produced by Ed Stasium, included guest performances from Steve Earle. Prior to this release, bassist Anthony departed due to substance abuse problems and was succeeded by Todd Muscat, sibling of Faster Pussycat guitarist Brent Muscat. Following the recording of a third album that remained unreleased, Geffen dropped the band in 1992, leading to their dissolution shortly thereafter. The shelved album was eventually issued under the titles XXX and The Joker.
Activities after disbandment and reunion
Post-breakup, David Roach established Borracho with musicians from Promise and Dogs D'Amour, while Chris Gates launched the band 99 lbs. Patrick Muzingo formed Catfish before moving on to Battery Club. Brian Baker, already an experienced punk musician prior to Junkyard, joined Bad Religion.
In 2000, a live album titled Shut Up – We're Trying to Practice! was released, prompting a reunion featuring Baker, Roach, Muzingo, Muscat, and newcomer Tim Mosher on guitar and vocals. This lineup toured Japan alongside Dogs D'Amour guitarist Jo Dog and recorded the 2003 mini-album Tried and True, which combined both classic tracks and new compositions.
Since reuniting in 2000, Junkyard has completed two European tours, co-headlined Spain’s Serie Z festival with prominent acts including The Hellacopters, The Quireboys, and Reverend Horton Heat, and played select shows across U.S. cities such as Austin, Tulsa, and Los Angeles.
In 2008, they issued Put It on Ten and Pull the Knobs Off!, an album compiling unreleased demos from 1987 that originally helped them secure their contract with Geffen.
On July 10, 2015, Junkyard unveiled two new songs—"Faded" b/w "The River"—through Unison Music Group, followed by CD and vinyl single releases. Their first full-length studio album in nearly twenty years, High Water, was released on April 21, 2017 via Acetate Records.
On November 22, 2019, they released Old Habits Die Hard, a studio recording made in 1992. Later, on September 10, 2021, the band put out the single "Lifer" b/w "Last of a Dying Breed."
Lead vocalist David Roach died from cancer on August 1, 2025, at age 59.
Side projects
Individual members continue to pursue personal musical endeavors: Gates heads his own band, "Chris Gates and Gatesville," based in Austin, featuring collaborations with guitarist Tony Redman, bassist Scott Womack, and drummer Paul Soliz. Meanwhile, Baker remains active with Bad Religion, and Mosher leads The Light Brigade.
Current
- Patrick Muzingo – drums (1987–1992, 2000–present)
- Todd Muscat – bass (1991–1992, 2000–present)
- Tim Mosher – guitar (2000–present)
- Jimmy James – guitar (2017–present)
Former
- David Roach – lead vocals (1987–1992, 2000–2025; deceased)
- Max Gottlieb – lead guitar (1987)
- Clay Anthony – bass (1987–1991)
- Johnny Hell – drums (1987)
- Chris Gates – guitar (1987–2009)
- Brian Baker – lead guitar (1989–1992, 2006–2017)
Albums
| Year | Album | US Billboard 200 | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Junkyard | 105 | Geffen |
| 1991 | Sixes, Sevens & Nines | - | Geffen |
| 1998 | Joker | - | Self-released |
| 1998 | XXX | - | Self-released |
| 2017 | High Water | - | Acetate Records |
Other releases
- 2000: Shut Up – We're Trying to Practice! (live recording)
- 2003: Tried and True (EP)
- 2008: Put It on Ten and Pull the Knobs Off! (collection of unreleased tracks)
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US Main Rock | UK | ||
| 1989 | "Blooze" | - | - | - |
| 1989 | "Hollywood" | - | - | - |
| 1989 | "Simple Man" | - | 47 | - |
| 1991 | "All the Time in the World" | - | 24 | - |
| 1991 | "Misery Loves Company" | - | - | - |
| 1991 | "Slippin' Away" | - | - | - |
| 1991 | "Nowhere to Go But Down" | - | - | - |
| 2015 | "Faded" | - | - | - |
External links
- Official website
- AllMusic profile
- Discogs artist page
- Junkyard at SleazeRoxx.com
- Articles with short description
- Glam metal musical groups from California
- Hard rock musical groups from California
- Musical groups from Los Angeles
- 1987 establishments in California
- Musical groups established in 1987
- Musical groups disestablished in 1992
- Musical groups reestablished in 2000
- Geffen Records artists