Roche was born in New York City, after which his family moved to Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland.

[1] Eric played many musical genres on solo guitar such as classical, Celtic, Folk, jazz, blues, rock and pop.

Just like Pierre Bensusan and Laurence Juber, Roche was able to play in multiple keys on this tuning without the need for a capo.

Roche died from throat cancer aged 37 and left his wife Candy and his two children, Stefanos and Francesca.

A radio documentary on Roche's life, featuring his brother Bryan, was broadcast on the Irish station RTÉ in February 2009.