Co-founder of Toronto rock band Rough Trade, Kevan Staples, passes away
Kevan Staples, one of the co-founders of the influential Toronto rock band Rough Trade, passed away recently, as confirmed by his bandmate Carole Pope and other friends. Specific details about his age and cause of death are not currently known.
Staples played a significant role within Rough Trade, contributing to the songwriting process for many of their iconic tracks. One of their most notable songs, “High School Confidential,” was released in 1980 and created a buzz due to its provocative lyrics. Despite some controversy and calls for edits from radio stations, the song gained popularity and even received a nomination for single of the year at the Juno Awards.
In addition to “High School Confidential,” Staples co-wrote other well-known Rough Trade songs like “All Touch,” “Birds of a Feather,” and “Fashion Victim.” Manager Bernie Finkelstein, who signed the band to his label True North Records, praised the band’s unique style and credited them with inspiring artists like Peaches and Madonna.
Describing Staples as an elegant individual who left a lasting impact on the music scene, Finkelstein highlighted Staples’ talents as a musician and his positive personality. Pope also paid tribute to Staples on Instagram, calling him a “bright light that will burn forever.”
Staples and Pope began their musical journey together in the late 1960s in Toronto’s Yorkville folk scene, blending sexual politics with pop music. Over the years, Rough Trade evolved into a queer art-rock duo with a captivating stage presence that incorporated elements of bondage and burlesque.
Before achieving mainstream success, Rough Trade staged the live musical “Restless Underwear” in 1977, which featured Divine, a prominent U.S. female impersonator known for their role in John Waters’ controversial film “Pink Flamingos.” The band’s theatrical performances and provocative content helped them establish a unique identity within the music scene.
Throughout their career, Rough Trade continued to push boundaries and challenge societal norms, as reflected in their music and on-stage personas. Despite the band’s dissolution in the 1980s, Staples remained active in the music industry, composing music for Canadian documentaries and TV series.
In 2023, Staples and Pope were inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and celebrated their 50th anniversary with a concert at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. They also revealed plans to produce a stage musical inspired by Rough Trade’s songs, focusing on a New York-based narrative centering around a young activist during the AIDS crisis.
Staples’ legacy lives on through his music and contributions to the Canadian music landscape, leaving behind a profound impact that will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.