Rock legend lost: The man who rocked with Bowie and shaped the '80s — remembering Kevan Staples
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The music world is mourning the loss of a visionary.
Kevan Staples, co-founder of the groundbreaking Canadian alt-rock band Rough Trade, has died at the age of 74.
With a career defined by fearless creativity and cultural impact, Staples helped shape the sound and spirit of the 1970s and '80s—from the heart of Toronto’s club scene to the world stage.
The news was shared by his longtime friend and bandmate, Carole Pope, who posted a tribute on Instagram calling Staples “a bright light that will burn forever.”
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the outpouring of emotion makes it clear: Staples' influence runs deep.
Together, Pope and Staples formed one of the most provocative and avant-garde acts of their time.
Rough Trade challenged mainstream norms with its bold lyrics, unapologetic themes, and theatrical flair.
Their breakout came with their self-released live album, Rough Trade Live!, eventually leading to a string of studio albums through True North Records in the 1980s.
Staples co-wrote many of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “High School Confidential,” “All Touch,” and “Birds of a Feather.” The band wasn’t just ahead of the curve—they were rewriting it.
Their songs openly explored themes of sexuality, power, and identity, at a time when mainstream music largely steered clear.
Tracks like “Lie Back, Let Me Do Everything” and “Dyke by Default” became cultural lightning rods, embraced by fans who saw themselves reflected in Rough Trade’s radical honesty.
“We had a strong gay following, we had a strong arts community following,” Staples told CBC in a later interview. “There was an audience for what we were doing, and that was apparent.”
One of the biggest moments in Rough Trade’s career came in 1983, when they were handpicked to open for David Bowie during the Canadian leg of his Serious Moonlight tour.
It was a career-defining moment—performing for massive crowds while sharing the stage with a rock icon.
It solidified their status as pioneers of a genre that didn’t yet have a name but had plenty of attitude.
By 1986, the band decided to part ways, worn down by being labeled as a novelty act.
“Besides writing about sexuality, we were also writing about politics, and people didn’t pick up as much on that here,” Pope said in a 1994 interview.
Staples never stopped creating.
After Rough Trade disbanded, he shifted into film and television scoring—his credits including the 1978 Canadian film One Night Stand.
His artistry extended far beyond the stage, reaching new audiences in subtle, cinematic ways.
In 2001, Rough Trade reunited for a handful of shows, reminding audiences just how timeless their music—and message—really was.
Then in 2023, a long-overdue honor arrived: Staples was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, alongside Pope, with a tribute that recognized their music for “challenging conventions and leaving a lasting impact on Canada’s cultural landscape.”
Kevan Staples was more than a co-founder of a band—he was a fearless voice in music, a trailblazer who turned taboo into art, and a storyteller whose melodies made people think, dance, and feel seen.
To our readers at The GrayVine, many of whom remember Rough Trade’s heyday firsthand, we want to hear your stories: Did you ever see the band live? Did their music challenge your perspective—or give you strength? Join the conversation in the comments and help us celebrate a life well-lived, and a legacy that will keep playing for generations.
Kevan Staples, co-founder of the groundbreaking Canadian alt-rock band Rough Trade, has died at the age of 74.
With a career defined by fearless creativity and cultural impact, Staples helped shape the sound and spirit of the 1970s and '80s—from the heart of Toronto’s club scene to the world stage.
The news was shared by his longtime friend and bandmate, Carole Pope, who posted a tribute on Instagram calling Staples “a bright light that will burn forever.”
While the cause of death was not disclosed, the outpouring of emotion makes it clear: Staples' influence runs deep.
Together, Pope and Staples formed one of the most provocative and avant-garde acts of their time.
Rough Trade challenged mainstream norms with its bold lyrics, unapologetic themes, and theatrical flair.
Their breakout came with their self-released live album, Rough Trade Live!, eventually leading to a string of studio albums through True North Records in the 1980s.
Kevan Staples, co-founder of the Canadian alt-rock band Rough Trade, passed away at the age of 74. Image source: @RockHistoryMusic / YouTube
Staples co-wrote many of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “High School Confidential,” “All Touch,” and “Birds of a Feather.” The band wasn’t just ahead of the curve—they were rewriting it.
Their songs openly explored themes of sexuality, power, and identity, at a time when mainstream music largely steered clear.
Tracks like “Lie Back, Let Me Do Everything” and “Dyke by Default” became cultural lightning rods, embraced by fans who saw themselves reflected in Rough Trade’s radical honesty.
“We had a strong gay following, we had a strong arts community following,” Staples told CBC in a later interview. “There was an audience for what we were doing, and that was apparent.”
One of the biggest moments in Rough Trade’s career came in 1983, when they were handpicked to open for David Bowie during the Canadian leg of his Serious Moonlight tour.
It was a career-defining moment—performing for massive crowds while sharing the stage with a rock icon.
It solidified their status as pioneers of a genre that didn’t yet have a name but had plenty of attitude.
By 1986, the band decided to part ways, worn down by being labeled as a novelty act.
“Besides writing about sexuality, we were also writing about politics, and people didn’t pick up as much on that here,” Pope said in a 1994 interview.
Staples never stopped creating.
After Rough Trade disbanded, he shifted into film and television scoring—his credits including the 1978 Canadian film One Night Stand.
His artistry extended far beyond the stage, reaching new audiences in subtle, cinematic ways.
In 2001, Rough Trade reunited for a handful of shows, reminding audiences just how timeless their music—and message—really was.
Then in 2023, a long-overdue honor arrived: Staples was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame, alongside Pope, with a tribute that recognized their music for “challenging conventions and leaving a lasting impact on Canada’s cultural landscape.”
Kevan Staples was more than a co-founder of a band—he was a fearless voice in music, a trailblazer who turned taboo into art, and a storyteller whose melodies made people think, dance, and feel seen.
