Kevan Staples, the co-founder of the rock band Rough Trade, has died. He was 74.
Staples’ bandmate Carole Pope confirmed his death in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Yesterday my beautiful friend and #roughtrade co-creator @kevanstaples passed away,” Pope shared the news to her thousands of followers.
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“He was a bright light that will burn forever.”
Staples died on Sunday. His cause of death was not confirmed.
The post was inundated with condolences from stars and fans.
Elton John’s husband David Furnish told Pope he was “so deeply sorry” over the news.
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“Kevan was a brilliant musician. What you both created with Rough Trade was groundbreaking. Sending love and condolences ❤️🙏,” he wrote.
Canadian television personality and fashion editor Jeanne Beker wrote: “You two were the heart and soul of such an extraordinary and exquisite era!!”
“May Kevin’s memory be a blessing to us all.”
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Staples was best known for co-founding Rough Trade with his friend Pope in 1974.
He sang and played multiple instruments for the group, including guitar and keyboard.
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Their breakout hit came in 1980 with High School Confidential – a charting track that featured on their record Avoid Freud.
Staples was a co-writer on the risque song.
A few years later, the group toured with none other than David Bowie.
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Along with his Rough Trade bandmates, Staples opened for Bowie’s Canadian shows on his Serious Moonlight tour in 1983.
The group disbanded in 1986, but reunited decades later for shows in 2001.
In 2023, they were inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
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“We are saddened by the passing of Kevan Staples, co-creator of the iconic band, 2023 Inductee, Rough Trade alongside Carole Pope,” the official Walk of Fame account paid tribute to Staples on X (formerly Twitter).
”Our deepest condolences to Kevan’s family, Carole, friends, and all who were moved by his creativity and artistry.”
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