The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Kevan Staples

**Posted by Chrisphen** March 30, 2025 12:05 am

Founding member of Rough Trade has passed away. It seems the Corpse was they only media outlet to note.

**Posted by RadioActive** March 30, 2025 6:18 am

I've actually seen this in a number of places, but forgot to post it. Kevan was also the cousin of former CFTR Entertainment reporter Elaine Loring. My condolences to her and her family.

**Posted by Shorty Wave** March 30, 2025 8:11 am

Kevan’s mom was Ray Staples, AKA The Hat Lady, who appeared on shows such as Cityline with Marilyn Denis. If you worked at Citytv back in the 90s you would probably remember her, colourful character! R.I.P. Mr.Staples, you left a huge mark on Canadian music.

**Posted by mic'em** March 30, 2025 10:09 am

Sad news. He and Carole Pope were hugely innovative in Canadian alternative music. RIP. I had an original direct to disc album. I gave it to a friend a few years ago who was a huge Rough Trade fan. I hope he listens to it today.

**Posted by SpinningWheel** March 30, 2025 10:57 am

Chrisphen wrote:
Founding member of Rough Trade has passed away. It seems the Corpse was they only media outlet to note.

I was very sad to hear about his death. My first Rough Trade show was at The Edge in 1978 with Martin Short opening with a stand up routine. My last was Sept. 2023 at The Phoenix, a show celebrating 50 years and their Walk of Fame induction. They were as great as ever. RIP Kevan.

There's a nice piece on him here by Canadian Press.

Now, if only I could find their live Direct to Disc album to play. Long lost I'm afraid.

Last edited by SpinningWheel (March 30, 2025 11:41 am)

**Posted by paterson1** March 30, 2025 3:35 pm

Kevan co-wrote a couple of Rough Trades hits, Highschool Confidential and the always catchy All Touch.

**Posted by Chrisphen** March 30, 2025 3:43 pm

SpinningWheel wrote:
Now, if only I could find their live Direct to Disc album to play. Long lost I'm afraid.

Bin-divers will be working overtime at the local record shows this weekend. Hope they don't put their backs out.

**Posted by Jody Thornton** March 30, 2025 4:15 pm

I loved Fashion Victim and All Touch the most

**Posted by Dicky Doo** March 30, 2025 4:33 pm

Chrisphen wrote:
It seems the Corpse was they only media outlet to note.

"the only media" -- Globe 'n Mail (Brad Wheler) ran a full-page obituary (not just a death notice) yesterday

D.D.