Kevan Staples, co-founder of the iconic 1970s alternative rock band Rough Trade from Toronto, passed away on Sunday at the age of 74. His death was confirmed through a social media post by fellow co-founder Carole Pope, who expressed, “He was a bright light that will burn forever,” on Instagram. The specific cause of his passing has not been disclosed,

Staples was instrumental in writing some of the band’s most popular songs, including “High School Confidential,” “Birds of a Feather,” and “All Touch.” In 1983, Rough Trade had the honor of opening for David Bowie during his Serious Moonlight tour. The band was known for their provocative themes, addressing topics such as lesbianism and bondage in tracks like “Lie Back, Let Me Do Everything” and “Dyke by Default.” Reflecting on their impact, Staples remarked to CBC years later, “We had a strong gay following, we had a strong arts community following. There was an audience for what we were doing, and that was apparent.”