Rough Trade

Canadian band with main members Carole Pope and Kevan Staples, who had first performed together in a group called "O" in 1968. By 1973 they had evolved into "Rough Trade", and they became a popular live act in Toronto featuring raw sexuality and with Pope often performing in bondage attire. Their 1976 studio album "Rough Trade Live!" was the first album by a rock band recorded 'direct to disc', recorded from the studio directly onto the master disc. Peaking at #12 on the Canadian RPM singles chart, controversy helped propel the single "High School Confidential" with its raunchy lesbian theme. By 1983 their chart success had declined, and the band broke up in 1988.