Iconic Glasgow band share heartbreaking news just months before Hydro shows
An iconic Glasgow band has shared heartbreaking news with fans, revealing that one of their founding members is "seriously ill" just months before their scheduled hometown shows.
Deacon Blue announced on social media that keyboardist Jim Prime has been hospitalised after falling unwell.
The 64-year-old musician helped form the band in 1985 alongside Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Ewen Vernal, and the late Graeme Kelling.
READ MORE: Ricky Ross shared adorable picture of wife in touching post
Details about Prime's condition have not been released, but the band confirmed he has given them his blessing to continue with their scheduled tour, which concludes with two nights at Glasgow's OVO Hydro this October.
In a heartfelt statement, the band wrote: "Dear friends,
"We want to share some news with you about our brother Jim.
"Unfortunately, he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital. We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.
"We spoke to Jim yesterday about Deacon Blue's plans for the rest of the year, and he encouraged us to continue with love in our hearts and with his full blessing that the shows go ahead even if it means replacing the irreplacable Jame Miller Prime for the time being.
"Together with Jim's family, we want to thank all nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and comapssion.
"With love, Ricky, Lorraine, Dougie, Gregor, Lewis and Tom."
Fans flooded the comment section following the sad update sharing their well wishes for Jim.
One fan wrote: "Wishing Jim a speedy recovery and you all safe travels on your musical journeys."
Another commented: "Oh Jim! Guys, I'm praying for him and for you all during this horribly uncertain time. Jim = legend."
A third added: "Sending prayers and healing wishes to you, Jim.
"Stay positive and do as the medical staff tells you! We look forward to seeing you tinkling the ivories when you're ready."
The Glasgow-based band will perform two major shows at the OVO Hydro on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11, 2025, as part of their Deacon Blue: The Great Western Road Trip tour.
Tickets are available now, ranging from £45 to £75.
READ MORE:
Last year, the Glasgow Times reported that the band's latest album will pay tribute to the city's iconic Great Western Road.
Founding members Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh discussed the project during an appearance on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.
Ricky, 66, said: "We are in the middle of making a record. We will be bringing it out on March 21, 2025 (and it) is called The Great Western Road.
"Great Western Road leads from the city centre through the West End of Glasgow, which is a really cool and trendy part - and I always thought that for a certain time we owned that. It was the place we wanted to be and we seemed part of it for about two months in 1987.
"The band would meet at a bar called Chimmy Chungas, and it was the gang headquarters of Deacon Blue - that's what Great Western Road was for me."
At the time, the duo also shared that Deacon Blue will perform a mix of intimate theatre shows and larger arena dates across the UK.
When Zoe Ball asked about the difference between theatres and big venues, Lorraine joked: 'Yes, they are terrifying.'
Tickets for the Glasgow shows will go on general sale at 10am on November 29, 2024.
To book tickets, visit: www.gigsinscotland.com
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