Deacon Blue legend James Prime dies age 64 after 'short struggle'

James Prime, a founding member of pop-rock group Deacon Blue, has died age 64 after being rushed to hospital last week.
His bandmates previously revealed he was 'seriously ill' and asked for well wishes but did not reveal any further details at the time.
Deacon Blue has now confirmed that Prime died on Thursday morning, after being diagnosed with cancer.
They wrote on social media: 'We announce with great sadness that our brother, James Prime, passed away this morning after a short struggle with cancer.
'Thank you so much for the messages of support that you shared over the last two weeks, they meant so much to Jim, his family and us.'
Formed in Glasgow in 1985, the Scottish pop rock band's line-up also includes vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, drummer Dougie Vipond, guitarist Gregor Philp and bassist Lewis Gordon.
Before he died, Prime is said to have given his bandmates his 'full blessing' to continue performing and touring without him.
Deacon Blue released The Great Western Road just months ago, adding to their extensive legacy, which includes 12 UK top 40 singles and over seven million copies of their albums sold.
The band's initial statement continued: '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 irreplaceable James Miller Prime for the time being.
'Together with Jim's family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion.'
Prime was born in Kilmarnock and worked as a university lecturer, alongside being with Deacon Blue since its inception in the 1980s.
The band is known for their chart-topping hits such as Dignity, Chocolate Girl and Real Gone Kid. More Trending
They have undergone several line-up changes over the years, with past members including Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.
Deacon Blue's 1987 debut album Raintown reached number 14 in the UK Albums Chart.
Their 1989 follow-up When the World Knows Your Name hit number one, with its lead single Real Gone Kid nominated for British Single of the Year at the Brit Awards, ultimately losing to Perfect by Fairground Attraction.
After a hiatus in 1994, the band reunited in 1999 and have remained active ever since.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Bay City Rollers icon reveals he suffered 'horrific' abuse at hands of predator manager
MORE: Martin Kemp reveals he might not actually be married Shirlie Holliman
MORE: Raye praises 'amazing' Lola Young after technical glitch left her in tears

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Metro

3 hours ago

• Metro

Bruce Springsteen gives his opinion on Stephen Graham's portrayal of his father

Bruce Springsteen has commented on Stephen Graham's portrayal of his late father in the upcoming biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. The film, based on Warren Zanes's acclaimed 2023 book Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska, chronicles the emotionally fraught creation of Springsteen's 1982 album Nebraska. Liverpool-born actor Stephen Graham, known for This Is England and Adolescence, takes on the role of Douglas Frederick 'Dutch' Springsteen, while The Bear star Jeremy Allen White plays a young Bruce at a career and personal crossroads. In a recent interview with The Times, Springsteen, 75, spoke sparingly about the project, which is set for an October theatrical release. But he didn't hold back his admiration for Graham's performance, which he experienced with a deep personal resonance. 'Watching Stephen portray my dad was a little otherworldly, and also quite touching,' he said. The music legend has been closely involved with the film, though he admitted stepping away from certain scenes during production due to their emotional intensity. Earlier this year, Graham revealed how moved he was to receive a text message from Springsteen after a private viewing of the film. In it, Springsteen reportedly wrote: 'Thank you so much. You know, my father passed away a while ago and I felt like I saw him today and thank you for giving me that memory.' The moment was deeply affecting for Graham, 51, who called the message 'beautiful' and referred to Springsteen as 'a working-class hero' and 'an icon to thousands, to millions.' Springsteen has also spoken about his on-set visits, praising Jeremy Allen White for his patience and professionalism during filming. More Trending 'Jeremy was very, very tolerant of me the days that I would appear on the set,' Springsteen told Rolling Stone earlier this month. 'I said to him, 'Look, anytime I'm in the way, just give me the look and I'm on my way home.'' He added with a laugh, 'It was just fun. It was enjoyable.' While Springsteen is keeping further details about the film under wraps for now, he is currently promoting Tracks II: The Lost Albums, a new compilation project set to accompany his decades-spanning discography, which includes 21 studio albums, over 300 songs, and 20 Grammy Awards. As anticipation builds for Deliver Me From Nowhere, it's clear that, for Springsteen, the project has already delivered something priceless. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Every single Glastonbury headliner by year – including last minute drop-outs MORE: I was cabin crew for 26 years — here's how we handle emergencies at 30,000 feet MORE: Stephen Graham 'couldn't stop trajectory of blood' during terrifying health emergency

Daily Record

5 hours ago

• Daily Record

King Charles knew Queen had died after hearing two devastating words

It was a bittersweet moment for Charles as he stepped into the role he'd been waiting for his whole life for. The Royal Family has been through a few twists and turns but it was the end of a long stable chapter for the UK when Queen Elizabeth died in 2022. The monarch served an incredible 70 years on the throne, making her Britain's longest-reigning, and she was one of the most popular public figures across the globe. With the end of an era marked by the Queen's death, it also heralded a new beginning as King Charles stepped into the role he'd been waiting to do his whole life. At the age of 73, Charles became King, a bittersweet move as he was forced to navigate his new position whilst also grieving for his mum, as writes the Mirror. ‌ The Queen was at Balmoral and had been at the Scottish estate for the weeks leading up to her death at the age of 96. On the morning she passed, September 8, 2022, the then Prince Charles was called and told that it would not be long before his mother died. He was joined by his sister Anne, and the pair spent the final few hour's of the monarch's life taking turns to sit beside her, it's revealed in a new documentary. ‌ Channel 5's Birkhall: The King's Secret Sanctuary, sees experts discuss the moment Charles became the new King as they delve into the fact that he was 'summoned to Balmoral" from his own home on the Aberdeenshire estate, Birkhall, which is described as one of his favourite residences. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said in the documentary: 'He was told that it would probably be a few hours before she passed away." Royal expert and journalist Emily Andrews added: "Charles and Anne had been taking it in turns to sit with the Queen and then, I think, as she slipped into a coma, Charles needed a bit of fresh air and some nature. "So he went to the grounds of Birkhall, and it was there that he took the call." ‌ Viewers will discover that ahead of Charles being given the official news of the Queen's death, he already knew thanks to two words that were said to him upon answering the call. Jennie said: "He knew what had happened. "Because he was addressed by the person who rang him, the courtier, as 'Your Majesty' and then he knew, 'Well, my mother has died' and obviously he raced back to Balmoral to be at her side." ‌ It's also claimed in the documentary that members of the family felt relief after their huge loss because the Queen had been able to spend her last days at her beloved Balmoral, where she'd spent some of her happiest times. Emily Andrews added: "I think everybody in the Royal Family, actually, was really glad it happened in Scotland and for Charles as well to be at Birkhall, where it's such a kind of safe space for him, he feels very calm and relaxed, I think was very important'. ‌ After the news circulated within the wider family, Prince William, Edward and Andrew soon travelled to Balmoral, followed a short time later by Prince Harry. Harry has since revealed that he found out about his grandmother's death from a breaking news alert on his phone after his flight to Scotland was delayed. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. ‌ Following the monarch's passing, her coffin was taken to Edinburgh where it laid in rest and Scots were able to say goodbye and pay their respects. The coffin was then flown to RAF Northolt and taken back to London to lie in state at Westminster Hall. Princess Anne accompanied her mother on every leg of the journey, calling it an 'honour and a privilege'. Birkhall: The King's Secret Sanctuary , airs Saturday 21 June at 7.30pm on Channel 5.

Scottish Sun

5 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Tyson Fury drinks with locals in Scots bar and visits historic castle during road trip

The former world heavyweight champion dropped by Carbisdale Castle in the Highlands GYPSY KING ON TOUR Tyson Fury drinks with locals in Scots bar and visits historic castle during road trip Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TYSON Fury has been spotted drinking with locals in a bar and visited a historic castle during his Scottish road trip. The boxing icon, 36, visited north of the border for Netflix's At Home With The Furys. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tyson Fury has been enjoying travelling around Scotland with his family Credit: Tyson Fury/Instagram 5 The former world heavyweight champ visited the Claymore Bar in Grantown-on-Spey Credit: Claymore Bar/Facebook 5 He posed with delighted locals as he downed pints in the Moray boozer Credit: Tyson Fury/Instagram 5 The boxing hero also visited John o' Groats, the northernmost point of mainland Britain Credit: Tyson Fury/Instagram The former world heavyweight champion dropped by Carbisdale Castle in the Highlands. He was shown around the grounds of the 118-year-old country pile and told of the work that had gone into transforming it into a luxury home. But owner Samantha Kane was unable to welcome the Gypsy King as she attending Royal Ascot in Berkshire. She said: "World-famous heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury made an unexpected visit to Carbisdale Castle while I was at Ascot yesterday and was greeted by Sarah and Michael, who showed him around the Castle and what was achieved in bringing Carbisdale to its former glory. 'He was very impressed indeed. Thank you Tyson for your visit.' Earlier this week, Fury was spotted strutting topless around Grantown-on-Spey in Moray wearing a red tartan kilt and matching tie. The 9ft 9ins star got fitted out at a kiltmaker in the small town and chatted with locals. He also enjoyed a drink in the Claymore Bar where he downed Guinness and posed for photos with staff. The ex-boxer has also visited Wick and John O'Groats in the Caithness region. He is visiting with his wife, Paris, children and film crew as he makes the second season of At Home With The Fury's. Boxing icon Tyson Fury spotted posing topless in Scots town as he chats with locals He happily posed for photos with fans, including Cromdale FC manager Stuart Dunbar, who jokingly tried to sign him up. Ms Kane is the only person in Britain to have changed gender three times. Born in Iraq as a man, named Sam Hashimi, she had surgery in 1997 to become Samantha, before a second operation in 2004 when she changed her name to Charles Kane and then a third surgery to become Samantha again in 2018. The barrister and business tycoon spearheaded a Saudi bid to buy Sheffield United Football Club in 2000. She called herself Lady Carbisdale after buying the dilapidated 19-bedroom clifftop castle, near Ardgay, in 2022. Fury retired in January, eight months after suffering the only defeat of his career at the time when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk by split decision. During a rematch last December, the Ukrainian won by unanimous decision. 5 The Gypsy King donned a kilt and matching tartan tie in Grantown-on-Spey Credit: Tyson Fury/Instagram Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page