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News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Musician James Prime Of Deacon Blue Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer
Last Updated: Deacon Blue's James Prime, founding member and keyboardist, has died at 64 after a short battle with cancer. Deacon Blue's James Prime has died following a 'short struggle with cancer". After being rushed to hospital last week and departing the group's upcoming tour, the founding member and keyboardist for the Scottish pop-rock group has passed away on Thursday morning (19.06.25), at the age of 64. A social media statement from the band read: '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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deacon Blue (@deaconbluemusic) James was described as being in a 'serious" condition last week. A message from the group on X read: '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." Deacon Blue – also comprising Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp, Lewis Gordon and Tom Gordon -insisted they were given their bandmate's 'full blessing" to hit the road without him. It 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." James, who was born in Kilmarnock and also worked as a university lecturer, had been 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. The band has 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. First Published:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ricky Ross leads tributes to Deacon Blue star after death
Ricky Ross has shared a heartbreaking tribute following the death of a beloved Deacon Blue member. James Prime tragically passed away on Thursday, June 19, the Scottish pop-rock group announced. In a post on X, the rockers revealed that the 64-year-old, from East Ayrshire, died after a short struggle with cancer. It comes after the group revealed earlier this month that the keyboard player was 'seriously ill and undergoing care' in hospital. READ MORE: Beloved member of Glasgow's Deacon Blue sadly dies Deacon Blue (Image: Supplied) Following the announcement, Deacon Blue's lead singer, Ricky Ross, has paid a touching tribute to his bandmate. He said: "We are brokenhearted. "Can't reply to messages, but we passed on the love so many of you shared." We are broken hearted. Can't reply to messages but we passed on the love so many of you shared. — Ricky Ross (@rickyaross) June 19, 2025 Fellow musician, Ged Grimes, from rock band Simple Minds, also paid tribute to the Deacon Blue legend. He said: "I am so shocked to hear the news of my friend Jim's passing. "Not only was Jim a superb musician, but his wit and huge personality were legendary. "We had so many great times together when I was a member of Deacon Blue, and my heart goes out to Jim's family and all my pals in the band. "Love ya, Jim RIP." Meanwhile, loads of fans have paid tribute to the talented musician on social media following his death. One wrote: "Such a huge loss and so terribly sad. "Thoughts with Jim's family and the wider Deacon Blue family." A second added: "Oh, so terribly sad. So many wonderful records and gigs. Blessed to have seen him only a couple of months ago." Another said: "So sad to hear this news. Such a talented musician and just the loveliest guy too. We'll all miss him." A fourth said: "I am absolutely gutted to read this. I was praying for a recovery where we would see Jim on the keyboard again." READ MORE: Watch as Glasgow band wows fans with incredible cover of Beyonce song READ MORE: Singer of Glasgow band shares adorable pic of wife in touching post Deacon Blue are a well-known Scottish pop-rock band that formed in Glasgow in 1985. Prime helped form the group 40 years ago, alongside Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Ewen Vernal, and the late Graeme Kelling. James remained part of the band up until his death on Thursday, June 19, with Ricky, Lorraine, Dougie, Gregor Philp, and Lewis Gordon. The rockers are known for their tunes, including Real Gone Kid, Dignity, Fergus Sings The Blues, Chocolate Girl, and Twist and Shout.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Who was Deacon Blue keyboardist and 'Killie boy' James Prime?
Prime, who died today at 64, co-founded Deacon Blue in 1985 with Ricky Ross, Lorraine MacInosh, Ewen Vernal and Dougie Vipond. The band rose up the UK charts in the 1980s, with top hits including 'Real Gone Kid' (no.8), 'I'll Never Fall in Love Again' (no.2), and 'Twist and Shout' (no.10). Deacon Blue, which broke up in 1994 before returning to the stage a decade later, also has two UK number one albums. Ayrshire-born James Prime. (Image: X) In an interview with Aussie music podcast The Keyboard Chronicles last year, Prime talked about his upbringing and musical inspiration. He said: 'I come from like a long line of piano players in my house, three sisters, and so they all played the flute and the guitar and the piano. But I had something else that was going on. 'My mum told me that I started playing piano when I was 4. So it was before even preschool, you know, or kindergarten. 'Off the back of Altered Images, I was working at a little theatre, getting a chance to work with techies and lighting guys. I made my money playing in the theatre and I loved that. 'It was like an old fashioned piano player playing with film, you know. And I think that the theatre experience really taught me how to put shows together and what the audience expects.' Read more: Deacon Blue announce death of founder member Jim Prime after short cancer battle Deacon Blue announce new album and huge Scottish shows for 2025 Deacon Blue among Scottish artists playing charity Gig for Gaza in Glasgow in May Prime went on to explain how he briefly left the music industry after 'getting the fear' and went to work at a computer centre for Clydesdale. It was then when his life began to change. He told The Keyboard Chronicles: 'This local DJ said we have this guy Ricky Ross and, so in between doing a lot of little gigs and things like that, I met up with Ricky and we just hit it off. 'We played some pretty horrible places. But there was just something about being in a band and that camaraderie that kind of develops you, warts and all. 'I guess that's why I learned most was to trust other people that the world's full of good people rather than bad people, which I had experience of.' 'My modus operandi is that it doesn't matter whether it's a 20,000 capacity stadium, the next day you're in a supermarket or you're taking your dog for a walk. That's real. "The Hydro isn't real. It's just a show. That's what you do, but your life is turned upside down.' Prime and some of the other members of Deacon Blue. (Image: PA) Prime's legacy extends beyond his association with Deacon Blue, as the keyboardist became a longtime music lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). He spoke about his time teaching at UWS, quipping: 'You can imagine a class with me doesn't come from any book. 'I try as much as I can now to tell people about the power that their music has for other people, not just writing songs in bedrooms and being on the stage. 'I do a lot of work with Alzheimer's Scotland, and I've done stuff with special needs and I try to encourage kids to get out there and talk to all people and help them with their memory.' The full interview with The Keyboard Chronicles can be found here
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Deacon Blue band member dies, aged 64, after short battle with cancer
Deacon Blue star James Prime has died aged 64, his bandmates have revealed. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Deacon Blue member James 'Jim' Prime has died, aged 64, following a short battle with cancer. The keyboard player formed the band in 1985 alongside Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Ewen Vernal and Graeme Kelling. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was reported last week that Prime was seriously ill in hospital. In a statement released on Thurday (June 19), the band said: 'Dear friends, 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 & us. With love, DBx'. Kilmarnock-born Prime's lush, melodic keyboard work became a signature element of the band's sound, contributing to their success throughout the late 1980s and 1990s on tracks such as Dignity, Real Gone Kid and Fergus Sings the Blues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In addition to his work with Deacon Blue, Prime was also involved in music education, having taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Deacon Blue previously said that their scheduled UK tour dates, which includes two nights at the OVO Hydro in October, will be going ahead after Prime gave his 'blessing'. Deacon Blue star James Prime has died aged 64. | Deacon Blue They wrote on social media on June 11: 'We wanted 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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.' Tributes have been paid to Prime following the news of his death. Ged Grimes, the Simple Minds bass player, said: 'I am so shocked to hear the news of my friend Jim's passing Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Not only was Jim a superb musician but his wit and huge personality were legendary. 'We had so many great times together when I was a member of Deacon Blue and my heart goes out to Jim's family and all my pals in the band. Love ya, Jim. RIP." Former River City actor Tom Urie commented: 'Such sad news. Jim was an incredible musician and a huge influence. 'I got to work with him once – for a week. He did a project with Horse and I at the Concert Hall. I was in awe of him. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One fan said: 'This one hurts. The piano solo in Dignity is one of the great classics of all time and lifts my heart whenever I hear it. Jim, you will be sorely missed but your music will last for a very long time.'
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Deacon Blue legend dies following 'short struggle with cancer'
Deacon Blue's James Prime has sadly passed away at the age of 64 after a "short struggle with cancer". The founding member and keyboard maestro of the band died after a short fight with the illness. This comes in the wake of his hospital admission last week, which led to him bowing out of the group's imminent tour. The band conveyed their sorrow on social media, stating: "We announce with great sadness that our brother, James Prime, passed away this morning after a short struggle with cancer." The band have expressed their heartfelt thanks for the flood of well-wishes from fans, saying: "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." Just a week ago, a report on James' condition described it as "serious". On X, the band communicated: "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." With James' blessing, Deacon Blue – also comprising Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp, Lewis Gordon, and Tom Gordon – have confirmed they will forge ahead with their planned tour, reports the Express. Their message included: "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." The band, alongside James' relatives, has paid tribute to the healthcare professionals looking after him, sharing their appreciation with the words: "Together with Jim's family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion." James has been an integral part of Deacon Blue since it first graced the music scene in the 1980s, contributing to smash hits like Dignity, Chocolate Girl, and Real Gone Kid. Deacon Blue's lineup has evolved over time, with former members such as Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes, and Chris Henderson moving in and out of the band. Following a hiatus in 1994, the members of Deacon Blue reunited in 1999 and have continued to create music together up to the present day.
