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News18
19-06-2025
- 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
19-06-2025
- 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.
Irish Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- 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.
Metro
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
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 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: 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
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
James Prime dead: Deacon Blue star dies aged 64
DEACON Blue star James Prime has died at the age of 64. The keyboard player and co-founder of the legendary rock band was recently rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill. 5 James Prime has died at the age of 64 Credit: Getty 5 Deacon Blue announced James' death on social media 5 Deacon Blue were formed in 1985 and have huge hits including Dignity The musician passed away following a "short struggle" with cancer. Deacon Blue announced James' death on social media this afternoon. The post 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. With love, Deacon Blue." The band were formed in 1985 and comprises Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, James Prime, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon. They are famed for a string of hits including Dignity, Chocolate Girl and Loaded. Deacon Blue are set to go on tour later this year for their Great Western Road Trip. The UK-wide tour kicks off in Liverpool on September 19. Most read in Music Deacon Blue will play Wembley Arena for the first time since 1990, and finish with two hometown shows at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Friday 10 and Saturday, October 11. Keyboardist James had previously given the group his blessing for them to continue without him while he was ill. The band stated at the time: "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." Outside of the band, he was also a lecturer in Commercial Music at the University of the West of Scotland. Tributes have since flooded in from musicians and fans following the devastating news of his death. Simple Minds bass player Ged Grimes 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." 5 Deacon Blue are set to go on tour later this year Credit: PA:Press Association 5 James Prime was also a lecturer in Commercial Music at the University of the West of Scotland Credit: Garry F McHarg FOCAL Scotland Former River City star Tom Urie wrote: "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. "He had a dry sense of humour that was right up my street, and his piano work with Deacon Blue basically soundtracked the late 80s and beyond. "Listen to the soaring piano bridge on Dignity - takes your breath away. Love to all who knew and loved him." A fan added: "So sorry to read this but also thank you for the wonderful times recording and playing live with Deacon Blue. Read more on the Irish Sun "Your contribution to music will live on." Another commented: "Devastated to hear this, not only a great musician but also a great lecturer that shared so much of his music knowledge with so many students."
