James Prime, Deacon Blue co-founder, dies aged 64 after battling cancer; pop band mourns loss

James Prime, Scottish pop band Deacon Blue's co-founder and keyboard player, has passed away aged 64 after battling cancer. He was the founding member of the band when it was formed in Glasgow by singer Ricky Ross in 1985. The musician breathed his last after spending the past fortnight seriously ill in hospital, GBN News reported. His death was confirmed through a statement by Deacon Blue on social media.

In a statement on Instagram, the pop band expressed grief over Prime’s demise and said, "Our brother, James Prime, passed away 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," it further stated.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Deacon Blue (@deaconbluemusic)

The band had earlier revealed that Prime was "seriously ill" in intensive care. They also said that he had given the band the go-ahead to continue with their scheduled tour later this year.

Considered as one of the most successful bands of Scotland, Deacon Blue has given 12 UK top 40 singles. The list includes the iconic anthem Dignity and number one Real Gone Kid – and two UK number 1 albums.

Deacon Blue's upcoming tour: The Great Western Road Trip

Deacon Blue comprises vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, James, drummer Dougie Vipond, guitarist Gregor Philp and bassist Lewis Gordon. Deacon Blue are set to head off on their tour, The Great Western Road Trip, in September 2025.

They are set to play Liverpool Arena on September 19, 2025, and later they will round off the 15-date run in Glasgow on October 11, 2025.

Following the conclusion of the tour, the band will gear up for their latest album of the same name, which was released back in March, 2025, alongside a small run of theatre dates. It marks 40 years of the formation of the band and follows their 2021 album, Riding on the Tide of Love.