Deacon Blue keyboard player James Prime dies after short battle with cancer
Deacon Blue keyboardist James "Jim" Prime has died aged 64 after a short battle with cancer.
The Scottish pop-rock band announced the news shortly after Prime, from Kilmarnock, died on Thursday morning.
They wrote on social media: "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."
Founded in 1985, Deacon Blue consist of Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh on vocals, Dougie Vipond on drums, Gregor Philp on guitar, and Lewis Gordon on bass.
The group have released 11 studio albums to date, as well as two live albums, eight compilation albums, and an album that features both studio and compilation elements.
They are best known for their hit single Dignity, which propelled them to success in their early years.
Earlier this month, the band said Prime, who was also a lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, was seriously ill.
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.
"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."
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RTÉ News
5 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Deacon Blue keyboard player James Prime dies after short battle with cancer
Deacon Blue keyboardist James "Jim" Prime has died aged 64 after a short battle with cancer. The Scottish pop-rock band announced the news shortly after Prime, from Kilmarnock, died on Thursday morning. They wrote on social media: "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." Founded in 1985, Deacon Blue consist of Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh on vocals, Dougie Vipond on drums, Gregor Philp on guitar, and Lewis Gordon on bass. The group have released 11 studio albums to date, as well as two live albums, eight compilation albums, and an album that features both studio and compilation elements. They are best known for their hit single Dignity, which propelled them to success in their early years. Earlier this month, the band said Prime, who was also a lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, was seriously ill. 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. "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."
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- 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.
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- 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."
