2 days ago
Eighties rock star seriously ill in hospital as he quits band's tour
AN EIGHTIES rockstar has quit his band's tour after being left seriously unwell in hospital.
The keyboard player for an iconic Scottish pop-rock group has now pleaded with music fans to "share your love" during his time of need.
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James Prime, 64, juggles his time in Chocolate Girl band Deacon Blue with lecturing at a university.
Yet now both of the Dignity hitmaker's careers are under threat due to an undisclosed illness.
The band posted an update on the Kilmarnock-born musician's "serious" condition on X.
A typed out message of black text onto a white background read: "Dear friends.
"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."
It added: "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 show's 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.
"With love Ricky, Lorraine, Dougie, Gregor, Lewis and Tom."
Huge 90s band Deacon Blue look very different as they reunite for UK tour 29 years after they first split
The band will next take to the stage in Aberdeen.
They will then pick the tour back up in September, with shows in Liverpool, Brighton, Birmingham and Leeds to name a few.
The lengthy run of gigs wraps on October 11 in Glasgow.
Fans on social media were quick to react to the medical blow and one put: "Sending love and best wishes xxxx."
Deacon Blue - top hits
DEACON Blue have delighted fans with their hits since the Eighties - here we take a look at some of their success
Ricky Ross, James Prime, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon currently make up the Deacon Blue roster.
Past members include Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.
Their first album Raintown achieved moderate success upon its 1987 release, peaking at number 14 in the UK.
Their back catalogue has included a whopping 16 top 40 hits including I'll Never Fall In Love Again and Real Gone Kid.
Other top tunes include Chocolate Girl and Dignity.
Despite going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have been making music ever since.
A second put: "Thinking of you all, but especially Jim. Love and solidarity. xx" as a third wrote: "Gutted to hear this... praying Jim pulls through. One of my keys hero's and such a huge talent. Thoughts are with the band and Jim's family."
One then added: "Get well soon Jim. You'll be missed."
BAND COMEBACK
Recently, the band looked completely different before they headed out on tour.
Ricky Ross, James, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon currently make up the roster.
Past members include Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.
Their first album Raintown achieved moderate success upon its 1987 release, peaking at number 14 in the UK.
But their second record, When The World Knows Your Name, shot straight to number one.
Its lead single Real Gone Kid was even nominated for a Brit Award in the British Single of the Year category.
But Deacon Blue were beaten by the soft rock band Fairground Attraction, with their track Perfect.
Despite going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have kept making music ever since.
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