James Prime, the keyboardist and co-founder of Deacon Blue, has died aged 64.
His death was announced by the band earlier today (June 19), who wrote in a statement that he had “passed away this morning after a short struggle with cancer.”
It comes after Deacon Blue shared last week that Prime was “seriously ill” in intensive care and had given them the go-ahead to continue with their upcoming tour, scheduled for later this year.
“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,” the statement continued. “With love, Deacon Blue”
Tributes for Prime have been pouring in, with bandmate Ricky Ross posting: “We are brokenhearted. Can’t reply to messages, but we passed on the love so many of you shared.”
Zoe Ball also commented on the announcement, writing: “Dear James. sending his family & his Deacon Blue family so much love at this time of great loss. my heart is with you all,” while singer Beverly Knight added: “I am so sorry to hear this. Sending my love to you and and the Deacon Blue family.”
We are broken hearted. Can’t reply to messages but we passed on the love so many of you shared. https://t.co/PEUM5ibOMM
— Ricky Ross (@rickyaross) June 19, 2025
Shocked and Saddened to hear of the passing of James Prime of Deacon Blue after a cancer battle sending condolences to his family and friends RIP James 😢😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/24ZcrxLXfR
— Lee Patriot Hood (@Mofoman360) June 19, 2025
💔 when you don’t know someone but he’s been part of your life since you were a teenager. Rest in peace Reverend James Prime💙 https://t.co/NwdyLG5Q9D
— Sharon Quinn👀 (@ChaosInMyCourt) June 19, 2025
RIP Jim Prime.
Loved his work, especially on this
Deacon Blue – Loaded https://t.co/JJEeVvX7fU via @YouTube
— Craig Hughes 🦡🍄🐍 (@BadgerousII) June 19, 2025
Scottish Radio DJ Ewan Cameron was another to share his condolences, writing: “Such sad news. Sending love to you all and his family.”
A fan on Twitter/X wrote: “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.”
Another added: “Absolutely gutted by this sad news. Deacon Blue are the soundtrack to my life and the best band ever – Jim will be sorely missed.”
Such sad news. Sending love to you all and his family ❤️
— Ewen Cameron (@EwenDCameron) June 19, 2025
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.
— Gordon Rowan🏴🎸🇪🇺🏌️ (@gogsrowan) June 19, 2025
Prime was born in Kilmarnock in 1960, and worked as a university lecturer, alongside being with Deacon Blue since the band’s inception in Glasgow in 1985
They released their debut album ‘Raintown’ in 1987, which reached number 14 in the UK Albums Chart, and they went on to become one of Scotland’s most successful bands.
Over their four-decade career, the band has had 12 UK top 40 singles – including their hit ‘Dignity’ and Number One ‘Real Gone Kid’ – and two UK Number One albums.
Their latest album, ‘The Great Western Road’, was released earlier this year, and the surviving members are due to head on ‘The Great Western Road Trip’ tour in September, with a number of UK tour dates lined up.
The 15 scheduled shows come in celebration of their album of the same name, which was shared in the spring. It marked four decades since they formed, and arrived as the follow-up to their 2021 album ‘Riding On The Tide of Love’.
