Deacon Blue star James Prime has sadly died aged 64.
Prime, the Scottish band’s keyboardist and co-founder, died after a “short struggle with cancer”, his band has announced. It comes just days after the group revealed their beloved bandmate was “seriously ill” and had gone into intensive care.
The band paid tribute to their “brother” and shared their “great sadness” on Thursday (June 19) in a statement on social media. They wrote: “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.” They added: “With love, Deacon Blue.”
Fans and friends of the band have rushed to pay tribute to James, including Radio Two legend Zoe Ball who wrote: “dear james. sending his family & his Deacon Blue family so much love at this time of great loss. my heart is with you all [heart emoji].”
Singer Beverly Knight commented: “I am so sorry to hear this. Sending my love to you and and the Deacon Blue family. Xxx.” One fan penned: “This is such sad news and I’m so sorry to hear. Thank you James for your brilliance [star emoji]. Sending much love to all who loved him [heart emojis].”
(Image: PA)
Another commented: “So sorry for your loss. I always watched him at gigs. He was the quiet heart of the band on stage. I’ll miss him [heart emoji].” A third added: “Absolutely heartbroken for you all. This is incredibly, incredibly sad. What a talent and an absolute gent of a man. Rest in eternal peace Reverend Doctor James Miller Prime.”
Last week, the band revealed that Prime had been taken to hospital and was “seriously ill” and undergoing care in the ICU. They said their bandmate had given them their blessing to press on with their tour without him.
They said: “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 our love with him.
(Image: @deaconbluemusic/Instagram)
“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. With love, Ricky, Lorraine, Dougie, Gregor, Lewis and Tom.”
Deacon Blue was formed in Glasgow in 1985 by Ricky Ross, Prime Graeme Kelling, vocalist Lorraine McIntosh, bass guitarist Ewen Vernal and drummer Dougie Vipond. The current line-up is Ross, McIntosh, Vipond, gutiarist Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon.
Deacon Blue’s tour comes as the group celebrate their 40th anniversary. They kick off their 15-date tour, The Great Western Road Trip, in September.
It follows the band’s latest album of the same name, which was released back in March. Their first show is at Liverpool Arena on September 19 before finishing in Glasgow on October 11.
Deacon Blue have scored twelve UK top 40 singles, and two number one albums in both the UK and in Scotland. It’s believed the band have sold over seven million records.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
