Deacon Blue's musician James Prime dies at 64
James Prime was a founding member alongside singer Ricky Ross when the band formed in 1985
June 20, 2025
Deacon Blue's keyboard player James Prime passed away on Thursday from cancer. He was 64.
His death was announced by the Scottish pop-rock band in a statement on Instagram, addressing his "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."
Just last week, the band announced that Prime was "seriously ill" and receiving intensive care. They added that the musician had urged the group to continue with their scheduled tour later this year.
James co-founded Deacon Blue in 1985 alongside singer Ricky Ross. The band went on to become one of Scotland's most successful bands with 12 UK top 40 singles and two UK number 1 albums.
The other members are Lorraine McIntosh on vocals, Dougie Vipond on drums, Gregor Philp on guitar, and Lewis Gordon on bass.
James was also a music lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland.
