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Deacon Blue star James Prime dies, aged 64
19 June 2025, 14:31
James Prime was a founding member of Scottish pop giants Deacon Blue.
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James Prime, the keyboard player in Deacon Blue, has died at the age of 64.
News of Prime's death was announced by his bandmates on social media today (June 19).
"Dear friends, We announce with great sadness that our brother James Prime passed away this morning after a short struggle with cancer," read the post.
"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"
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In a post on his own X/Twitter feed, Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross added: "We are broken hearted. Can't reply to messages but we passed on the love so many of you shared."
Prime was a founding member of Deacon Blue, joining the group as its keyboard player at its inception in 1985.
He had previously worked as a session player for Altered Images when they toured the US in 1980.
Deacon Blue had announced a full UK arena tour earlier this month, and then soon after announced that James would not be able to join them.
"Unfortunately, he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital," they said in a statement just over a week ago.
"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."
Deacon Blue released The Great Western Road in March 2025. It was their 11th studio album and eighth since their 1999 reunion after a five-year split.
