James Prime, the longtime keyboardist and co-founding member of Scottish pop-rock band Deacon Blue, has died at the age of 64 following a brief battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed by the band on Thursday in an emotional statement shared on Instagram.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate, James Prime, after a short struggle with cancer,” the band wrote. “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 had publicly shared that Prime was “seriously ill” and being cared for in intensive care. Despite his condition, Prime had expressed a strong wish for the band to continue with their scheduled tour later this year—a testament to his enduring passion for music and commitment to the group.
James Prime co-founded Deacon Blue in 1985 alongside frontman Ricky Ross. Together, they built one of Scotland’s most successful musical acts, earning widespread acclaim throughout the UK and beyond. The band rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, producing a string of hit singles and albums that defined a generation of Scottish pop-rock.
Over their career, Deacon Blue achieved 12 UK Top 40 singles, including hits like “Real Gone Kid,” “Dignity,” and “Fergus Sings the Blues.” They also secured two UK Number 1 albums, solidifying their place in British music history.
The current lineup of the band includes Ricky Ross (vocals and guitar), Lorraine McIntosh (vocals), Dougie Vipond (drums), Gregor Philp (guitar), and Lewis Gordon (bass). James Prime’s distinctive keyboard work was a foundational element of the band’s sound, providing melodic depth and emotional resonance to their music.
Beyond his career with Deacon Blue, Prime also shared his musical expertise in academia. He served as a music lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, where he inspired and mentored students pursuing careers in the music industry.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, remembering Prime not only for his immense talent but also for his generosity, humility, and dedication to both his band and students.
As Deacon Blue prepares to move forward with their tour later this year, they do so carrying the legacy of a cherished colleague whose contributions helped shape the heart and soul of their music.