Deacon Blue keyboardist and co-founder James Prime has died aged 64 following a short battle with cancer, the Scottish pop band announced this morning.
The musician passed away after spending the past fortnight seriously ill in hospital, with the band confirming his death through a statement on social media.
"Dear friends, We announce with great sadness that our brother James Prime passed away this morning after a short struggle with cancer," the band wrote.
They added: "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." (sic)
Deacon Blue co-founder James Prime has died
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The band had revealed Prime's serious condition just last week, confirming he would not participate in their forthcoming tour due to his cancer diagnosis.
In their earlier statement, band members Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon disclosed that Prime was "seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital".
They shared details of a conversation with the keyboardist, writing: "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."
Prime helped establish Deacon Blue in 1985 alongside Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Ewen Vernal and Graeme Kelling.
The band did not disclose specific details about his cancer diagnosis.
Despite the loss of their founding member, Deacon Blue are still scheduled to perform their UK and Ireland arena tour later this year, beginning in Liverpool on September 19.
The tour will proceed with Prime's blessing, though the band acknowledged the difficulty of replacing someone they described as "irreplaceable".
Reacting to the sad news on Instagram, fans of the band quickly shared their tributes and messages of condolence.
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Deacon Blue co-founder James Prime (second from right) with the rest of the band
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"Absolutely heartbroken for you all," one follower penned. "This is incredibly, incredibly sad. What a talent and an absolute gent of a man. Rest in eternal peace Reverend Doctor James Miller Prime."
A second echoed: "Sending love to all of you and the Prime family! So many memories, what a talented human being he was! The sounds he created will be remembered and enjoyed for an eternity."
Another also paid tribute, writing: "So sad to hear this news. Thinking of you all and sending love to his family x."
"This is such sad news and I’m so sorry to hear," a fourth concurred. "Thank you James for your brilliance. Sending much love to all who loved him."
Meanwhile, BBC Radio DJ Zoe Ball also reflected on the loss. "Dear james. Sending his family & his Deacon Blue family so much love at this time of great loss. my heart is with you all," she wrote. (sic)
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