I’m sure many of you, like me, were very sad to hear the news of the death of James Miller Prime – Deacon Blue keyboardist and co-founder – who died on 19 June 2025 from cancer aged 64. In a statement the band said

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.

The sad news comes after Prime, who was also a music lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, was in intensive care receiving treatment. Just last week, the band posted: “Unfortunately, he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital. We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.” The band also said that Prime had given them the go-ahead to continue with their scheduled ‘Great Western Road’ tour later this year.

Born on 3 November 1960, in Kilmarnock, Scotland, Prime’s early life was marked by a love of classical piano and jazz. Before joining Deacon Blue, Prime gained experience as a session musician with Altered Images, which gave him his first taste of life in the music industry.

This background and exceptional artistry elevated Deacon Blue into one of the UK’s most beloved bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s – and it continues to this day.

Primes keyboard artistry provided the emotional backbone of the band’s biggest songs, creating unforgettable melodies that touched millions. None more so than this classic!

It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of Deacon Blue since Raintown was released in 87. The first CD I ever bought. I’ve seen DB numerous times, firstly in Liverpool in 1988 and most recently at the Royal Albert Hall in late 2023 – before moving to Cyprus.

I was especially pleased to have Ricky Ross play twice as a solo artist when I was Rector in Billericay, Essex. You can find more about these gigs if you search this website.

Prime played on songs that were, and still are, the sound track to my life. Which bring back memories of joys and sorrows. It feels as though I’ve lost a friend!

There’s no doubt his musical legacy, and his decency as a human being, will live on for many years to come through his family, his band, his fans and his students.

‘Goodnight Jamsie’ – we’ll miss you.

You were a good man Jamsie, Everyone loves you. Now you’re gone. And the seagulls over where you lie sing your final song.