Deacon Blue keyboard player James Prime dies aged 64

Deacon Blue’s keyboard player James Prime has died from cancer aged 64.

Prime was a founding member of the band when it was formed in Glasgow by singer Ricky Ross in 1985.

In a statement on Instagram, the band said that “our brother, James Prime, passed away after a short struggle with cancer”.

It 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 and us.”

The band announced last week that Prime was “seriously ill” in intensive care and had given them the go-ahead to continue with their scheduled tour later this year.

Deacon Blue are one of Scotland’s most successful bands with 12 UK top 40 singles – including the iconic anthem Dignity and number one Real Gone Kid – and two UK number 1 albums.