James Prime, a founding member of pop-rock group Deacon Blue, has died age 64 after being rushed to hospital last week.
His bandmates previously revealed he was ‘seriously ill’ and asked for well wishes but did not reveal any further details at the time.
Deacon Blue has now confirmed that Prime died on Thursday morning, after being diagnosed with cancer.
They wrote on social media: ‘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.’
Formed in Glasgow in 1985, the Scottish pop rock band’s line-up also includes vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, drummer Dougie Vipond, guitarist Gregor Philp and bassist Lewis Gordon.
Before he died, Prime is said to have given his bandmates his ‘full blessing’ to continue performing and touring without him.
Deacon Blue released The Great Western Road just months ago, adding to their extensive legacy, which includes 12 UK top 40 singles and over seven million copies of their albums sold.
The band’s initial statement continued: ‘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.
‘Together with Jim’s family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion.’
Prime was born in Kilmarnock and worked as a university lecturer, alongside being with Deacon Blue since its inception in the 1980s.
The band is known for their chart-topping hits such as Dignity, Chocolate Girl and Real Gone Kid.
They have undergone several line-up changes over the years, with past members including Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.
Deacon Blue’s 1987 debut album Raintown reached number 14 in the UK Albums Chart.
Their 1989 follow-up When the World Knows Your Name hit number one, with its lead single Real Gone Kid nominated for British Single of the Year at the Brit Awards, ultimately losing to Perfect by Fairground Attraction.
After a hiatus in 1994, the band reunited in 1999 and have remained active ever since.
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