Deacon Blue co founder James 'Jim' Prime is "seriously ill" in hospital ahead of the band's upcoming tour, according to reports.
The band shared an update regarding the keyboardist's health on social media, where his bandmates Ricky Ross, Dougie Vipond, Lorrain McIntosh, Lewis Gordon and Gregor Philip explained that Prime was in hospital. However, it remains unclear why Prime has been hospitalised at the time of writing.
“Dear friends, we wanted to share some news with you about our brother, Jim,” the statement began. “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.”
Elsewhere, the band shared how these health concerns come ahead of their upcoming tour, where they revealed that their shows will take place as planned, with Prime set to miss out.
“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,” they wrote.
“Together with Jim’s family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion", they added.
Deacon Blue are to kick off their tour, 'The Great Western Road Trip' in September with a series of shows across the UK, which will also see them perform live across October. Find out more here.
