Deacon Blue aren't altogether my bag, but this is sad news. Especially as James Prime is the second member of the band to die from the Big C (original guitarist Graeme Kelling who was in the band during their hitmaking period, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2004).

Did he fall, or was he pushed?

James Prime, just 64…founder member and keyboard player of Deacon Blue.

I’ve read that Al and David briefly played together in the early band, but Al was gone before their first recordings and then brought back as David’s replacement. Marks has been in and out of the BBs as a special guest since Carl died, joined the 50th anniversary tour, then was in and out of Brian Wilson’s band (which always included Al). I think Marks is managing a chronic illness such as hepatitis, which affects his stamina.


BTW the musicians bio says all of this band have played with Brian or the BBs at various points since the 1980s, so there is some authenticity here. As a bonus, I don’t have to give money to Mike Love or Bruce Johnston (whose politics do not align with mine).

That's an odd pairing, isn't it? How many other people have toured with their replacement in a band?

Jules

That I did not know.

Jules

Sad news re: Richard

From Gate to Southwell Festival. We are writing to share some unfortunate news regarding Richard Thompson, Friday's headliner.  He has had a serious fall, resulting in three broken ribs. On doctor's orders, he is unable to perform and must take time to recover. We send Richard our heartfelt best wishes for a swift and full recovery.
We know this will be a huge disappointment to many of you – and we can assure you that we share that disappointment. We were incredibly excited to welcome him to our stage. Richard himself sends you a message: "I’m very sorry not to be able to perform at GTSF this year — I was truly looking forward to it. Thank you for your understanding, and I hope very much to make it to the festival in 2026 instead”

The Manfreds....Paul Jones and Mike D'Abo

I'm still not sure that I understand the Linda Ronstadt phenomenon. Great voice but largely meat and potatoes cover versions of mostly very well known hits by other people. Just why was she so huge in the US?