Deacon Blue are a Scottish pop rock band formed in Glasgow in 1985. The band consists of vocalist Ricky Ross, guitarist Lorraine McIntosh, keyboard player James Prime, drummer Dougie Vipond, and bassist Lewis Gordon. Deacon Blue achieved huge success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Real Gone Kid”, “Dignity” and “Chocolate Girl”. After going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have released several new albums since then. So yes, Deacon Blue are still together and recording new music over 30 years since they first formed.
Band History
Deacon Blue came together in 1985 when Ricky Ross, a school teacher originally from Dundee, teamed up with bassist Ewen Vernal, guitarist Graeme Kelling, keyboard player James Prime and drummer Dougie Vipond in Glasgow. The band’s name was taken from a Steely Dan song. They signed to CBS Records and released their debut album Raintown in 1987 which reached #14 in the UK charts. The emotive piano ballad “Dignity” was their first hit single, reaching #31 on the UK singles chart.
Their second album When the World Knows Your Name was released in 1989 and gave them their first UK top 10 album. It included the hit singles “Real Gone Kid” (#8 UK) and “Wages Day” (#12 UK). Deacon Blue had now made their breakthrough into the mainstream. The album also featured Lorraine McIntosh who would become a permanent member on vocals and keyboards from 1990.
The band’s commercial peak came with their third album Fellow Hoodlums released in 1991 which reached #1 in the UK charts. It contained their best known hits “Dignity” (#31 UK), “Chocolate Girl” (#20 UK) and “Twist and Shout” (#4 UK). Deacon Blue also achieved success across Europe around this time.
Hiatus and Reformation
After their fourth album Whatever You Say, Say Nothing in 1993, Deacon Blue decided to take a break. Their compilation album Our Town: The Greatest Hits was released in 1994 before the band went on hiatus.
However, Ricky Ross continued to record and release solo material during the 1990s. In 1999, the band reconvened and began performing live shows again. This led to a new album called Walking Back Home released in 1999 which reached the UK top 5. Although not achieving the same commercial success as during the late 80s and early 90s, Deacon Blue have continued to record and tour regularly since reforming.
They have released six further studio albums including Homesick (2001), The Hipsters (2012), A New House (2014), Believers (2016), City of Love (2019) and Riding on the Tide of Love (2021). The band’s line-up has remained relatively stable over the years since reforming. Their loyal fanbase, elegant pop rock sound and Ricky Ross’ storytelling songwriting have enabled Deacon Blue to enjoy a long career.
Deacon Blue Members
Member | Instrument | Time in Band |
---|---|---|
Ricky Ross | Vocals, Guitar | 1985 – present |
Lorraine McIntosh | Vocals, Keyboards | 1990 – present |
James Prime | Keyboards | 1985 – present |
Dougie Vipond | Drums | 1985 – present |
Lewis Gordon | Bass | 2016 – present |
Ricky Ross and James Prime have been constants in the band since forming in 1985. Drummer Dougie Vipond is also an original member. Vocalist Lorraine McIntosh joined in 1990. Ewen Vernal was the original bassist until 2016 when Lewis Gordon took over. Previous members also include early bassist Graeme Kelling who sadly passed away in 2004.
Recent Activities
Deacon Blue released their 12th studio album Riding on the Tide of Love in September 2021. It was their first album of new material in over 7 years. The album reached #10 on the UK charts, demonstrating that they can still achieve strong sales despite being around for over 35 years.
The band played a UK tour in late 2021 to promote the new album. Further live shows are scheduled throughout 2022 including festival performances. Deacon Blue also plan to tour North America for the first time in over 20 years in summer 2022.
On the recording front, 2022 marks the 35th anniversary of the band’s formation. They are likely to release a new compilation or boxset to celebrate this milestone and remind people of their extensive back catalogue.
Future Plans
In recent interviews, Ricky Ross has suggested that Deacon Blue will continue to record and perform live for as long as they still enjoy it. After over three decades together, the fire still burns strong in the band and the core members remain passionate about writing, recording and playing new material.
Ross has hinted that the band may look to write and record a musical in the future. Deacon Blue are also keen to get back to Latin America and other territories they haven’t visited in decades. So while the days of huge global chart success may have passed, Deacon Blue still have plenty of plans and intend to keep going well into the 2020s and beyond. They remain a beloved act, especially in their native Scotland.
Conclusion
In summary, Scottish pop rockers Deacon Blue are still very much active over 35 years since first getting together in Glasgow. The band never officially broke up, even during their hiatus in the 1990s. Since reforming in 1999, Deacon Blue have continued to record new music and regularly tour the UK & Europe.
While no longer achieving the commercial success they enjoyed in the late 80s and early 90s, Deacon Blue’s loyal fanbase has enabled them to maintain a strong presence in the industry. Key members Ricky Ross and James Prime remain from the original line-up and provide continuity. With a new album out in 2021 and no signs of slowing down, Deacon Blue clearly still have plenty left to give. Their elegant pop rock sound and Ricky Ross’ storytelling lyrics mean this Scottish band retain an enduring appeal after more than three decades.