Deacon Blue are a Scottish pop rock band formed in Glasgow in 1985. The band consists of vocalist Ricky Ross, guitarist Lorraine McIntosh, drummer Dougie Vipond, keyboardist James Prime and bassist Lewis Gordon. Deacon Blue are best known for their songs “Dignity”, “Real Gone Kid”, “Wages Day”, “Chocolate Girl” and “Fergus Sings the Blues”.
Are Deacon Blue still together with their original line-up?
Deacon Blue have not retained their complete original line-up but have kept the core members intact. The band was formed in 1985 with Ricky Ross on vocals, Lorraine McIntosh on backing vocals, Dougie Vipond on drums, Ewen Vernal on bass, Graeme Kelling on guitar and James Prime on keyboards. Over the years, there have been some changes to the line-up around the mainstays Ross, McIntosh, Vipond and Prime:
- Ewen Vernal left the band in 1991 and was replaced by Ricky Ross’ former schoolmate Norman Blake on bass. Blake remained until 1994.
- Graeme Kelling left the band in 1994. The band continued as a five piece without a replacement guitarist.
- Lewis Gordon joined and has remained on bass guitar since 1994.
So in summary, Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond and James Prime have been part of Deacon Blue since the band’s inception. The band has continued with an altered line-up since Graeme Kelling’s departure in 1994, but the core group has remained intact as they continue to tour and record new music.
What albums have they released?
Deacon Blue have released 8 studio albums, 1 compilation album, 2 live albums and 3 EPs over the course of their career:
Studio Albums
- Raintown (1987)
- When the World Knows Your Name (1989)
- Fellow Hoodlums (1991)
- Whatever You Say, Say Nothing (1993)
- Walking Back Home (1999)
- Homesick (2001)
- The Hipsters (2012)
- City of Love (2016)
Compilation Album
- Our Town: The Greatest Hits (1994)
Live Albums
- BBC Sessions (1998)
- Live at Glasgow Barrowlands (2001)
EPs
- Ooh Las Vegas (1990)
- Love and Regret (1991)
- Bethlehem Begins (1994)
So in total they have released 8 studio albums spanning their entire career from their debut Raintown in 1987 through to 2016’s City of Love.
What are some of their most famous or popular songs?
Here are some of Deacon Blue’s most popular and recognizable songs:
- “Dignity” – Their signature song and only UK #1 hit single, released in 1987.
- “Real Gone Kid” – Top 20 UK hit from 1988.
- “Wages Day” – Another Top 20 hit from their debut album Raintown.
- “Chocolate Girl” – Title track from second album When the World Knows Your Name.
- “Twist and Shout” – Cover version which reached the UK Top 20 in 1990.
- “Your Swaying Arms” – Top 40 hit single from 1991.
- “Fergus Sings the Blues” – Title track from their 1993 album Whatever You Say, Say Nothing.
- “James Joyce Soles” – Fan favourite from Walking Back Home (1999).
- “Love and Regret” – Title track from 1991 EP.
- “I Was Right and You Were Wrong” – Lead single from The Hipsters album.
While “Dignity” remains their biggest hit, songs like “Chocolate Girl”, “Real Gone Kid” and “Fergus Sings the Blues” have also become radio staples over the years.
When did they get back together after their breakup?
Deacon Blue took a break after releasing their compilation album Our Town: The Greatest Hits in 1994. They officially reunited in 1999 to record a new studio album Walking Back Home. This marked a 5 year hiatus between 1994 and 1999 where they did not tour or release any new music as a band. Since reforming in 1999, Deacon Blue have remained active, releasing 5 more studio albums and continuing to tour extensively in the decades since their reunion.
Have they released any new music recently?
Yes, Deacon Blue have released new music in the last few years:
- They released the album The Hipsters in 2012. This was their first new studio album in over a decade.
- In 2014 they put out a 5-track EP called A New House.
- Their most recent studio album is City of Love from 2016.
- In 2018, Deacon Blue released a live album called The Living Years: Live, which featured performances of their earlier hits.
- They also contributed new song “Darling You’re Not The Only One” to the soundtrack of the 2018 film Piercing Brightness.
So in summary, while it has been several years between studio albums, Deacon Blue have remained periodically active in releasing new music and continue to perform live shows of their classic hits as well.
Do the members pursue other projects or solo work?
Yes, the various members of Deacon Blue have had other musical projects and solo work over the years alongside their activities with the band:
- Ricky Ross released two solo albums – What You Are in 1996 and Pale Rider in 2013.
- James Prime has been involved with production work and released his own solo piano albums.
- Dougie Vipond has worked as a radio and TV broadcaster for the BBC.
- Lorraine McIntosh released solo material in the mid-90s and appeared on TV talent shows.
- Graeme Kelling, before leaving the band, released his own solo album Debut in 1993.
- Ewen Vernal has played bass for artists like Richard Thompson and KT Tunstall.
So while they continue to come together for periodic Deacon Blue albums and tours, the members have had opportunities to explore their own musical interests over the three decades plus lifespan of the band.
Where have they toured recently?
Some of the recent and upcoming tour dates for Deacon Blue include:
- UK and Ireland Tour in 2019
- Appearance at Edinburgh Summer Sessions festival in 2021
- UK City of Love 10th Anniversary Tour in 2022
- Scheduled headline show at Isle of Wight Festival in June 2023
- European tour announced for autumn 2023 including dates in Belgium, Germany and Denmark.
So Deacon Blue continue to actively tour, with recent and upcoming dates focused in the UK, Ireland and Europe. They have maintained a steady presence playing festivals and concerts over the last several years since their 2012 comeback album. Their 10th anniversary tour for City of Love demonstrates their commitment to promoting new material as well as playing their back catalogue live.
What have music critics and reviewers said about their recent work?
Deacon Blue’s recent albums have generally received positive reviews from music critics:
- Their 2012 album The Hipsters was praised by outlets like AllMusic and musicOMH – positive reviews cited their strong melodies and Ricky Ross’ songwriting.
- City of Love from 2016 also got favorable reviews – The Arts Desk said it “matches their early work for elegance and emotional pull.”
- Critics have noted that their newer work stays faithful to their signature sound while also reflecting their maturity and growth as artists over their career.
- Reviews praise the blend of jazz and folk influences on the albums and note that Lorraine McIntosh’s vocals beautifully complement Ross.
- Live reviews mention their proficiency in performance and how Ross remains a charismatic frontman over 30 years later.
Overall, reviewers have been impressed by Deacon Blue’s 21st century material and praised how their recent work compares favorably to their early albums, proving their staying power as artists. They are recognized for retaining their musical identity while incorporating modern influences.
Conclusion
In summary, Deacon Blue are still actively recording and touring over 30 years after emerging out of Glasgow’s music scene in the mid-80s. While their line-up has evolved over the decades, frontman Ricky Ross and vocalist Lorraine McIntosh have remained constants through changing eras and musical trends. Their 2012 comeback album The Hipsters was well-received and they continue to garner critical praise for preserving their signature sound on newer releases like 2016’s City of Love. Deacon Blue’s members have pursued solo projects but still regroup periodically for new albums and tours where they perform career-spanning setlists. Their concerts in recent years have visited the UK, Ireland and Europe as they look to promote their new material while revisiting their back catalogue of Glaswegian pop-soul for existing fans. Deacon Blue’s staying power demonstrates how their songs and Ricky Ross’ songwriting have transcended the 80s and 90s to remain relevant into the 21st century.
