Deacon Blue is a Scottish pop rock band formed in Glasgow in 1985. The band consists of vocalist Ricky Ross and a changing lineup of musicians over the years. Original members included guitarist Graeme Kelling, drummer Dougie Vipond, bassist Ewen Vernal, and keyboardist James Prime. Deacon Blue has achieved commercial success in both the UK and internationally, with hit singles like “Real Gone Kid” and “Dignity”. They have released 8 studio albums to date. Let’s take a closer look at the key members and lineup changes throughout Deacon Blue’s career.
Original Lineup (1985-1994)
The original lineup of Deacon Blue formed in 1985 consisted of:
- Ricky Ross – Vocals
- Graeme Kelling – Guitar
- Dougie Vipond – Drums
- Ewen Vernal – Bass
- James Prime – Keyboards
This was the lineup that recorded and released the band’s first three studio albums:
- Raintown (1987)
- When the World Knows Your Name (1989)
- Fellow Hoodlums (1991)
Some key hits from this period include “Dignity”, “Chocolate Girl”, “Real Gone Kid”, and “Wages Day”. The band achieved significant commercial success during these years, including several top 20 singles in the UK charts.
This lineup began to dissolve in 1993. Guitarist Graeme Kelling left Deacon Blue that year to pursue other projects. The band continued on as a four-piece to record their fourth album Whatever You Say, Say Nothing in 1993. Not long after, the remaining band members announced they would disband after a final tour in 1994.
Reunion (1999-Present)
After a 5 year hiatus, Ricky Ross revived Deacon Blue in 1999 with a new lineup. Ross and drummer Dougie Vipond were the only remaining original members. The reconstituted lineup included:
- Ricky Ross – Vocals
- Dougie Vipond – Drums
- Lorraine McIntosh – Vocals
- James Prime – Keyboards
- Ricky Wilson – Bass
- Paul Savage – Guitar
Keyboardist James Prime rejoined after the breakup. Savage and Wilson were new additions on guitar and bass. Backup vocalist Lorraine McIntosh also began contributing lead vocals on some songs.
This lineup released the album Walking Back Home in 1999. They have since put out 5 more studio albums:
- Homesick (2001)
- Singles (2006)
- The Hipsters (2012)
- A New House (2014)
- City of Love (2016)
Deacon Blue continues to tour and record new music with minor shifts in the lineup over the past two decades. Some notable changes:
- Bassist Ricky Wilson left in 2002.
- Guitarist Gregor Philp joined in 2001 and left in 2018.
- New bassist Lewis Gordon joined in 2011.
The current lineup of the reunited Deacon Blue since 1999 consists of:
- Ricky Ross – vocals
- Lorraine McIntosh – vocals
- Dougie Vipond – drums
- Jim Prime – keyboard
- Lewis Gordon – bass
While not constantly active, Deacon Blue continues to record and perform over 25 years after first getting back together. They maintain a loyal following despite periods of inactivity in-between album releases.
Band Members Summary
To summarize, here is an overview of the key members of Deacon Blue over the band’s career:
Member | Role | Time Period |
---|---|---|
Ricky Ross | Vocals | 1985 – 1994, 1999 – Present |
Dougie Vipond | Drums | 1985 – 1994, 1999 – Present |
Graeme Kelling | Guitar | 1985 – 1993 |
Ewen Vernal | Bass | 1985 – 1994 |
James Prime | Keyboards | 1985 – 1994, 1999 – Present |
Lorraine McIntosh | Vocals | 1999 – Present |
Ricky Wilson | Bass | 1999 – 2002 |
Paul Savage | Guitar | 1999 – 2018 |
Gregor Philp | Guitar | 2001 – 2018 |
Lewis Gordon | Bass | 2011 – Present |
This covers the key lineup of band members and instrumentalists who have been part of Deacon Blue from their formation to now. As shown, Ricky Ross and Dougie Vipond are constants who bookended the original and reunited lineups. Several musicians have come and gone over the decades, but Ross remains the anchor and creative force behind the band’s sound.
Chart Success and Hits
Over their career, Deacon Blue has achieved 19 top 40 singles in the UK charts. Their most commercially successful period was with their earlier albums featuring the original lineup. Some of their biggest hits include:
- “Dignity” – Reached #8 UK in 1987
- “Chocolate Girl” – Reached #19 UK in 1987
- “Real Gone Kid” – Reached #8 UK in 1988
- “Wages Day” – Reached #12 UK in 1988
- “Fergus Sings the Blues” – Reached #20 UK in 1990
Deacon Blue’s album Raintown reached #14 on the UK album charts and achieved platinum certification. When the World Knows Your Name reached UK #1 and also went platinum.
After reuniting in 1999, Deacon Blue had more minor hits like “Your Town” and “The Hipsters”, but did not replicate their earlier commercial success. They remain a staple of soft rock and pop radio in the UK however.
Tours and Performances
At their peak in the late 80s and early 90s, Deacon Blue embarked on several major tours:
- Raintown Tour – 1987-1988. Supported debut album. Played over 130 shows in UK and Europe.
- When The World Knows Your Name Tour – 1990. Played 46 shows in UK, Europe, North America.
- Whatever You Say, Say Nothing Tour – 1993-1994. Their final tour before breakup. More than 60 dates across UK and Ireland.
After reuniting, Deacon Blue have remained active on the touring circuit performing at theatres and festivals. Some recent significant tours include:
- To Be Here Someday Tour – 2012-2013. Over 30 dates in the UK following album release.
- 30th Anniversary Tour – 2017. Celebrated 30 years together as a band with 18 shows in the UK.
- Cities of Love Tour – 2019. Played 17 dates across UK and Ireland.
Deacon Blue have played major venues like London’s Royal Albert Hall along with smaller clubs and theatres. While not touring as heavily as during their 80s/90s peak, they continue to deliver live performances for loyal fans.
Musical Style and Songwriting
Deacon Blue’s musical style features elements of soft rock, pop, and folk rock. Their sound is defined by Ricky Ross’ songwriting and heartfelt lyrics. Some hallmarks of their style include:
- Melodic pop song structures and hooks
- Ross’ emotive lead vocals
- Keyboard and piano melodies
- Soulful rhythm section grooves
- Lyrical themes of everyday life and relationships
Ross is the primary songwriter, known for lyrical storytelling and portraying working class characters. His socialist political views and faith have influenced his writing. Lorraine McIntosh has contributed more lead vocals and songwriting during the reunited years.
While the lineup has changed, Deacon Blue’s core sound centers on Ross’ songwriting and vocals paired with keys, guitars, bass, and drums. This gives them an anthemic pop rock sound balancing mainstream appeal with meaningful lyrical content.
Legacy and Influence
At their commercial peak in the late 80s and early 90s, Deacon Blue were major stars in the UK music scene. They influenced other bands with their arena-ready anthemic pop songwriting. While not as prominent today, they helped define adult contemporary pop rock with depth and substance.
Key elements of Deacon Blue’s legacy include:
- A string of hit singles still remembered and beloved today
- Gold and platinum selling albums with broad mainstream appeal
- Sold out tours and concerts during their early years
- Ricky Ross’ thoughtful songwriting and storytelling
- Enduring fan loyalty across decades and lineup changes
Deacon Blue paved the way for intelligent pop rock that connects emotionally with listeners. Their best work stands the test of time even if not still dominating the charts today. The band remains active recording and touring for a smaller but still passionate fanbase.
Conclusion
Deacon Blue is a Scottish pop rock band whose lineup and longevity revolve around lead singer Ricky Ross. Formed in 1985, their original lineup recorded hit albums before disbanding in 1994. Ross revived the band in 1999 with new members and they continue recording and performing today.
While their lineup has changed over the decades, Deacon Blue’s foundation is Ross’ heartfelt songwriting and vocals. Their earlier work achieved huge commercial success. Today they have a smaller but dedicated following, still making new music and touring. Deacon Blue’s poetic pop songcraft remains their enduring legacy.