On Sept 19th Deacon Blue release a limited tour edition of The Great Western Road. The album will include 5 bonus tracks, an expanded booklet with alternative artwork and new liner notes written by Ricky Ross. This was to be the last album that, founder member, James Prime was to record, followed by his sudden passing in June this year. The band have dedicated this release to him, Ricky Ross: “None of us knows what tomorrow will bring but we celebrate that we got to do it together one last, glorious time.” 2025 marks 40 years since Ricky Ross met Dougie Vipond and they started to form Deacon Blue, the songs on ‘The Great Western Road’ reflect the journey the band has taken and remain honest to the age and experience they all share. The joyous lead single ‘Late ’88’ fondly remembers the care-free excitement of those early days. ‘The Great Western Road’ was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, Ricky Ross and (Deacon Blue guitarist and long term collaborator) Gregor Philp return to production duties, having last produced the bands’ Top 5 charting and their last full length album, 2020’s ‘City Of Love’. This album was recorded by Matt Butler, who first worked with the band on their debut, ‘Raintown’.