INTERVIEW: Deacon Blue talk new music and tour -

Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi

Deacon Blue, one of the iconic Scottish pop bands of the 1980’s and beyond, are making their way back to Australia in late January and February 2026 as part of tour that spans 6 nights across the nation in support of their brand-new album The Great Western Road. The bands singers and songwriters Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh talked to Live Wire about their upcoming tour, their brilliant new album, and the band’s celebrated track ‘Dignity’ that was recently voted Scotland’s greatest song.

Formed in Glasgow in 1985, Deacon Blue are one of the most successful acts to come out of Scotland in the past 40 years and have been an ever-present force in the British music scene. Having last toured Australia in 2023, Deacon Blue are excited to return with new music and celebrate 40 years together.

However, this celebration is also tinged with sadness at the passing of Jim Prime, Deacon Blue’s keyboard player, songwriter and founding member, who died from cancer in June 2025. Emotions are still obviously raw, for the band and fans.

Deacon Blue’s current line-up of Ricky Ross (lead vocals, piano), Lorraine McIntosh (backing and lead vocals, percussion), Dougie Vipond (drums, percussion), Gregor Philp (guitar), Lewis Gordon (bass) and Brian McAlpine (keyboards, piano) will tour Australia in January and February 2026.

Fans heading along to see the band can expect a set packed with classic Deacon Blue songs: there new album is wonderful with songs like ‘Late ’88’, ‘Mid Century Modern’, ‘Turn On Your Radio!’, ‘Up Hope’, ‘Easter Monday’ and of course the title track ‘The Great Western Road’ and plenty of deep cut surprises, along with classic songs such as ‘Dignity’, ‘Real Gone Kid’, ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again’ and ‘Fergus Sings The Blues’ are sure to get a sure to get a shufti.

https://youtu.be/HwYQEVJU5wI

Deacon Blue’s Tour Dates for 2026 are: