Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue: Grandchildren Enjoy Having Rock Star Grandparents
Ricky Ross, the lead singer of Deacon Blue, vividly remembers the pivotal moment in his life that altered his trajectory forever. It was October 3, 1988, the day their single “Real Gone Kid” was released. Prior to this, the band had achieved modest success with their song “Dignity” and their debut album, “Raintown.” However, “Real Gone Kid” resonated with a broader audience, catapulting them into the spotlight in a way they had never imagined.
Their newfound fame led to appearances on iconic music programs like “Top of the Pops,” and their subsequent album, “When the World Knows Your Name,” soared to the top of the UK charts. Deacon Blue, with Ross at the helm and his future wife Lorraine McIntosh in tow, became a household name. Reflecting on that whirlwind period, Ross referred to a new piece, “Late ’88,” that encapsulates that era, stirring up memories and nostalgia.
For Ross, the transition into mainstream success was not without its challenges. The sudden adulation and recognition were overwhelming to navigate, even though it was a dream come true for the former schoolteacher turned musician. The band’s historical “Top of the Pops” performance, a relic now viewable on YouTube from the days when artists mimed their songs, showcases Ross and his bandmates savoring every moment of their newfound fame.
In the era prior to the internet’s ubiquity, with limited television channels available, programs like the BBC’s “Top of the Pops” held immense importance for music enthusiasts. Ross reminisced about this influence during his recent attendance at a theater production of John Carney’s “Sing Street,” which featured songs co-authored by his friend Gary Clark, the former lead singer of the Scottish group Danny Wilson.
As Deacon Blue prepares to grace the stage once more in Dublin, Ross is reminded of the journey that has brought them to this point. The flashbacks to the band’s humble beginnings in the late 1980s serve as testament to their enduring musical legacy and the profound impact they have had on audiences worldwide. Despite the passage of time, their music continues to resonate with listeners, both new and seasoned, solidifying their status as enduring icons in the music industry.