Watch: Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross's new version of 'Dignity' for fan who lost coronavirus battle

Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross recorded a special solo version of the band's anthem 'Dignity' for fan Bill Cox. Picture: Michael Gillen.

The singer-songwriter recorded himself singing a solo version of his band's best-known anthem after hearing the news about the passing of Bill Cox.

Ross said his daughter Melissa had been keeping in touch with updates on his father's illness and told him that she had played the song to him before he passed away.

The new version of Dignity, Deacon Blue’s first hit single, which originally appeared on the band’s debut album Raintown in 1987, has been viewed more than 15,000 times since it was posted online last night.

Introducing the tribute to Mr Cox, Ross said: "We lost a real friend tonight.

"We heard the news of the death of Bill Cox, who was someone that we got to know, by stepping out of gigs. Bill would always be there.

"He would be there at Deacon Blue gigs and he would be there at my solo shows. He would always be there. He went to lots and lots of gigs.

"He lost his battle with Covid-19 tonight. We've been hearing updates from his daughter Melissa and we're just all terribly sad.

“She told me that before Bill died she played him this song very, very loudly. I want to play it for Bill, very quietly. This is for Bill Cox."

Posting the tribute on Twitter, Ross added: "A lovely man called Bill Cox regularly met us after gigs. He never asked for requests or favours, he just loved the music. We will miss you so much, Bill. This is for you."

Dougie Vipond, Deacon Blue’s drummer, posted: “A lovely, gentle man...rest in peace Bill.”

Posting Ross’s tribute on Twitter, Melissa Cox said: "For my dad who lost his fight today. @rickyaross This means the world to us and it will for dad as well."

Tom O’Rourke, the band’s manager, said: “So sorry to hear this Melissa, I know it won’t compare to your loss but he really will be missed by all the Deacon Blue family. Best wishes to you.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Frank O'Donnell

Editorial Director