How Deacon Blue singer melted the heart of a grieving fan
● Solo tribute recorded by Ross on piano at home
Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross has recorded an emotional new version of the band’s song Dignity in tribute to a fan who has lost his battle with Covid-19.
The singer-songwriter recorded himself singing a solo version of his band’s bestknown anthem shortly 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, was recorded at home by Ross sitting at his piano.
It has been viewed more than 19,000 times since it was posted online on Monday night.
Introducing the tribute to Mr Cox, from Gravesend, in Kent, 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.”
The new version of Diginity sparked a huge response from fans after it went online. Alan Ewens said: “It means that every time I hear this I will now think of Bill Cox, a man I never had the good fortune to meet. That’s a tribute... Rest easy sir.”
Jo Variava said: “This song reminds me of my childhood and to hear it this way with everything that’s going on is so poignant. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Ross had posted a message on Twitter last week after hearing of Cox’s illness.
He said at the time. “If anyone can pass this message on I’d be grateful. I heard Bill Cox is unwell with #COVID19.
“Bill comes to so many of our gigs and my solo shows. I want him to know I am saying prayers for him today.”
Often cited as one of Scotland’s greatest ever pop songs, Dignity only became a hit for Deacon Blue when a new version was recorded and released in 1988.
Written on holiday in Greece by Ross as a tribute to the efforts of the road-sweepers he would see outside his flat in Glasgow, the song was played by the band at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.”
“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”
RICKY ROSS