Doves are set to return to the stage for the first time since 2019 with three intimate shows in late November. These performances, coming after the release of their single “Renegade” from their upcoming album, Constellations For The Lonely, will be missing the presence of longtime vocalist Jimi Goodwin, who is taking time for health recovery.
The band’s mini-tour will begin at the Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent on November 27, followed by shows in Birkenhead at the Future Yard, and Hebden Bridge’s The Trades Club.
These venues undoubtedly show a turn towards intimate shows. Their 2021 tour would have seen them play at venues such as Brixton’s O2 academy with a capacity of nearly 5000. Instead, the group will be playing to crowds of closer to 400, which the band have described as “going back to our roots”.
After a hiatus during the 2010s, Doves reunited in 2019, leading to a full return to the studio and the release of The Universal Want in 2020. Plans for a 2021 tour were cancelled to prioritise Goodwin’s mental health.
While Constellations For The Lonely includes Goodwin’s contributions, the singer will not join the tour due to ongoing health and well-being concerns. Bandmates Andy and Jez Williams will cover vocal duties in his absence, which they’ve alternated with Goodwin throughout Doves’ career. The band issued a statement, saying, “Jimi’s health came first, but with his blessing, we’re able to play the songs from ‘The Universal Want’, ‘Constellations For The Lonely’ and others on stage.”
Doves’ 6th album ‘Constellations For The Lonely’ will be released in February on @eminorthrecords.
Listen to the first single, ‘Renegade’, and pre-order now.https://t.co/kqvL9HmfJg pic.twitter.com/4ubVtJvaqJ— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) November 4, 2024
Goodwin, alongside twins Andy and Jez Williams, is one of the three founding members of Doves. Starting out as Sub Sub in 1989, the trio played dance music in and around the North West, and were even set to play the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester until the show was cancelled.
Goodwin himself expressed his support for the band’s decision to tour without him, noting that his recovery process isn’t compatible with a heavy tour schedule. “All my love and respect to Andy, Jez, Rebelski, and the new boys for taking it to you, our people. Please give them all your support and enjoy the shows!” he shared in a statement.
Just to be clear me (Jez) will be singing the songs (along with Andy on some of the songs) with Jimi very much in spirit ….I hope this is cool and you understand /are accepting as Jimi is still not out of the woods he’s doing really great but more time is needed
— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) November 8, 2024
Doves’ new album Constellations For The Lonely, due out February 14, 2025, follows their 2020 UK No. 1 album The Universal Want. The album was recorded across locations in Greater Manchester, North Wales, and Cheshire, with long-time collaborator Dan Austin contributing additional production.
With three exclusive dates set in intimate venues, Doves’ return to live performance promises a unique experience for fans. Despite Goodwin’s absence, the band aims to deliver a show to remember, celebrating both new music and fan-favourites from The Universal Want and beyond.
