Doves announce first hometown gig for 15 years in Manchester on UK tour

Doves have announced a massive homecoming show – their first Manchester gig in 15 years – on their upcoming tour, but without frontman Jimi Goodwin.

The Manchester-founded band are heading out on a full UK tour in support of their sixth studio album Constellations for the Lonely.

Doves will be heading to Aviva Studios for a huge show, along with dates in Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and London, to name a few.

The new tour dates are in addition to the already sold-out intimate dates in Stoke, Birkenhead and Hebden Bridge.

Lead singer Jimi Goodwin will sit out the live tour to focus on his health – the band had previously cancelled their 2021 tour to protect his wellbeing.

He has said that his current circumstances are ‘not compatible with a mad, city-to-city schedule’.

Instead, Andy and Jez Williams will alternate on vocals and are promising a ‘one-of-a-kind experience’.

In a heartwarming statement about their Doves bandmate, they said: “This tour is incredibly special as Jimi is stepping back from live to focus on his well being.

“Mental health has always been central to Doves, and we fully support him in his decision.”

Doves announced their new album Constellations For The Lonely last week, shortly before confirming their UK tour and Manchester homecoming gig.

The band have recorded tracks, including recent Goodwin-fronted single Renegade, through a patchwork of in-person and remote recording sessions.

Doves UK tour dates in full

• Tue 25 Feb – Glasgow, SWG3
• Wed 26 Feb – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
• Thu 27 Feb – Newcastle, Boiler Shop
• Sat 1 Mar – Leeds, Beckett SU
• Sun 2 Mar – Sheffield, Leadmill
• Tue 4 Mar – Liverpool, O2 Academy
• Fri 7 Mar – Manchester, Aviva Studios, home of Factory International
• Sun 8 Mar – Birmingham, O2 Institute
• Mon 10 Mar – Nottingham, Rock City
• Tue 11 Mar – Norwich, Waterfront
• Thu 13 Mar – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
• Fri 14 Mar – Bristol, SWX
• Sat 15 Mar – Southampton, Engine Rooms
• Mon 17 Mar – Brighton, Chalk
• Tue 18 Mar – Oxford, O2 Academy

Tickets for all dates go on general sale on Thursday 21 November at 9.30am HERE.

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