WORDS MATTY BEZ / IMAGES DESH KAPUR
The Doves‘ sold-out show at Aviva Studios, was more than just a show on their first full tour since 2019—it was a triumphant homecoming for the revered band from Manchester, a celebration of their enduring influence, as pioneers of atmospheric indie rock, Doves have long been considered hometown heroes, beloved for their lush soundscapes, heartfelt lyricism. This night, however, was imbued with added poignancy, as frontman Jimi Goodwin was absent due to ongoing personal health issues. In his place, brothers Andy and Jez Williams took center stage, sharing vocal duties
For those unfamiliar with the Doves’ trajectory, the band formed in the late 1990s, emerging from the ashes of their earlier electronic project, Sub Sub. The tragic destruction of their studio by fire marked a turning point, leading them to reinvent themselves as Doves—a reinvention that would result in a career-defining blend of melancholy and euphoria, alternative rock and cinematic grandeur. Their 2000 debut album, Lost Souls, was met with widespread acclaim, setting the tone for a series of critically adored releases, including The Last Broadcast (2002), Some Cities (2005), and Kingdom of Rust (2009). After an extended hiatus, they returned with 2020’s The Universal Want, a record that seemed to crystallize their signature sound while offering fresh explorations into the complexities of modern life.
Now, with their newest album, Constellations For The Lonely, Doves are entering yet another chapter in their storied career. The Aviva Studios performance was the first of two shows at the venue in support of this release, and anticipation for the show was high—not just for the unveiling of new material, but also for the reunion with fans who have waited years for Doves’ live.
The hometown setting amplified the emotional resonance of the night. The Williams brothers—both steeped in the musical heritage of Manchester. There was a sense of pride in the air, with fans welcoming their return like a family reunion. Many had followed the band since their early days and shared in the highs and lows of their career. The absence of Goodwin was keenly felt, but the crowd was eager to show their support, and Andy and Jez met this with an unwavering commitment to deliver.
The setlist struck a careful balance between classics and new material. Tracks from Constellations For The Lonely were interspersed with long-standing favorites. “There Goes the Fear,” “Black and White Town,” and “Pounding”, with fans singing along to every word, their voices filling the vast space of Aviva Studios. The Williams brothers, who have always shared vocal duties with Goodwin, stepped confidently into more prominent roles, delivering impassioned performances. Songs like “Northern Sky” and the live debut of the soulful, psychedelic “Cold Dreaming” from their new album showcased the band’s continuing evolution.
Andy and Jez were joined by a formidable live lineup, including long-time bassist Nathan Sudders, multi-instrumentalist Jake Evans, with Martin Rebelski returning on keyboards, the band sounded expansive, layering their iconic deep beats, soaring synths, and evocative orchestration to create a swirling, atmospheric experience.
The Williams brothers interacted warmly with the crowd, expressing their gratitude for the fans’ patience and loyalty. The connection between band and audience was undeniable, forged through decades of shared moments, and the performance at Aviva Studios felt like a celebration of this bond. .
In many ways, this show was a reaffirmation of what makes Doves such a vital band. Their music has always transcended trends, tapping into something more timeless—a blend of wistfulness and hope, despair and defiance. That night, despite the absence of their lead singer, the spirit of the Doves remained intact, as rich and resonant as ever.
As the final notes of their closing track faded, the audience erupted into applause. This wasn’t just a gig—it was a homecoming, a celebration of a band that has remained beloved and relevant after all these years. The Doves’ journey has had its share of ups and downs, but if this performance was anything to go by, they are firmly back on track, ready to soar once more into the night sky—an enduring constellation for those who have followed them on this remarkable journey.
SET LIST
(Sub Sub cover)
FOLLOW DOVES
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
