Doves praised over candid statement after cancelling tour due to frontman Jimi Goodwin’s mental health

Rock band Doves have been praised for a candid statement after cancelling their live dates due to singer Jimi Goodwin’s mental health.

The band had a UK and Ireland tour booked for February and March 2022, but the cancellations were announced in a statement from both the band and Goodwin yesterday.

The tour was due to take place in 2020 in support of their long-awaited fifth album The Universal Want. However due to the pandemic, the dates were pushed back to 2022.

The band said they are “gutted” to axe the live dates, and offered their sincere apologies to those that bought tickets — but said the health of the band members must come first.

They said: “We are gutted to have to say that all upcoming Doves live dates have to be cancelled. Our sincere apologies go out to everyone who has bought tickets, it’s news that we are finding incredibly difficult to put into words, knowing none will lessen your disappointment. Honestly, we feel it too.

“We have to take each other’s welfare as seriously as the music and, sadly, mental health issues simply mean that performing live isn’t possible for us at this time or for the immediate future.”

Goodwin said that his decision to take a step back was not something he’s taken lightly.

He said: “One should never apologise for having issues with their mental health, but I do want to say sorry to all that have bought tickets. I’m truly grateful for the patience, love and understanding of my brothers Andy, Jez and Rebelski.

“I’m also incredibly grateful for the support, love and appreciation folks have shown for Doves’ music over the years. The reception The Universal Want received, our first LP in 11 years, left us immensely proud. What fantastic affirmation of Jez, Andy and I. Sunshine in these tumultuous times. Thank you.”

Fans took to Twitter to share messages of support after the announcement. Their colleagues in the music industry, including Portishead musician Geoff Barrow and The Coral, also sent their well wishes:

Doves announced a hiatus in 2010 after performing together since 1998.

The band was born out of the Williams brothers and Goodwin’s previous band, Sub Sub, which was formed in 1991.

After announcing their break, Goodwin went on to release a solo album in 2014 and the Williams brothers created a new band, Black Rivers.

The band reunited after coming together to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust in 2019.

Get well soon, Jimi.