Doves cancel all tour dates due to Jimi Goodwin's mental health

Everyone at Absolute Radio wishes Jimi well

Doves frontman and bassist Jimi Goodwin
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 22nd Oct 2021
Last updated 22nd Oct 2021

Doves have issued a statement announcing they have cancelled all upcoming tour dates due to frontman Jimi Goodwin’s mental health.

In support of their critically acclaimed fifth studio album ‘The Universal Want’, the Wilmslow trio were due to tour the UK throughout February and March 2022 and play a Delemere Forest show in the summer.

Doves have now confirmed that their tour dates won’t be going ahead, explaining: "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.

Doves' Jez Williams, Jimi Goodwin and Andy Williams

"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."

Thanking his band mates Jez and Andy Williams, and their keyboardist Martin Rebelski for their support, 51-year-old Jimi Goodwin said: "I am unfortunately unable to commit to forthcoming Doves live dates, meaning they have to be cancelled. My decision to bow out, is believe me, not something I’ve taken lightly.

"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 eleven years, left us immensely proud. What fantastic affirmation of Jez, Andy and I. Sunshine in these tumultuous times. Thank you."

After a long decade away, Jimi Goodwin, Andy Williams and Jez Williams returned from their hiatus in 2019 for a number of concerts including a Teenage Cancer Trust series show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Doves released their fifth album ‘The Universal Want’ in September 2020 and it stormed straight in at Number 1 in the UK. The album featured the Absolute Radio playlisted anthem ‘Prisoners.’

Everyone at Absolute Radio wishes Jimi Goodwin well.

If you need support for your mental health, you can visit Absolute Radio’s Mental Health Awareness page to find information.

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