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.”
Statements from the band and Jimi.
— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) October 22, 2021
Refunds will be available from point of purchase. pic.twitter.com/VshWUcKEPV
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:
A very sad announcement
— 🏴☠️ Geoff Barrow 🏴☠️ (@jetfury) October 22, 2021
But massive love and respect to Jimi and the band for putting
Well-being at the forefront of life
Your first album was a massive part of when I first met my now wife Emma we used to rinse it in her little fiesta up and down the M4
Take care dudes
X
Get well Jimi. Gigs will come and go 🙏
— The Coral (@thecoralband) October 22, 2021
Ahh had tickets for show next year, one of the bands I’ve been wanting to see for years, mental health is more important though. Some day I’ll get to sing stomping live 🤘 https://t.co/BO1oLxzmt8
— Dave (@froggystyle) October 22, 2021
Maybe this is the band that I never get to see for one or the other. Was so excited, but fair play - personal health comes first 👏
— Chris Dixon (@chrisdixonworks) October 22, 2021
Be well Jimi x
— Turin Brakes (@turinbrakes) October 22, 2021
Any one can suffer with #mentalhealth with you guys take your time and do it when your ready mental health comes 1st https://t.co/80iLG5yv88
— darrenafc1980 🎗 (@darrengunner198) October 22, 2021
So sorry to read this, hoping Jimi finds the strength and peace he needs right now ❤️
— Lucanesque (@Lucanesque) October 22, 2021
I support your decision 100%. Your music has carried me through some of my most difficult times, times when my mental health was hanging on by a thread. One step at a time, Jimi. We will be here. Much love to you all.
— Lorena she/her (@AryaStark) October 22, 2021
Proper gutted but 💯 support to Jimi & the band. Didnt just come back to pick up a greatest hits cheque, delivered us a masterpiece of a record which they should be rightfully proud of! Hopefully we get to see them taking the acclaim for it from live audiences in the future!
— Philip Russell (@phillyrussell) October 22, 2021
Gutted to hear you're suffering Jimi. Look after yourself, definitely right to prioritise your mental health and wishing you better days very soon Much love to you all ❤️
— Liam Whitt (@liam_whit) October 22, 2021
Sending love to you all. ❤️ Get well soon, jimi. ❤️ https://t.co/BmTNaE9f9d
— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) October 22, 2021
I was so looking forward to this gig but to come out and say this takes amazing strength. No one should ever feel weak for speaking out about their mental health. #MentalHealthMatters #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #GetWellSoonJimi https://t.co/Xp8fgRODbn
— Thom Darby (@Darbs87) October 22, 2021
So much respect and love to jimi for doing quite rightly what is best for him at this time x always LOVED @dovesmusicblog love them even more now after reading these statements x ❤️ https://t.co/JDLOTwriSw
— Christine Bottomley (@ChrissyBotto) October 22, 2021
Gutted to not be seeing Doves next year, but praying Jimi is better and back to himself before long x https://t.co/FGvX8wBQDL
— Tone (@bigTone69) October 22, 2021
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.
