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The setlist from Doves first gig at Manchester Apollo in 20 years. A very special evening.

Review (excerpt below) from the Manchester Evening News.

There was a very distinct, and rather unapologetic, celebration of Manchester when Doves played a homecoming show in the city on Saturday night.

A wonderfully jubilant feel was in the Manchester December evening air with Doves taking to the stage at the city’s Apollo venue.

“Good to be back in the Apollo, my sacred ground and hopefully yours too,” Jez, dressed head-to-toe in black, his hair swept back, passionately stated. “I can tell this is going to be a rowdy one – let’s hope so.”

Mid-set sibling Andy took temporary leave from his drum kit. In-between occasional sips from his brew, he paid a lovely tribute to the Williams brothers’ mother. Andy telling the crowd: “She’s 90 in February and she’s more f**king rock n roll than anyone else in the family.”

The most touching moment of the evening came as the band honoured fellow Manchester music royalty Mani. The Stones Roses bassist much-missed following his death in November. Ahead of House of Mirrors, played in Mani’s memory, Andy Williams described him as ‘a beautiful person’.

Towards the main set’s conclusion, the tempo of the evening gained increased pace through the building beat of the unmistakable Pounding, which got those seated above on their feet, at the Apollo, with Black and White Town later seeing the Williams brothers, and their talented supporting ensemble, momentarily leave the stage.

Sheffield Octagon setlist thanks to Mark Grist at the official Doves forum.

Review (excerpt below) & photos at northernsoul.me.uk

I won’t lie – part of me was worried that seeing Doves without Goodwin would be like seeing a Doves tribute band. It wasn’t. The brothers make Doves what they are just as much as Goodwin does, and it was a brilliant gig at Sheffield Octagon. But it would be disingenuous to pretend I didn’t feel Goodwin’s absence. His voice and his presence are such a big part of Doves’ identity that experiencing the songs without him did take some getting used to.

However, sharing the singing between them, Andy and Jez did justice to the band’s impressive back catalogue and should be proud of what they’re doing with this tour. 

Cambridge setlist thanks to Jonathan Hotrocks.

Review & photos at joyzine.org

Setlist thanks to Richard Ralls.

Setlist from last nights London show thanks to Richard.

Thanks to Derek for the setlist!

Dundee Review from re-sound.co.uk Photos from Calum Mackintosh @ayecandyphotography

One of the night’s highlights for me is Here It Comes, from the band’s 2000 debut, and a tribute to Northern Soul. Sung with a whole lot of swagger by Andy, he takes centre stage with his harmonica as Jake takes over the drums. The song is more full-bodied live, Andy strutting around in his element as the track’s bleakness gives way to momentary swells of joy, the number seeped in a melancholic cool as a euphoric nonchalance sways against Martin’s soothing swirls, a distant Madchester heartbeat lingering through every breath. Another delight from their debut is set closer The Cedar Room, ripples of hope uplifting against a mournful tension, its icy chimes slicing through the haze. 

A warm sense of appreciation can be felt from the audience throughout the set tonight, with the big hits causing a buzz, from Caught By The River, Pounding, Kingdom Of Rust and Black & White Town to addictive epic There Goes The Fear, which is unsurprisingly saved for the encore. With timeless tunes stirring memories of days long forgotten, I feel like I’ve just rediscovered Doves again, and that’s a great find.

To mark 20 years since the release of Some Cities I recently spoke to Andy & Jez about the album. Using that interview and some interviews the band did back in 2005, I’ve pieced together an article about how the album came to be.

As well as asking Andy & Jez about the album tracks, I also asked them about some of the tracks that didn’t make it onto the album.

How We Made Some Cities

‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ is out now on EMI North records. Listen or order your copy now here.

I recently chatted with Andy & Jez who spoke to me about some of the tracks that make up ‘So, Here We Are’. Using that chat and some archival interviews, I’ve put together a Best Of track by track guide;

So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves track by track guide.

Coming soon! ‘How We Made Some Cities’. I also chatted to Andy & Jez about Some Cities. The album turned 20 this year. They were happy to discuss the album in detail. I asked them about how the album came together, all of the b-sides and some of the tracks that didn’t make it onto the album.

Doves have today released their latest single ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ via EMI North. The track was originally recorded during the sessions for Kingdom of Rust. Originally titled ‘Eastern Roll’ the track was mentioned by the band on press interviews for possible inclusion on the Kingdom of Rust. Obviously not making the cut back then, the track will be included on the upcoming Best of album released on November 14th.

Also announced today. Doves will join James on their UK arena tour next April 2026. See poster above for the dates. Includes places Doves haven’t played in awhile such as Cardiff & Aberdeen.

Tickets are on sale this Friday Oct 10th at 9:30AM. There is a pre-sale opportunity for fans who pre-order the latest James, ‘Best Of’ release. Details here.

Finally, Blood Records have announced a limited edition (2000 copies) green and cream pinwheel version of the ‘So, Here We Are’. You can order your copy at Blood Records.