September 18, 2008 10:02

Doves reveal plans to tour this year

Band say they 'owe' Manchester a show before Christmas

Doves have revealed that they plan to play live before the end of 2008, including a homecoming gig in Manchester.

Although the band don't have any firm touring plans yet, frontman Jimi Goodwin told BBC 6Music that they were planning to air new material before Christmas.

"We might even do something [live] at Christmas," he said, "just a couple of gigs. I think we owe Manchester a gig this side of Chrimbo."

Goodwin added that the band plan to release their new album in Spring 2009 after completing it this winter.

"We've got one more session in November and, for better or worse, this record is done," he said. "I think we've got all the classic song structure things nailed, we need a few 'out there', join-the-dots things now to even the record out – something a bit avant garde, devoid of any verse and chorus, that's where I'm thinking."

Doves and Manic Street Preachers played live at the London Royal Festival Hall on September 12.

The gig was held in celebration of record label Heavenly's 18-year anniversary.