Doves have teased their long-awaited return with a cryptic social media post.
The image, which you can see below, shows touring luggage emblazoned with the band’s name, as well as next Monday’s date (December 3)
— Doves (@dovesmusicblog) November 30, 2018
The band have been on hiatus since 2010, with many fans speculating that a new album and/or tour could be in the works.
It confirms rumours that have been circulating on social media that the Mancunian favourites could be getting back together for the first time since 2010.
Heard a rumour The Doves are re-forming. Pass it on ???
— KingMonkey#2 (@stoneroses1982) November 28, 2018
Everyone talking about oasis reforming. I'd just love to go watch doves again me.
— The Tea Street Band (@TeaStreetBand) November 29, 2018
Now, those rumours are all but confirmed. “If a new album is announced on Monday i’ll probably sob happy tears,” said one fan on Facebook. “If they are getting back together then this is one of the best moments of my life,” said another.
Doves! I heard whispers the last few weeks but didn’t want to get too excited just in case. But…. GET IN!
— Rob Smith (@RobsterSM) November 30, 2018
Merry fucking Christmas! #doves https://t.co/rZXWsW0zrS
— Dan Smith (@dan_N_smith) November 30, 2018
Excited O'meter just hit 11 on a scale of 10!!! https://t.co/r1YO1gkEh1
— Father Of El Lurcho (@SurfinjimRev) November 30, 2018
Doves reforming. Liking that. Liking that a lot! pic.twitter.com/3rsHvWp2uz
— Kev Ebbs (@kevebbs) November 30, 2018
The Manchester group last released an album in 2009 with ‘Kingdom Of Rust’, their fourth LP, and have been on hiatus since 2010.
Speaking to NME back then, they said that their ‘goodbye’ show at The Warehouse Project in Manchester ‘could be their last.
Frontman Jimi Goodwin began a solo career in 2014 with his first album ‘Odludek’, while fellow band members Jez and Andy Williams went on to form Black Rivers.
An online petition was set up in February in an attempt to convince the band to get back together. At time of writing it has over 1,500 signatures.