Doves

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Doves Live at O2 Forum Kentish Town, London - Sunday, 14 December 2025

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as acclaimed Manchester trio Doves return to London, gracing the iconic stage of the O2 Forum Kentish Town on Sunday, 14 December 2025. This promises to be a night steeped in masterful songwriting, emotionally resonant anthems, and the electrifying live energy that has cemented Doves’ reputation as one of the UK’s most beloved and enduring bands.

About the Event

This isn’t just another gig; it’s a homecoming for Doves and a chance for fans to bask in the glow of their exceptional musical legacy. As winter draws in, the warmth and depth of Doves’ expansive sound will fill the O2 Forum, creating an intimate yet powerful atmosphere. Expect a setlist that masterfully weaves through their celebrated discography, honouring fan favourites while perhaps offering glimpses of their timeless brilliance to a new generation. The O2 Forum Kentish Town, with its rich history and exceptional acoustics, provides the perfect backdrop for Doves’ evocative performances, promising a night of pure musical catharsis and shared experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a band at the peak of their powers, delivering a performance that will resonate long after the final chord fades.

About Doves

Emerging from Manchester’s vibrant music scene in the late 1990s, Doves – comprised of Jimi Goodwin (vocals, guitar, bass) and brothers Andy and Jez Williams (guitars, bass, vocals) – quickly carved out a unique space for themselves with their distinctive blend of indie rock, shoegaze, and soaring melodicism. Their debut album, Lost Souls (2000), was a critical and commercial triumph, earning them widespread acclaim and establishing their signature melancholic yet hopeful sound. Hits like the poignant “Catch the Sun” and the sprawling, atmospheric “The Cedar Room” showcased their innate ability to craft expansive soundscapes that were both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Their sophomore effort, The Last Broadcast (2002), solidified their position, spawning anthems such as the anthemic “There Goes the Fear” and the introspective “Pounding.” This album further demonstrated their songwriting prowess, with Goodwin’s distinctive vocal delivery and the Williams brothers’ intricate guitar work creating a sonic tapestry that captivated listeners. Some Cities (2005) continued this trajectory, featuring tracks like the driving “Here It Comes” and the emotionally charged “Black and White Town,” showcasing a more polished and mature sound without sacrificing their emotional core.

After a period of hiatus, Doves made a triumphant return in 2020 with their fifth studio album, The Universal Want. This record was met with universal praise, proving that their songwriting muscle remained as strong as ever. Tracks like the driving “Car-Ending” and the expansive “Broken Mirror” demonstrated their continued artistic evolution. Throughout their career, Doves have maintained a reputation for delivering powerful, impassioned live performances, characterized by their musicianship, evocative lyrics, and the sheer emotional weight of their songs. Their ability to translate the intricate beauty of their studio recordings into a captivating live spectacle is a testament to their enduring appeal.

Venue Information

The O2 Forum Kentish Town is a legendary London venue, steeped in musical history and renowned for its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Located in the heart of North London, this iconic space has hosted countless seminal artists across a diverse range of genres, providing a perfect setting for Doves’ highly anticipated performance. Its distinctive architecture and well-appointed interior create an immersive experience for gig-goers, ensuring that every note is felt and every lyric is heard with crystal clarity. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a Doves performance that is nothing short of mesmerising. Their setlists are a carefully curated journey through their rich catalogue, designed to evoke a spectrum of emotions. You can expect to hear monumental fan favourites that have soundtracked countless lives, such as the uplifting “There Goes the Fear,” the hauntingly beautiful “Catch the Sun,” and the anthemic “Kingdom of Birds.” Interspersed will be powerful renditions of tracks from their critically acclaimed albums, including the atmospheric depths of “The Cedar Room” and the driving force of “Here It Comes.” From the introspective ballads that tug at the heartstrings to the soaring, expansive rock epics that fill the room, Doves deliver a performance that is both intensely personal and overwhelmingly communal.

Their performance style is characterized by a powerful sincerity and an unwavering commitment to their craft. Jimi Goodwin’s distinctive vocal delivery, raw with emotion and filled with a unique warmth, remains at the forefront, complemented by the masterful interplay of Andy and Jez Williams’ guitars, which weave intricate melodies and create rich sonic textures. The rhythm section provides a solid, propulsive foundation, allowing the songs to breathe and build. Doves are known for their understated stage presence, allowing the music to take centre stage. This allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the performance, connecting with the raw emotion and lyrical depth of each track. The set is expected to last approximately 90-110 minutes, providing ample time for a comprehensive exploration of their most beloved material, promising an evening of pure musical catharsis and unforgettable memories.

FAQs

What is the best way to get to the O2 Forum Kentish Town? The O2 Forum Kentish Town is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest underground station is Kentish Town (Northern Line), which is just a short walk from the venue. Various bus routes also serve the area. We recommend checking TfL (Transport for London) for the most up-to-date travel information.

Will Doves be signing merchandise after the show? While we cannot guarantee merchandise signing sessions, Doves have been known to meet fans after shows in the past. Please keep an eye out for any announcements on the night, or check Doves’ official social media channels for updates.

What is the typical setlist length for a Doves show? Doves performances typically last between 90 and 110 minutes, allowing them to showcase a comprehensive selection of their most popular songs and fan favourites from across their esteemed discography.

Are there any age restrictions for this event? This is an all-ages event, however, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+). We advise checking specific venue policies if you have concerns.

Can I bring my own food or drink into the O2 Forum Kentish Town? No, external food and drink are not permitted inside the O2 Forum Kentish Town. There are bar facilities available for purchase within the venue.

Will Doves be playing any new material? While the focus of this tour is on celebrating their extensive back catalogue, bands of Doves’ calibre often surprise their audiences. It’s always possible they might offer a glimpse of new material, but fans can certainly expect a deep dive into their beloved hits.