"My theory on Manchester and why it produces the bands it does is that because the world is willing to listen to them, it gives the kids a confidence and and a belief that what has happened before might happen again. It's something to aim for."
- Jimi Goodwin (May 2000)
Doves, were quite literally formed out of the ashes of the Madchester dance act, Sub Sub, when a fire at their Ancoats studio, on the birthday of Andy and Jez Williams, destroyed the material for their next album as well as their equipment. The twins, with fellow bander member and Manchester CIty fan, Jimi Goodwin, were inspired to return as the highly acclaimed rock group they are today.
With help from Rob's Records, owned by Rob Gretton who died only months later, the band took up residence in New Order's old Cheetham Hill studio before resurfacing as Doves in 1998, playing a few gigs with Badly Drawn Boy.
They released 'The Cedar Room EP' before playing at Glastonbury and alongside the likes of James at a specially arranged gig in Manchester's Heaton Park.
By late 1999 Doves had embarked on their first major UK tour, building a strong live following with stars like Paul Weller, Tom Rowlands (The Chemical Brothers), Colin Greenwood (Radiohead), Melanie Blatt (All Saints), and Paul Cook (Sex Pistols) attending their gigs.
Their singles,'Rise', 'Sea Song', 'Here It Comes', and the brilliant 'The Cedar Room' (UK No. 33) created great anticipation for their award winning debut album; 'Lost Souls' was released in April, 2000, to widespread acclaim. The single 'Catch The Sun' (UK No.32) followed, confirming Doves' position as one of Britain's most promising bands earning them the label of 'Manchester's Next Big Thing' by many.
In October 2000, the brilliant 'Man Who Told Everything' single reached UK Top 40 status and received widespread radio airplay. New Year's Eve 2000 also witnessed them playing at Manchester's Castlefield Arena alongside Badly Drawn Boy.
In April 2002, the band returned with the brilliant single, 'There Goes The Fear'. With a sound reminding many of The Stone Roses' 'Waterfall' it received massive UK airplay. Cleverly released and deleted on the same day, their fans rushed out to buy it sending it straight into the UK charts at Number 3.
A fortnight later, their superb second album, 'The Last Broadcast', went straight into the UK charts at Number 1 ensuring Manchester's next big thing had finally made it!
The album also spawned the single 'Pounding' which captured Doves unique sound perfectly.
Source: http://www.unitedmanchester.com/music/doves-biography.htm
