It is well documented that the much-loved Man City-worshipping outfit almost packed it in during the making of 2009’s Kingdom Of Rust. Now, however, it appears certain that they’ll effectively go their separate ways once the year is out – while keeping the door ajar for future comebacks…

Speaking this morning to Hot Press’ Edwin McFee, guitarist and vocalist Jez Williams dropped the bombshell when he was asked about the band’s plans for the future.

“No, we haven’t thought about a new record or anything to do with that,” he began. “This Doves tour will probably be the last tour we ever do.”

Williams, who is a charming interviewee and well practiced in the art of diplomacy, was quick to enter a caveat.

“I’m not saying we’re breaking up or anything,” he added, “but there’s not going to be any Doves activity after this. We’re going on an indefinite hiatus and I don’t know when – or if – we’ll ever do anything again.

“Never say never and all that,” Williams added. Which is undoubtedly a very modern take on an age old rock’n’roll dilemma.

“In the modern world, band names are seen as franchises and reformations are ten a penny – so it would make no sense for a band as well schooled in the ways of the industry as Doves are to say ‘It’s over for ever’,” one industry insider commented. “But it seems to me that there is a real momentum here towards doing different things. If they don’t work out, then the possibility of re-igniting Doves has been allowed for. But if they do, then that’s a different story. I guess in the old days they’d have called this splitting up.”

Which, of course, adds a sense of urgency to The Best of The Doves record (out April 2 via Heavenly Records/Virgin Records) and tour. Keep your eyes peeled for the full interview in an upcoming issue of Hot Press.