Duffy holds secret London concert with full show for first time in 15 years

Duffy took another step back into the world of music with a secret concert in London. The Welsh singer performed an intimate show at Hoxton Hall on Sunday (5 July), marking her first full concert in almost 15 years.

The performance was based on a fan vote announced last month, and the venue was kept secret until the day of the show.

The “Mercy” singer, whose real name is Amy Ann Duffy, is inviting fans to apply for a small-group event in June, telling her followers that she plans to perform new music.

“I’m playing a secret, intimate show in London next month on July 5th and I’d love for some of you to join me,” she wrote at the time. “Due to limited capacity, I can only choose a few songs, but I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll be singing new songs as well.”

Although the full setlist has not been published, one fan wrote to X that he had a “front row” seat to hear Duffy perform “Warwick Avenue” live, adding: “That voice is insane!”

The London show comes as Duffy continues to gradually return to public life after years away from the spotlight. In May, she shared a photo of a recording studio on Instagram and wrote, “If only I could find the right words to explain how much I missed you guys. I’m working on coming back.”

Duffy rose to worldwide fame in 2008 with her debut album “Rockferry” and smash single “Mercy.” The album won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, and Duffy was also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Mercy”.

After releasing her second album, Endlessly, in 2010, she largely left the music industry behind. In 2020, Duffy spoke publicly about being drugged, kidnapped, and sexually assaulted, later explaining that the trauma was the reason for his long hiatus from music and public life.

Earlier this year, Disney+ announced the production of an upcoming Hulu original documentary. The documentary follows the singer as he recounts his story. The project will be produced in the UK and will feature access to Duffy, along with interviews with friends, family and music industry luminaries.