Welsh singer Duffy is set to make her highly anticipated return to the stage after a hiatus of over 15 years. The artist, whose full name is Aimée Anne Duffy, announced on Instagram on Friday (June 6) that she will host a “secret intimate gig” in London on July 5. This performance will mark a significant step in her tentative reemergence into public life, offering fans a chance to hear new music for the first time in years.

Duffy shared her excitement on Instagram Stories, stating, “I’m doing a secret intimate gig in London on the 5th July, next month, and I would love nothing more than for some of you to attend.” Due to the small capacity of the venue, attendance will be ballot-only, with fans invited to apply via her social channels. She confirmed that she plans to sing several new songs at the event.

This upcoming performance follows a series of subtle hints about her return. Last month, Duffy posted a black-and-white image from a recording studio, accompanied by a heartfelt caption: “If only I could find the right words to explain how much I’ve missed you all. Working on coming back to you.” Earlier this year, Disney+ also announced an upcoming Hulu Original documentary. This documentary is slated to feature Duffy telling her full story for the first time, encompassing her upbringing in Wales, her breakthrough in the early 2000s, her decade-long retreat from the spotlight, and the harrowing assault that ultimately prompted her withdrawal from the industry.

Duffy rose to global prominence in 2008 with her debut album, Rockferry, which became the UK’s best-selling album of that year. The critically acclaimed album earned her three BRIT Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, and an Ivor Novello Award. Its lead single, “Mercy,” achieved massive success, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008 and spending five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Rockferry itself reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and holds a five-times platinum certification in the UK. She released her second album, Endlessly, in 2010 before largely stepping out of the public eye. Since her retreat, she has only released two new songs: the 2020 ballad “River in the Sky” and the radio-only single “Something Beautiful.”

In 2020, Duffy broke her silence, revealing the deeply personal reason behind her decade-long absence. Through an Instagram post and a detailed personal essay, she disclosed that she had been drugged at a restaurant while celebrating her birthday. She was then transported to a foreign country, held captive, and raped by an unnamed assailant. Duffy shared the profound impact of this ordeal, stating it left her suicidal and that “utterly no-one” knew what had happened until she chose to share her story. To date, no arrests have been publicly made in connection with the case.