Duffy REM snub

Americans: Remember this face

Duffy might have the No1 single and the No1 album but her fame hasn't spread from these shores.

Yet.

The Welsh powerhouse is currently in the US at the now enormous South by Southwest music fest in Austin, Texas.

The Sun reports that Duffy heard rock legends REM were playing a tiny intimate show at Stubb's Bar-B-Q – for their smallest audience for a decade. And Duffy decided that she was going to be one of those lucky few.

The doorstaff felt differently though and refused the soulful singer entry.

Despite protestations – and we so hope she didn't try the 'don't you know who I am?' line – the staff wouldn't budge and Duffy was sent packing.

Just as well then that her record company are reshooting the Mercy video for the US market. Apparently, the 1970s northern soul club setting was a reference they didn't think Americans would recognise.

They're probably right.

Those who did see the gig heard REM frontman Michael Stipe dedicate new track Until The Day Is Done to late actor Heath Ledger.

'This is dedicated to Heath Ledger, who loved this song,' announced Stipe. 'Goodbye Heath, we love you!'

And finally, there's good news for Mary J Blige fans. The soul legend will be playing the UK later this year, for her first tour for five years.

She's appearing at the O2 Arena, London on 3 June 2008, the MEN Arena, Manchest on 5 June and then the NEC Birmingham the following evening.

Tickets are on sale today, 14 March 2008, from the usual outlets.

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