What was supposed to be a “secret show for friends and family” turned Schoepf’s Backyard in Belton, Texas into a rambunctious party for several hundred fans once the news got out that Flyleaf were performing their first full live set with founding vocalist Lacey Sturm in nearly 11 years.
The announcement of the release of Flyleaf’s 3rd studio album in 2012, New Horizons, also came with the reveal that Sturm would be departing the band. While Flyleaf promised to continue on with a new vocalist, this also meant it was likely we’d never hear Sturm perform New Horizons’ tracks live with the band. While Lacey continued her solo career, the rest of the band parted ways in 2016 after the departure of Sturm’s replacement, Kristen May. Drummer James Culpepper found creative passion with woodworking. Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya continued touring with several bands including P.O.D., and Belle + the Dragon. Guitarist Jared Hartmann jumped into Realty with his wife and started a family. Bassist Pat Seals’ feet rarely touched the stage once he joined up with psychedelic rockers Green Beard. Speculation and rumors of the band reuniting with Sturm began to swirl in 2021, and was officially announced in 2022 with a string of festivals dates for summer of 2023.
Let’s breakdown the set!
Fire Fire (first live performance with Lacey Sturm)
Again
Chasm
Freedom (first live performance with Lacey Sturm)
Cassie
Call You Out (first live performance with Lacey Sturm)
Sorrow
Fully Alive
Arise
Cage on the Ground (first live performance with Lacey Sturm)
So I Thought (with Ryan White from Resident Hero)
I’m So Sick
All Around Me
Perfect
While this was Flyleaf’s first full band performance with Lacey Sturm on stage since May 20, 2012, and their first full live performance since February 20, 2016, this won’t be their last. The band has yet to announce a full tour, but they will be hitting several of the USA’s biggest festivals this summer. You can find tickets HERE.
