Tim Schumann
Flyleaf strolls down Memory Lane at Speaking Rock
When it was announced that Speaking Rock Entertainment Center was bringing Flyleaf here to El Paso for another free outdoor show, social media went nuts and for good reason. What a treat last Saturday night as Flyleaf brought their “Flyleaf w/ Lacey Strum 20th Anniversary Tour 2026 to the Borderland. This band has a huge following here in El Paso, case in point, my best guess would be, 7 to 9k were in attendance, give or take. Flyleaf is a Texas band, conceived in 2002. First release in 05 goes Platinum, followed by three more, the last in 2014. The back story on this is that Lacey left the band in 12 and was replaced by Kristen May until 16 to where she left as well. Flyleaf goes on hiatus for the next 7 years, until it’s announced in early 22, that Lacey has reunited with her fellow bandmates, yeah, all original, how cool is that? So, now I understood what all the who ha was about, so I reached out, got approved and boy I’m glad I was.
As stated, all original members, James Culpepper on percussion, Sameer Bhattacharya on guitar, Pat Seals on Bass, Jared Hartmann on guitar and of course, Lacey Sturm on vocals, oh yeah, ladies and gentlemen, Flyleaf is back!! This band is no stranger to touring, over the years they’ve shared the stage with the likes of Staind, 3 Doors Down, Stonesour, Disturbed, Nonpoint and Skillett to name a few. They did back-to-back Family Values Tour in 06 and 07 with their blend of post hardcore / nu metal / alternative rock music added with the power and precise vocals of Lacey Sturm, is severely unmatched. 
It’s 9pm and the stage is set, Chevelle’s The Red is coming over the speakers with all red spots circling the stage, time to go work. Lacey and company hit the stage like a runaway train, I must admit, she’s quite the little firecracker, fun to shoot for sure. She has absolutely returned to her stage brilliance with a sleek vocals and a swagger that is second to none. For the sea of fans at Speaking Rock, this is a band they’ve loved for years. For anyone on the barricade it was as if she was singing directly to them and lord knows, they were eating it up and Lacey knew it. Hits like All Around Me, I’m So Sick and the crowd favorite Fully Alive set this West Texas audience on its ear, as it should be. The 19-song set list was over before it even started, isn’t that always the case? Hard Rock combined with Nu Metal and that crowd engagement proves that this outfit hasn’t lost one step despite a 7-year break, it was if it never happened. So, another fantastic show, a free show mind you, by none other Speaking Rock, the premier place to take in a concert here in El Paso. Flyleaf won’t be easy to forget, one of the better shows I’ve seen, Lacey Sturm does make an impression. Thanks for your time and we’ll see you at the next rock show.
Story and Photography by Tim Schumann
Set List-
In the Dark
Chasm
Again
Fire Fire
Beautiful Bride
Great Love
Cassie
Freedom
Stand
Cage on the Ground
This Close
Saving Grace
Call You Out
Fully Alive
Sorrow
So I Thought
I’m So Sick
All Around Me
Arise
