The word “flyleaf” is defined as the blank page at the beginning and end of a book. For the band that adopted it as its name and identity, it represents “a moment of clarity before the story begins and after it’s over,” according to lead singer Lacey Sturm.
The Belton, Texas, band, originally known as Passerby, was founded in 2002. A year later, its set at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin caught the attention of record executives, earning the group a deal with Octone Records. The band changed its name and released its major-label debut, Flyleaf, in 2005.
The album spent a staggering 133 weeks on the Billboard 200 and launched the band into the mainstream. The small-town group with a grassroots following was suddenly one of the biggest acts in rock. Flyleaf — comprised of Sturm (vocals), Sameer Bhattacharya (lead guitar), Jared Hartmann (rhythm guitar), Pat Seals (bass) and James Culpepper (drums) — toured with powerhouse bands such as Korn, Deftones, Stone Sour and Three Days Grace while also performing on the main stage at multiple editions of the Family Values Tour and other major music festivals.
The band’s breakout single, “All Around Me,” is certified four times platinum; “I’m So Sick” is certified two times platinum; and “Fully Alive” is certified platinum. Their songs also appeared on the soundtracks for Live Free or Die Hard, Resident Evil: Extinction and Underworld: Awakening. Most importantly, their sound inspired a generation of kickass female vocalists.
Flyleaf’s second album, Memento Mori, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200. When asked about the album’s title, Sturm said, “Remember you’re mortal, remember that you’ll die, and remember that your life is short and precious — and so are the lives of those around you.”
With those impactful words in mind, Sturm left the band in October 2012 to prioritize her family following the birth of her son.
Kristen May assumed lead vocal duties for the band’s 2014 release, Between the Stars. Two years later, Flyleaf went on hiatus, with May officially stepping away as well. Many fans viewed these developments as the end of the book. That is, until earlier this year, when Flyleaf surprised fans by announcing its 20th Anniversary Tour, featuring the return of Sturm. The 14-city run, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s platinum-certified debut album, sold out every stop.
On one of the hottest days of 2026, with temperatures reaching triple digits in Silver Spring, Maryland, Flyleaf made its highly anticipated stop at The Fillmore, with support from Tiny Ships and Convictions.
For this reunion tour, the band chose Memento Mori’s “In the Dark” as the opening track. Lyrically, the song is about stepping out of darkness while confronting fear and shame in search of hope and redemption. It served as a powerful and fitting way to begin the evening.
Two songs later, the band launched into “Again,” which explores themes of betrayal and recurring cycles of hurt. Sturm’s vocals shifted from vulnerable to explosive in the blink of an eye.
“Cassie” was one of the most anticipated songs of the night, so when it appeared earlier in the set than on previous tours, it received an especially warm ovation. For those unfamiliar with the song’s backstory, it was written in honor of Cassie Bernall, who was killed in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
One of the many reasons “Fully Alive” remains a fan favorite is its inspirational message. Sturm penned the platinum-certified single in honor of a relative’s battle with cancer after they awoke simply grateful to be alive despite the circumstances. It’s a welcome reminder about perspective and choosing gratitude, even in suffering.
My personal favorite moment of the night came when the band played “I’m So Sick,” the double-platinum single about addiction, obsession and the desire to be free — about searching for a cure while feeling a devastating disease growing inside one’s soul. Seeing the song performed live again, especially after Sturm’s departure and the band’s subsequent hiatus, felt almost too good to be true. Almost.
As the performance drew to a close, Flyleaf saved its biggest hit for last. “All Around Me” is certified four times platinum, with lyrics centered on overwhelming love, whether romantic or spiritual. Their 80-minute set, spanning the band’s first three albums with a heavy emphasis on its debut for obvious reasons, was nearly flawless. Many in attendance admitted they never thought they’d have another opportunity to see Flyleaf perform live, making it especially fitting to end the evening with an uplifting anthem about love.
Setlist
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
photos + review: Brian Murphy