At a recent solo performance, Flyleaf vocalist Lacey Sturm surprised fans with an unexpected nu-metal collaboration. During her set on February 28th at Spirit Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founding KoRn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch made a special appearance, seamlessly blending his band's signature song "Blind" with Flyleaf’s breakthrough single, "I’m So Sick."
As the set neared its end, Welch stepped onto the stage, and the band launched into the iconic intro of "Blind." Welch channeled his inner Jonathan Davis "Are you ready?" before transitioning into Flyleaf’s 2005 hit. The two tracks were intertwined in a surprisingly cool and cohesive way that was a definite unique treat for the attendees.
Lacey Sturm first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of Flyleaf, a band that blended alternative metal, hard rock, and post-grunge. Formed in 2002, Flyleaf gained mainstream attention with their self-titled 2005 debut album, featuring hits like "I’m So Sick" and "Fully Alive." Sturm’s raw, passionate vocal delivery and faith-driven lyrics set her apart in the rock scene and made Flyleaf one of the most promising up and coming acts in the heavy scene.
In 2012, she left Flyleaf to focus on family and her personal faith journey, later launching a solo career that maintained her heavy, emotive style. Her 2016 debut solo album, Life Screams, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums chart. After years apart, she reunited with Flyleaf in 2022 for select performances.
As one of the founding members of Korn, Brian "Head" Welch played a pivotal role in shaping the nu-metal genre. Korn’s self-titled 1994 debut album introduced a heavier, sludgy and detuned guitar style that became a trademark of nu metal and later on with metalcore, post hardcore, and many other heavy and alternatve genres. Much like Sturm, Welch made headlines when he left KoRn after becoming a born-again Christian. He later pursued a solo career, forming the band Love and Death, which blended heavy rock with spiritual and religious themes. In 2013, he rejoined Korn, bringing his faith-driven perspective into the band while continuing to push their evolving sound.
I give all that background say that both Sturm and Welch in their own capacities and backgrounds have brought a lot to their own bands and to the nu metal scene at large, so it's an extra treat to see two people who have done so well both within and outside of their main band endeavors collaborate in such a way that gives homage to two of their most iconic songs they've ever made.
Lacey Sturm and Flyleaf are continuing with some different tour dates this year that can be seen below.
Lacey Sturm / Flyleaf Tour Dates 2025
3/21 – Marion Center, PA – Rayne Drop Inn (Lacey Sturm, SOLO)
3/22 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live (Lacey Sturm, SOLO)
5/17 – Ocean City, MD – Boardwalk Rock (Flyleaf)
9/21 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life festival (Flyleaf)
