By Renee Clark Quade
Some shows are just concerts. Others feel like you’ve been invited into a room with artists who are there to simply connect, create, and let loose. That’s exactly what happened when Ben Burnley of Breaking Benjamin brought his unplugged set to The Vine at Del Lago Casino, joined by Lacey Sturm and her husband, guitarist Joshua Sturm on July 18, 2025. What unfolded was an emotional and stripped-down night that blended rock nostalgia with something even deeper: authenticity.
Ben said early on how much he loves these kinds of shows because he can actually say hi to people and interact more. That spirit set the tone. This wasn’t about chasing perfection. It was about feeling the music and having fun with it.
The chemistry between Ben and Lacey was immediate. They took turns leading songs and harmonized with each other effortlessly. Their voices balanced one another beautifully, creating some truly magical moments throughout the night.
Lacey brought out some of the most iconic Flyleaf tracks, starting with “Fully Alive,” where she shared that the song was inspired by the wife of Kevin Palmer of Trust Company. Later, she tore into “I’m So Sick” with full screams that lit up the room. It was raw, unfiltered, and amazing. She also delivered moving renditions of “Sorrow,” “All Around Me,” “Arise,” and “So I Thought,” which Ben said was one of his favorite Flyleaf songs when he first heard them.
Ben held nothing back either. He gave us “Sacrifice,” “Awaken,” “Ashes of Eden,” and of course “Diary of Jane.” Hearing these songs in a more vulnerable format added a whole new layer to them. With Josh handling the guitar all night, Ben didn’t have to stay glued to his own, and it felt like that gave him the space to really open up. He was goofy, playful, and talkative. It was a side of him that fans rarely get to see during a full Breaking Benjamin set.
The covers sprinkled throughout the night were next level. Their take on Silverchair’s “Tomorrow” was one of the best I’ve ever heard. It was gritty and emotional without trying too hard. Ben and Lacey’s duet on “Cry Little Sister” from The Lost Boys soundtrack was haunting and moody in all the right ways. Lacey requested an Eric Clapton cover, “Tears in Heaven,” and her version gave me chills. It was soft and powerful all at once. Later, she and Josh performed Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” while Ben stepped aside, which added a sweet and gentle break to the night.
While Lacey took a breather, Ben and Josh played Nirvana’s “All Apologies,” giving us a taste of 90s angst in its most stripped form. The night closed out with everyone back on stage for a gripping version of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” It was the perfect way to end a show that had so much heart behind it.
Before stepping off stage, Ben repeatedly made heart hands to the crowd. You could tell he really meant it. He smiled, connected with fans, threw picks into the audience, and even took selfies with people in the front row. The whole night felt like it was created not for the sake of a tour schedule, but out of the pure love of music and performing.
It was raw. It was honest. And it was something I hope we get to experience again.
See photos from the show below:
