BTF in the news

From Ashes to Amplifiers - Beauty from Ashes Tour 2026 

The Bent to Fly: Beauty From Ashes Tour 2026 didn’t just kick off — it detonated. Five shows in, and what we’re witnessing isn’t just a tour… it’s a full-blown rock revival fueled by grit, redemption, and unapologetic volume. From dive bar sweat to theater-stage grandeur, the first leg has already carved out a legacy that fans won’t forget anytime soon.

From Ashes to Amplifiers

The tour opened with a raw, almost defiant energy — the kind that tells you something real is happening. Bent to Fly has always walked that line between melody and mayhem, but this run feels different. It’s heavier. More intentional. Like every note has a story behind it.

Front-woman ERIN WILSON has been a force of nature, commanding every stage with a mix of vulnerability and fire. Whether she’s belting out soaring choruses or pulling the crowd into quieter, emotional moments, she’s clearly in her element.

On guitar, TONY BURDO has been nothing short of explosive — ripping through solos with precision while still leaving room for that gritty, bluesy soul that defines the band’s sound. Paired with JASON WILSON, the dual-guitar attack has been a highlight of every show, trading riffs and building walls of sound that hit like a freight train.

Meanwhile, PAULIE DEE has been holding it all together with a low-end groove that you don’t just hear — you feel. And behind it all, HOWARD WILLIAMS has been the engine, relentless and locked in, driving each song forward with power and finesse.

Rocco’s Pub: Where It Got Personal

The early stops at Rocco’s Pub set the tone — intimate, loud, and completely unfiltered. These shows weren’t about production or polish; they were about connection. Fans showed out, singing every word, feeding off the band’s energy.

There’s something special about seeing a band like Bent to Fly in a venue like that. No barriers, no distance — just pure rock and roll chaos. It’s where the “Beauty From Ashes” theme really hit home, turning small stages into something almost sacred.

March 28, 2026 – MadLife Stage & Studios

Then came MadLife Stage & Studios on March 28, 2026 — a turning point.

This SOLD OUT show felt bigger, tighter, and more deliberate. The band hit their stride here, delivering a set that balanced raw aggression with polished musicianship. The crowd was electric, and you could feel the momentum building.

Standout moments included a blistering mid-set run that had the entire room moving, and a stripped-down performance that reminded everyone just how powerful their songwriting really is. It wasn’t just a great show — it was a statement: this tour is only getting started.

Rock and Roll Madness Unleashed

By the fourth and fifth shows, the tour had fully evolved into what can only be described as rock and roll madness. The band is feeding off the crowd, and the crowd is feeding right back. Every night feels unpredictable — louder, wilder, more intense.

Setlists are tightening, transitions are sharper, and the chemistry between the band members is undeniable. You’re not just watching musicians — you’re watching a unit that’s locked in and firing on all cylinders.

April 18, 2026 – Rock Extravaganza at the Historic Canton Theatre

And then there was the Rock Extravaganza at the Historic Canton Theatre on April 18, 2026 — a night that elevated everything.

The historic setting added a sense of scale and drama, and Bent to Fly rose to meet it. This wasn’t just another stop on the tour; it felt like a milestone. Lights, sound, video, performance — everything came together in a way that made it clear this band is operating on a higher level.  Bent To Fly's production elements took on a whole new presentation.

Each member had their moment to shine, but it was the collective energy that defined the night. The crowd left knowing they’d witnessed something special — not just a concert, but a moment in the band’s evolution.  THANKS TO DON'T TELL DANNY for inviting Bent To Fly to be a part of the Rock Extravagaza.

What’s Next?

Five shows in, and the Beauty From Ashes Tour 2026 is already living up to its name. It’s about transformation — not just for the band, but for everyone in the room.

If this opening run is any indication, Bent to Fly isn’t just touring… they’re building something bigger. Something louder. Something that refuses to be ignored.

Call Jason Wilson and book the band!  770-241-0373

Bent To Fly Returns to MadLife Stage & Studios – March 28th at 7 PM 

We’re coming home.

On March 28th at 7 p.m., Bent To Fly returns to the legendary MadLife Stage & Studios in downtown Woodstock — and we’re ready to rock it harder and louder than ever.

Through the years, MadLife has been more than just a venue for us. It’s been a proving ground. A celebration. A place where we’ve cranked the amps, felt the lights hit, and shared unforgettable nights with packed-out crowds — where Bent to Fly fans sold-out every show. That stills gives us the chills.

And now… we get to do it again.

A Stage Full of Memories

The first time we stepped onto the MadLife stage was in January 2022. We shook the rafters with a heavy rock version of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” and from that moment, something electric happened. The energy, the crowd, the sound — it all just clicked.

Since then, we’ve had the privilege of delivering some unforgettable performances:

Tony Burdo absolutely ripped the heavens apart with his soaring interpretation of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”

Erin Wilson sang the hell out of “Zombie,” by The Cranberries pouring heart and fire into every note.

And every time we hit that stage, we left it all there.
 

March 28th: Rock’s Greatest Hits – 80s & 90s

This time, we’re bringing a full-throttle celebration of Rock’s greatest hits from the 80s and 90s — the anthems that defined a generation.

Get ready for music from:

Guns N’ Roses

Mötley Crüe

Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers

Heart

Zepplin 

And more arena-shaking legends

Expect big vocals. Screaming guitars. Driving rhythms. Fists in the air. And that unmistakable MadLife magic.

Let’s Pack the House Again

If you’ve rocked with us before at MadLife, you know what kind of night this will be.

If you haven’t — this is the one.

We can’t wait to share the stage again, feel that crowd energy, and turn downtown Woodstock into a full-blown rock revival on March 28th.

Mark your calendar. Grab your tickets. Bring your friends.

Let’s make it another night to remember.

Bent To Fly
MadLife Stage & Studios
Downtown Woodstock
March 28th | 7 PM

Rock loud. Rock proud. See you there. 🤘

Beauty from Ashes 2026 Tour 

Beauty from Ashes 2026 Tour * Launch — December 5, 2025 

Let’s Do This

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Beauty from Ashes Tour, kicking off December 5, 2025, and continuing through 2026. This is more than a set of gigs—it’s a journey, a statement, a celebration of resilience, rock spirit, and the power of reinvention.

Why “Beauty from Ashes”?

We’ve all faced moments where the fire burns down to embers—loss, changes, setbacks. But in those ashes, something beautiful can rise. For Bent to Fly, this tour marks a new chapter: female-fronted, unapologetic, heavy rock that digs deep and soars high. This title captures our intent: to emerge stronger, to find creation from destruction, to make every riff, every lyric, every head bang count.

Launch Night – December 5 - Rocco’s Pub

Our opening night will set the tone. Expect raw energy, new songs, big-moment production, and a connection with fans that reminds us why we do what we do. Dress for rock, bring your passion, and come ready for a ride. Call Rocco’s to reserve your table! 

What to Expect on the Road

Here’s a snapshot of what the tour will deliver over the coming months:

  • Fresh material: We’ll be debuting new tracks that reflect our evolution—heavy grooves, melodic power, and the voice of our front-woman front and center.
  • Fan-first experiences: Meet-and-greets, VIP offerings, exclusive merch tied to the “Beauty from Ashes” theme, and maybe a few visual surprises!
  • A journey of cities & souls: From hometown gigs to regional hubs, expect a mix of familiar venues and new territories. We want to bring the tour spirit to you—whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering us for the first time.
  • Visual storytelling: Stage design, lighting, set lists—they all tie into the “rise-from-ashes” motif. Expect dramatic starts, blazing mid-sets, and triumphant climaxes.

Why This Tour Matters

To us, this isn’t just about playing shows—it’s about transformation. After months of rehearsing, and redefining “who we are,” the Beauty from Ashes Tour is our launchpad. It’s for anyone who’s felt the heat of adversity and chosen to rebuild. It’s for the rock warriors, the survivors, the dream-chasers. And it’s our promise: when the ashes settle, we’ll be there, rising.

Join Us

  • Visit our website benttoflyband.com for full tour routing, ticket links, and updates.
  • Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for behind-the-scenes, rehearsal snippets, and live tour diaries.
  • Be ready—December 5 is just the beginning.

Thank you to everyone who’s been with us on this ride so far. Next year is going to be wild. We’re coming strong. We’re coming loud. We’re rising.

Let’s rise together. 💥🤘

— Erin, Bent to Fly

BTF Introductions 

Time to introduce our newest bandmates. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have met SOOOOOOO many fantastic musicians in our area that all have a burning passion for rock and roll and passion for live music that we are proud to partner with Tony Burdo OG member, Paulie Dee the Bassman and Howard Williams on the kit!
TONY BURDO - OG Lead Guitar w/ Bent to Fly - Tony Burdo has performed and shared the stage with many people in the Christian/Gospel Music Industry including: Randy Stonehill, Steve Camp, Phil Driscoll, Phil Keaggy, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, Ron Kenoly, the Newsboys, Delirious, and many others. He is also a published songwriter and recording artist streaming worldwide on Apple Music and Spotify as Tony & Michele Burdo. He began performing live at the age of twelve with his Uncle’s Mexican band. He went on to study Jazz Guitar at Bowling Green State University. He completed his studies with a Bachelor in Music Education from Lee University.
PAULIE DEE - NY born and raised with a lifetime experience playing in his fair share of bands both in NY and ATL. He has played with some of the best in the industry, John Petrucci, Guitar Wizard with Dream Theater, Cliff Davies, Drummer and co-producer w/ Ted Nugent, Ben Powers Jr. drum extraordinaire with the original P that included members of Parliament-Funkadelic and Richie Cannata, saxophonist w/ Billy Joel and owner of world-renowned Cove City Sound Studios. His passion is for music, simply written, Hey Ho! Let's GOOOOO!
HOWARD WILLIAMS - Howard has been a musician since the age of 7 playing multiple instruments while learning music and music theory. Drums were his passion and quickly moved into rock bands. From there he gravitated towards progressive rock where he was influenced by bands such as Rush, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree. His love of Rock led him into Original bands from the 80’s until now. He just recently made the move from writing and recording with original bands to performing with cover bands. His love of performance on stage, and powerful playing make him the perfect combination for Bent to Fly.
SAY A HELL YA for the newest members of Bent To Fly!!!

LET THERE BE ROCK! 

A year since Bent To Fly last took the stage. Our final show at Rocco’s Pub in September 2024 became the unexpected prelude to the great pause.
With a few bandmates heading in new directions, and Jason and I watching all three of our adult children plan their weddings, it was time to lay Bent To Fly as we knew it to rest. We didn’t know if we’d ever bring it back. Life had other plans.
Over the next eight months, our family celebrated three weddings — November 1, May 10, and June 14 — transforming the Wilson clan from five to eight and filling our hearts with joy, exhaustion, and unforgettable memories.
When the final “I do” was said this summer, we finally had a moment to breathe — and we felt that familiar spark again. We looked at each other and asked, Is it time to let there be rock?
Because here’s the truth: we love live music. We love rock and roll. And we love sharing it with our community.
So we started fresh — auditioning new members, rebuilding our rhythm section, and reigniting the fire that started it all.
From the ashes, Bent To Fly is reborn.
We can’t wait to sing, dance, and rock with you again — bringing back your favorite, hardest-hitting anthems from the ‘80s through the 2000s. These are the songs most local bands don’t dare to touch… but we’re ready to fly again.
Stay tuned. New faces, familiar energy, and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll are coming your way.
CHEERS to the rebirth. Let there be rock! - Erin