The southern rock community is mourning the loss of a very special soul and player.
Beloved founding drummer of Blackberry Smoke, Brit Turner, passed away yesterday after a nearly two-year battle with glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer.
The band confirmed the news via a tribute post on their social media.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother Brit Turner has moved on from this life. If you had the privilege of knowing Brit on any level, you know he was the most caring, empathetic, driven and endearing person one could ever hope to meet. Brit was Blackberry Smoke’s True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band.
Brit has battled glioblastoma [an aggressive form a brain cancer] since his diagnosis in the fall of 2022 and fought every day. We ask for prayers for his family and band brothers. More information on arrangements will be forthcoming. Thank you to everyone who has supported and been there for Brit and his family through this fight.”
Since forming in 2000, the group has gone on to release six EPs, two live albums, and eight studio albums, two of which hit number one on the Billboard Country albums chart. 2015’s Holding All The Roses, produced by Brendan O’Brien, was the first non-mainstream country album released by a smaller, independent label to snag the top spot on this Billboard chart. Their 2016 album Like An Arrow accomplished the same feat.
Blackberry Smoke’s latest album Be Right Here was released February 16th of this year.
Since forming in 2000, the group has gone on to release six EPs, two live albums, and eight studio albums, two of which hit number one on the Billboard Country albums chart. 2015’s Holding All The Roses, produced by Brendan O’Brien, was the first non-mainstream country album released by a smaller, independent label to snag the top spot on this Billboard chart.
Their 2016 album Like An Arrow accomplished the same feat.
Blackberry Smoke’s latest album Be Right Here was released February 16th of this year.
Many of Turner’s peers and friends in the music community have spoken out with tremendous sadness in the wake of his passing.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter and producer Butch Walker posted a loving tribute on his social media, saying, “… I still can’t believe you’re gone. I’m crying so many tears tonight and listening to your music so I can at least feel and hear you in my presence. Just know that you haven’t left my side today. I love you Brit Turner. I hope you feel peace. I hope you know what joy and love you have given this world.”
Adam Hood joined the chorus of those sharing their fond memories and photos of the drummer from a session in Macon’s very own Capricorn Sound Studios, posting the following on his Facebook page.
Blues-rock guitar man Joe Bonamassa shared the band’s post on his Instagram with the caption, “Devastating… Rest In Peace. My heart goes out to Brit’s family, friends, and bandmates.”
Silverada (formerly Mike & the Moonpies) also shared the Blackberry Smoke post, commenting, “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Brit Turner. We send our deepest condolences to the Blackberry Smoke family. RIP to a legend.”
The Creek sends our heartfelt condolences to Turner’s family, friends, and the entire Blackberry Smoke team during this time of sorrow.