Blackberry Smoke’s drummer, Brit Turner, a founding member of the Southern rock & roll band, passed away on March 3, 2024, Sunday. He was 57 years old.
Renowned for his unparalleled skills as a drummer, and crew maestro, and his enthusiasm and kindness, Brit left an indelible mark on the industry. His multifaceted talents and infectious passion for all things music endeared him to countless artists and fans alike. Read on to know more about his death in detail.
Brit Turner passed away:
Brit Turner, a talented drummer of Blackberry Smoke passed away suddenly leaving his friends and followers in a deep sorrow. His passing was verified by his band in a social media post.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother @britturner13 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,” the band stated.
“Brit was Blackberry Smoke’s True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band.”
As we bid farewell to this iconic figure, we celebrate the life and contributions of Brit Turner, a talented drummer from Blackberry Smoke.
Who was Brit Turner?
Turner, who was born on May 8, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia, developed an early interest in music. He began playing the drums at the age of eight and continued to improve his skills throughout his youth, eventually leading him to take up a professional career in music.
Brit Turner was a key founding member of Blackberry Smoke, which was formed in 2000. He started the band with his childhood friend Charlie Starr, and the two of them went on to become very successful and well-known in the Southern rock scene.
Brit Turner- founding member of Blackberry Smoke:
Growing up in the 1980s, Turner got obsessed with a different genre: hard rock and heavy metal, specifically AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden, which he learned to play.
His brother Richard Turner played bass in the thrash-metal group Nihilist, which he founded in 1988. Eventually, the sibling rhythm section returned to their native South and formed Blackberry Smoke with singer-guitarist Charlie Starr and guitarist Paul Jackson.
Then shortly after came Brandon Still, the keyboardist. Turner said, “It was straight up rock and roll, Americana, Southern rock, and traditional country after I got heavy metal out of my system.”
In 2015, Blackberry Smoke released “Holding All the Roses,” which peaked at No. 1 on the US Rock charts, marking their presence in the music industry.
Famous Albums:
The band achieved their first major success in 2009 with “Good One Comin’ On,” a song written by David Lee Murphy, Lee Roy Parnell, and Gary Nicholson for Blackberry Smoke’s Little Piece of Dixie album.
Their album, The Whippoorwill LP, was released in 2012 by Southern Ground Records, owned by Zac Brown, and it reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country Albums chart. However, the album Holding All the Roses, which included hits like “Too High” and “Rock and Roll Again,” marked the group’s big breakthrough in 2015 when it debuted at the top of the country charts.
Like an Arrow, the follow-up, also peaked at number one and, with gritty songs like “Waiting for the Thunder,” solidified the band’s reputation as both Southern rock pioneers.
One of the last songs Gregg Allman recorded before passing away in 2017 was featured on the album’s last track, “Free on the Wing.”
Turner not only played the drums for Blackberry Smoke but also contributed to the album’s aesthetic and created the cover for their album, Be Right Here. It was released in February and marked the band’s reunion with producer Dave Cobb (of 2021’s You Hear Georgia).
Brit Turner cause of death:
Turner was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, and had surgery to remove a tumor in November 2022.
After his brain surgery in 2022, Turner resumed touring with Blackberry Smoke, though his health forced him to miss a few shows. The band announced in December that drummer Kent Aberle would be taking over for Turner, who would be missing a number of shows to continue his treatment for glioblastoma.
Unfortunately, a sad news broke out on social media that Turner passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. Tributes flooded social media as soon as this sad news broke out.
Tributes to Brit Turner:
Tina Ulrich posted,
Such sad news. Brit Turner was such a kind and caring man. Please, keep Shannon, Lana and the entire family and band in your thoughts and prayers.
Shady Sadie posted,
Tonight, on March 3, 2024, Brit Turner succumbed to Brain Cancer he had been fighting for several years. As most of you know Shady Sadie has the utmost admiration for Britt and the boys in Blackberry Smoke. RIP Brit, you will forever be remember and missed. God gained a good one this evening. please say a prayer for his family and Blackberry Smoke during these times.
Traci Gearhart wrote,
RIP. Brit Turner …Sending Love strength and prayers to his wife Shannon & Daughter Lana. It’s a tremendous hit for the Blackberry Smoke Family and Brit will live on forever in the Music & moments we’ve shared. Sending Group Hugs to all who grieve his loss….
An angel looking down.
Love you Brit. See you on the other side my friend
John George posted,
Such a huge loss. Heartbroken , gutted and crushed are all understatements. This world lost a great one today. RIP Brit Turner you will be greatly missed by the thousands upon thousands of people your life touched.
Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center posted,
We are deeply saddened to see the news that Brit Turner of Blackberry Smoke has tragically passed away after a long fight with cancer.
He rocked both the #SantanderArena and #SantanderPAC behind the kit with the band over the years with the band and our thoughts goes out to his bandmates and family during this time.
