Blackberry Smoke recently announced through an Instagram post that they will continue touring following the passing of their drummer, Brit Turner.
Turner passed away at the age of 57 after a valiant fight against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. In the wake of this loss, Blackberry Smoke has resolved to proceed with their scheduled performances, including upcoming shows in West Des Moines, Medina, and Bowler. The band wrote the following on their post:
“Brothers and sisters, as we all navigate this time together, we wanted to let you know that our upcoming shows, including West Des Moines, Medina, and Bowler next week, will still be moving forward as planned. We hope that you join us out on the road to celebrate and honor Brit’s legacy in his way because that’s the best way. He wouldn’t dream of Blackberry Smoke coming to an end, and we will continue to play for him.”
A Courageous Battle Ends
The band expressed their sorrow on social media, sharing that Turner died on March 3. In their tribute, Blackberry Smoke highlighted Turner’s kindness, empathy, and inspirational role within the band, writing:
“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 since his diagnosis in the fall of 2022 and fought every day. We ask for prayers for his family and band brothers.”
‘Be Right Here,’ Blackberry Smoke’s latest album, stands as Turner’s final recording with the band. Released last month and produced by Dave Cobb, the album features a diverse sound that bridges rock, country, and Americana. The album’s release and Turner’s final performance in November 2023 at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, where he was joined on stage by his daughter Lana, a cancer survivor, marks an important chapter in the band’s history.
See their Instagram post below.
