Brit Turner of Blackberry Smoke performs in Louisville in September 2019.Photo:Stephen J. Cohen/Getty
Stephen J. Cohen/Getty
Brit Turner, drummer for southern rock bandBlackberry Smoke, has died. He was 57.
The Atlanta-formed group revealed the newsvia Instagramon Sunday night and explained that Turner’s death comes after he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, in 2022.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother@britturner13has moved on from this life,” wrote Blackberry Smoke, which also features Charlie Starr, Richard Turner, Paul Jackson and Brandon Still as well as touring members Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb.
“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,” added the band.
“Brit was Blackberry Smoke’s True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band,” said the group, which was formed in 2000 and gained widespread recognition with its third album,The Whippoorwill, in 2012.
The band then opened up about Turner’s illness. “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,” continued its members.
Brit Turner of Blackberry Smoke in New York City in August 2012.Ray Tamarra/Getty
Ray Tamarra/Getty
“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,” concluded the post.
According to theMayo Clinic, “Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord.” The condition spreads quickly and “forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.”
Since rising to fame, Blackberry Smoke has performed alongside fellow musicians including Guns N' Roses,Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top,Eric Churchand Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Butch Walkercommented, “My longtime brother has moved on. I am heartbroken and have been crying all night but i know he’s finally at peace. Long live Brit Turner.”
Blackberry Smoke released its latest albumBe Right Herelast month, and the band is currently performing shows on a world tour in support of the record.
source: people.com
