Recently, the music industry has been grappling with pain and distress as they lost their iconic figure. Brit Turner, a talented drummer and the founding member of the Blackberry Smoke band, sadly passed away at 57 on March 3, 2024.
Cause of demise:
The reason behind the great drummer’s tragic death was glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. Last November, he underwent surgery and removed his tumor; he continued his tours with the Blackberry band and performed in different shows, but due to facing some decline in health, he missed a few shows, so the band arranged Kent Aberle as Brit’s alternate.
As he was not doing well, and after battling a valiant fight with brain cancer, he ultimately lost his life and left behind the music world, mourning. The Blackberry band announced his death in a statement,
With the most profound sorrow, 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. 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.
About Brit Turner:
The legendary Brit Turner was born on May 8, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia; as a teenager, he had an interest in music, started playing the drums, and polished his skills with time as he chose it as his career. Along with his childhood buddy Charlie Starr, in 2000, they founded the Blackberry Smoke band. His drumming gave Blackberry Smoke’s music its beat and functioned as the band’s heartbeat, bringing together music lovers from diverse backgrounds.
Beyond simply being the band’s drummer, he played a crucial role in shaping Blackberry Smoke’s sound and reputation. Every rhythm he played exuded talent, emotion, and attention to the song, enhancing the band’s sound and enthralling listeners around the globe.
The song “Holding All the Roses,” which Blackberry Smoke released in 2015, became their breakthrough hit and the number-one song on the US Rock charts.
Besides his musical accomplishments, Brit was adored for his nice attitude, contagious grin, and sincere generosity. Both on and off stage, he had a way of relating to people and making an effect that lasted. Everyone who had the honor of knowing him treasured his friendship, and his presence made everyone around him happier.
Tributes:
Donnie Smith shared a post,
“Rest in Peace Brit Turner. We just heard. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. I’ll never forget meeting BBS for the 1st time. Rhiannon Smith wanted a drum stick and Brit sent someone to get her one from the stage. She slept with it!! We’ve lost not only a great musician but a great person. Please keep his wife Shannon and daughter Lana in your thoughts as well as Blackberry Smoke and their families. This is gonna be soo hard on them all. Sad day in music….”
Funeral Services:
Details regarding the last rituals will be provided soon as his loved ones want to bid him farewell; his fans will continue the legacy he left behind, along with fellow drummers and band members. He had to do much more for the music industry, but sadly, he left this world too soon; this is a challenging time for the entire music industry, so keep remembering him in your prayers.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
