The music community has suffered another heartbreaking loss.
Shorty after the release of their 8th studio album, Be Right Here, Blackberry Smoke has confirmed that their drummer, Brit Turner, has tragically passed away at the age of 57. Brit was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022, and had surgery to remove a tumor. Brit also suffered a heart attack in 2022.
The band released the following statement:
“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.
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.”
A number of folks in the country music community took to social media to share their condolences, including Cody Canada, Muscadine Bloodline, Drake White, Randy Houser, The Cadillac Three, Duane Betts, The Steel Woods, Tanner Usrey and more.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Brit’s family and friends during this extremely difficult and heartbreaking time.
RIP.