Rock musician Brit Turner dies at 57
The American rock band Blackberry Smoke mourns the loss of its founding member Brit Turner. The drummer died at just 57 years old.
Brit Turner is dead. The American rock musician died on Sunday, March 3, 2024 as a result of cancer. He was 57 years old. His bandmates from Blackberry Smoke shared the sad news on Instagram.
“If you had the privilege of knowing Brit, you know that he was the most caring, compassionate, dedicated and loving person you could ever hope to meet,” a photo of the deceased reads.
Brit Turner was a leading figure in the group, “the compass that founded the ideology that will continue to guide the band in the future.”
The musician founded Blackberry Smoke in Atlanta in 2000 with his brother Richard Turner on bass, singer Charlie Starr and guitarist Paul Jackson. They were later joined by keyboardist Brandon Still.
With their “southern rock” the band serves various genres and landed hits in the American rock and country charts.
Their latest album “Be Right Here” was released on February 16th of this year. Brit Turner was also involved in this. In the fall of 2022, the musician was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor.
After an operation and therapy, he went on tour again with Blackberry Smoke until December 2023. However, he was forced to withdraw earlier this year due to his health condition.
The drummer has “fought every day” since his diagnosis, the band writes on Instagram and asks for support for Brit Turner’s family during this difficult time.
The musician leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Shannon Sorrells Turner, and their daughter Lana.
