Brit Turner, drummer for the popular Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke, has died at age 57, the group announced on social media.
He had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a cancer of the brain, and underwent surgery for the aggressive condition in November 2022. Following that treatment, Turner continued to play with Blackberry Smoke on tour through December 2023.
“It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother Brit Turner has moved on from this life,” the group said in its statement. “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.”
