American rock band Blackberry Smoke is mourning the loss of beloved drummer and co-founder Britt Turner.
The musician passed away at the age of 57 after a nearly two-year battle with brain cancer, more specifically glioblastoma.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce to everyone that our brother Britt Turner has passed away. If you had the opportunity to know Britt on any level, we know that he was the most caring and empathetic person.” You knew him as a strong, driven, and lovable person.” We looked forward to meeting him,” the band said in a statement a representative shared with FOX News Digital.
Blackberry Smoke avoids politics and sticks to the music
Members of rock band Blackberry Smoke are mourning the death of drummer Britt Turner. (Rick Diamond/LSBB14/Getty Images, Blackbird Productions)
“Britt was the True North of Blackberry Smoke and the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band. Britt was diagnosed with glioblastoma in the fall of 2022 and has battled it every day since. Our prayers go out to his family and his band brethren,” they added. Britt’s biological brother Richard is the band’s bassist and backing vocalist.
Formed in 2000, the band also included lead vocalists Charlie Starr, Paul Jackson, and Brandon Still from its inception, and added rockers Benji Shanks and Preston Holcomb in 2018.
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Britt Turner was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022. (Keith Greiner/Getty Images)
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
“Further information about the arrangement will be announced soon. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and been there for England and his family throughout this fight,” the statement concluded. The group is currently on their “Be Right Here” international tour.
Blackberry Smoke is recognized as the first independent artist to reach #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The group first achieved success with her third studio album, “The Whipped A Will,” which ranked in the Billboard Top 40.
Blackberry Smoke is currently touring internationally. (Charlie Galley/ACMA2013/Getty Images for ACM)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Since gaining notoriety, Blackberry Smoke has performed with notable musicians including Zac Brown Band, Guns N’ Roses, Eric Church, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Zac Brown’s band posted a message of condolence on their Instagram Story: “Sending love to our brothers.” Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash wrote on Instagram: “Today we lost a great man and musician. #BrittTurner He will be sorely missed. To Britt’s family, friends and bandmates. My heart goes out to you. Rest in peace.” ”
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
