Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
Galleries: Blackberry Smoke, 49 Winchester
Blackberry Smoke’s 8/23 concert at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre was a heartfelt tribute to their late drummer, Brit Turner. The evening was steeped in emotion, honoring the legacy of a founding member who was integral to the band’s sound and spirit.
The band kicked off with the rollicking “Sanctified Woman,” setting the tone with high-energy licks and that unmistakable Southern swagger. There was an emotional undercurrent throughout, though, especially as the band transitioned into “Like It Was Yesterday,” a ballad that seemed to hit different on this particular night—its lyrics reflecting on memories and loss in a way that resonated with the audience.
The night wasn’t all melancholy, though. The band fired up “Waiting for the Thunder” and “Hey Delilah” electrifying the amphitheater with thunderous riffs that had everyone on their feet. Lead singer Charlie Starr’s voice carried both power and tenderness, weaving stories of resilience and life in the South. The energy kept building, showcasing why Blackberry Smoke continues to be a staple in modern Southern rock.
Amongst the highlights of the night was when special guests joined the band to perform some of Brit’s favorite songs, offering a sense of celebration amidst the sorrow. Butch Walker’s rendition of Van Halen’s “Dance the Night Away” brought a joyful nostalgia to the stage, while Jesse James Dupree’s gritty take on AC/DC’s “Have a Drink on Me” got the crowd roaring in full force. And then, there was Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick joining for “Surrender,” turning the amphitheater into a full-blown rock spectacle with his iconic power chords and infectious energy.
Blackberry Smoke closed the night with “Ain’t Much Left of Me,” a powerful anthem that felt like a tribute to Turner, whose presence was palpable throughout the night. As the final notes echoed through the amphitheater, there was a bittersweet feeling in the air—a reminder of the fragility of life, but also a celebration of the enduring spirit of rock and roll.
In the end, this was not just a concert; it was a communal act of healing, of honoring a brother lost but never forgotten. Brit Turner’s legacy will live on in the music and the memories shared by Blackberry Smoke and their fans, who, on this night, felt more like family than ever before.