Blackberry Smoke on Tour
Though they've had their biggest success in the country market, the guys in Blackberry Smoke are rock 'n' rollers at heart. When they hit the concert stage, that becomes immediately apparent, but of course, so does the twangy side of their sound. Ultimately, what comes across is a roots-rocking blend that incorporates the influences of classic Southern rock, '70s/'80s heartland rockers and yes, a dash of modern country. And whether they're delivering a chugging good-time tune like "Rock and Roll Again" or a reflective ballad like "Let Me Down Easy," what comes through the loudest is the band's authenticity. These ol' boys are the real deal, playing it their own way with no nonsense and no rock-star moves. And since they do exactly what they feel, don't be surprised if that extends to covers of songs by their favorite artists such as Little Feat, The Grateful Dead or Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Blackberry Smoke in Concert
Blackberry Smoke has always done things their own way, rising to stardom by building an audience from the ground up, remaining resolutely independent and staying true to their roots. The band formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, with singer/guitarist Charlie Starr, guitarist Paul Jackson, and brothers Richard and Brit Turner on bass and drums, respectively, and that lineup remained intact into their breakthrough and beyond, adding keyboardist Brandon Still in 2009. They released their debut album, Bad Luck Ain't No Crime, in 2003, but it wasn't until their third album, 2012's The Whippoorwill, that Blackberry Smoke started achieving major commercial traction. Their next record, 2015's Holding All the Roses, reached No. 1 on the country charts as well as No. 29 on the pop tally, underscoring the band's pan-genre appeal. Their homegrown blend of Southern rock and country has remained authentic and untainted through it all.
