The Kentucky night was alive on June 1, 2025, when Blackberry Smoke took the Burl Stage at Railbird Festival. Their 8:00 p.m. set brought rugged Southern rock to Lexington’s Red Mile, electrifying the crowd. Consequently, fans, now thick in the infield, roared for their barroom anthems. For an hour, this Atlanta band delivered a gritty finale, sealing Day 2 with raw power.

Their performance was a mix of soulful hooks and blistering riffs. For instance, they opened with “One Horse Town,” its steady groove hooking fans fast. Meanwhile, Charlie Starr’s vocals carried a weathered, soulful bite, like a highway poet. The band—tight and fiery—kept the energy high, with Paul Jackson’s guitar wailing. Moreover, “Ain’t Much Left of Me” had fans shouting along, its raw edge sparking cheers. By the end, with “Waiting for the Thunder,” the crowd was wild, lost in their sound.

From Atlanta Bars to Southern Rock Legends

Blackberry Smoke formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, born from late-night jams in local dives. The core members—Charlie Starr (born June 11, 1974), Paul Jackson (born ~1973), Richard Turner (born ~1968), Brit Turner (born 1977, died 2024), and Brandon Still (born ~1975)—grew up in the South’s rock scene. Starr, the frontman, picked up guitar at 10, inspired by his dad’s Allman Brothers records. Jackson, also on guitar, fell for blues after hearing Muddy Waters. Richard’s bass came from funk roots, Brit’s drums from Skynyrd, and Still’s keys from gospel.

Their early gigs in Atlanta bars built a loyal following. Consequently, their 2003 debut, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, caught regional attention. By 2012, The Whippoorwill broke through, with “One Horse Town” hitting rock charts. For example, they’ve headlined festivals like Peach Fest and toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now based in Atlanta, they blend Southern rock, country, and blues, often compared to The Black Crowes. Brit Turner’s 2024 death from cancer hit hard, but drummer Benji Shanks joined to honor his legacy.

Bands and Bandmates

Blackberry Smoke is the main project for all members, with no major side bands noted. Their current lineup includes:

• Charlie Starr – vocals, guitar
• Paul Jackson – guitar, vocals
• Richard Turner – bass
• Benji Shanks – drums (since 2024)
• Brandon Still – keys

They’ve collaborated with Zac Brown Band and Gov’t Mule. Meanwhile, Starr’s marriage to his high school sweetheart keeps his personal life quiet, with no artist romances noted. For instance, the band’s focus on brotherhood and music drives their image, not tabloid gossip. Their tight chemistry fuels their live shows, keeping the spotlight on their craft.

Television, Film, and Awards

Their media presence is solid, tied to their veteran status. They performed “One Horse Town” on The Late Show in 2015. Additionally, their song “Ain’t Much Left of Me” was featured in a 2016 episode of Sons of Anarchy, boosting streams. For awards, they won the 2016 Georgia Music Awards for Band of the Year. Moreover, they were nominated for the 2019 Americana Music Awards’ Duo/Group of the Year but didn’t win. In 2023, they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, a major honor. Their legacy points to broader hall of fame talks down the road.

Biggest Songs

Their music dominates rock and country charts, with a few tracks standing out:

• “One Horse Town” – Written by Charlie Starr, this 2012 single has over 50 million streams, a Southern classic.
• “Ain’t Much Left of Me” – Penned by Starr, this 2012 track from The Whippoorwill is a live staple.
• “Waiting for the Thunder” – Written by Starr, this 2016 song from Like an Arrow hit rock radio.

Controversies

Blackberry Smoke has mostly stayed clean, but they’ve faced minor flak. In 2018, Starr’s comments defending Confederate flag imagery at concerts sparked backlash. He clarified it was about heritage, not hate, and the band stopped using it. Consequently, the issue split fans but faded after apologies. Additionally, a 2022 tour cancellation due to Brit Turner’s cancer treatment drew some fan grumbles, though most showed support. Otherwise, their focus on music and brotherhood keeps drama low, letting their sound lead.

The Railbird Roadhouse

At Railbird, Blackberry Smoke turned the Burl Stage into a Southern rock barroom. Their set felt like a late-night jam. For instance, “One Horse Town” opened with Starr’s gritty vocals, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, their banter—about Atlanta dives and Brit Turner’s spirit—drew cheers from the crowd. Jackson’s guitar in “Ain’t Much Left of Me” wailed fierce, sparking wild shouts.

The stage setup was rugged—guitars, bass, keys, and big drums—with a Georgia flag and Brit’s old cymbal as a tribute. As a result, the crowd, a mix of rock fans and festivalgoers, got rowdy, snapping photos. During “Waiting for the Thunder,” Still’s keys added a gospel touch, earning hollers. Moreover, their cover of Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream” was a crowd-pleaser, its drive connecting with all ages.

Yet, the set had a small snag. A brief power glitch during “Ain’t Much Left of Me” dimmed the stage, but Shanks’ drum solo saved it. Additionally, sound bleed from the Limestone Stage muddled quieter moments, frustrating some fans. Nevertheless, the crowd stayed locked in, singing along by the end. The Burl Stage buzzed with raw fire, fans raving about their grit.

Their performance was a Day 2 triumph, blending Southern rock with festival soul. For example, Starr’s tribute to Brit Turner before “Waiting for the Thunder” felt raw, resonating with fans. Meanwhile, their music carried a timeless weight, appealing to young and old. Consequently, they proved they’re festival giants, closing the Burl Stage with authority. Their set was a nod to Railbird’s love for rootsy powerhouses.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of Starr’s solos and hunting for merch. Their performance showed why Railbird champions veteran acts. Blackberry Smoke brought heart, fire, and a touch of Atlanta dust, making the Burl Stage their own. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a blazing cap to Day 2’s night. The Kentucky air seemed to hum with their grit as their notes faded.