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Features

Group At Work: Blackberry Smoke

Photo by Zack Arias. Also be sure to watch this live performance video recorded at Relix.

***

Don’t expect Charlie Starr, frontman of Blackberry Smoke, to cut his hair anytime soon.

Although Starr might not fight lions—as Samson did when he lost his strength after his hair was cut according to the Bible—he and his bandmates have battled for years to rise through the musical ranks. So the hair thing, well, why take chances?

“That one guy has his hair cut,” says Starr. “And we know how that turned out.”

After more than 12 years of bumping along back roads and highways and playing 250 gigs annually, Blackberry Smoke has gained some musical traction. In the early days, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and Kid Rock were names on their iPod playlists. Now, members of those bands are among the friends and fans of Blackberry Smoke.

The band, which took its name from a suggestion by The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, is touring behind its new album The Whippoorwill —their first for Zac Brown’s Southern Ground label—and the buzz is good.

“I don’t know if it’s a turning point, but this album definitely shows the evolution of the band,” says Starr. “The vibe was different than any time we had been in the studio before. Everything was clicking, firing on all cylinders, and we knew this album was something special.”

Starr brought 22 songs to the band for this album. After winnowing it to 20, the five members played the songs for Brown. He chose 17 and left it to the bandmates to h the number to 12.

But midway through the recording process, Brown called Starr and asked him if he was superstitious. He wanted “Crimson Moon,” a personal favorite, on the album.

“I told him 13 songs are fine with me,” says Starr.

Such heady stuff is what keeps Starr and his bandmates moving toward the next musical rung.

“We’ve seen our fans get as excited as we are, if you can believe that,” he says. “And people are sending us reviews and it’s heartwarming to read what they write. Some people give us compliments comparing us to Skynyrd or Little Feat. I can’t put into words what things like that mean to us.”

Comments

There are 30 comments associated with this post

danroach October 10, 2012, 17:08:12

Best set of songs this genre has produced in 20 years….I have kept track of these guys for some time now and the heart and intention is nothing short of honorable…real songs for real people…..should win album of the year in all catagories(IMHO)....good on ya fellas…I like to call Brit Turner “the Boot”,because his right foot is like a boot in your ass….Great licks in the style of Charlie Watts,Bass guitar by Brother Rich is fat and loaded with passion…Cradle all that bottom with tasteful,honest guitar and keyboards and you have enough color to keep everybody wrapped around the simply suttle vocal stylings of Mr.Starr.Pure magic of days goneby and a fresh outlook on a bunch of Ol Classic Cowboys playin from the heart….

Man these guys are awesome! And proving that hard work and persistence are still the keys to real success in the music business. Screw a bunch of contest winners fast-tracked to the top, BBS keep on truckin'!!! October 10, 2012, 17:38:07

check out southerndrawlband.com, we’re working hard and coming on right behind BBS

Monica Ridenour October 10, 2012, 18:18:03

Heard these guys for the first time a few weeks ago, opening for Zac Brown Band and I am hooked!!! Their sound just soothes the soul. Theres nothing out there nowadays that can compare!! I can’t get enough!!

Jewel October 10, 2012, 18:51:36

My husband is rock and roll, I’m country, and this band saved our marriage. Been to see BBS 4 times this year. I’ll never get tired of hearing this band!

clay October 10, 2012, 18:52:02

Actually found BBS on Youtube. I’ve not been this fired up about a band since we lost Ronnie Van Zant.

Debbie October 10, 2012, 21:17:55

Blackberry Smoke is simply the best! All the guys are so talented and they love their fans as much as we love them. They are never to busy to sign autographs, take pictures, hang out with us.” The Whippoorwill” is a masterpiece from beginning to end.

Frederick Byrnes October 10, 2012, 21:47:46

Real musicians playing real music. Saw them recently at Irving Plaza in NYC, kick ass show.Whipporwill is a great album, hopefully a breakout for the band to a wider audience, they deserve it.

Feds October 11, 2012, 01:51:34

As a fellow musician, i can say these guys are the Real Deal! They get better and better…...classic rock for the new generation…thank God. Keep rollin’ on boys, cant wait to hear what y’all come up with next! Cheers, Feds (Soul River Dogs)

Mike Ginsberg October 11, 2012, 19:34:47

Saw these guys on a whim at the Jefferson in Charlottesville, VA and wound up buying all the cds prior to the show. All three are incredible with no filler songs whatsoever. The Whippoorwill is easily the best cd I’ve bought in years. It reminds me of when I used to buy Skynyrd albums before the members of BBS were born. They absolutely kick ass in concert and have a lot of fun with the crowd. My wife and I were lucky enough to meet them when we part of their “street crew”- incredibly nice, very humble- the kind of guys you really root for to achieve huge success. I’m taking my 12 yr old daughter to see BBS open for Zac Brown tomorrow night and have convinced her to be part of the street team before the show. I cannot wait to watch her experience BBS in concert- I’ll be having a ball and she will be having the musical education experience of her life.

kelly faur October 13, 2012, 16:33:53

we seen them in urbana il and at joe’s on weed street chicago. they are the best, finally another great band like some of the old greats. They are right up there with Zep, Tucker and Jennings and many more. We got pics and autograghs, it was a great time. We even got to hang out with paul and brandon for awhile havin a few cocktails. ....two in the pink one in the stink…..THAT’S RIGHT......

Tim Dorsey October 13, 2012, 19:39:36

I have been a fan since I heard the first song. These guys are the best thing to come along in the last 20 years. If you dig the sound of the CD, then you will get a real treat when you attend a live show. Great musicians, and real damn nice fellas to boot. Do yourself a favor and go see the future of the Southern Rock Genre.

ron whitecraft October 14, 2012, 15:09:19

BlackBerry smoke if back in 70s would of past all southern rock bands better than skynyrd blending allman midnight rider into there own song is amazing plus other artistes is the different edge to the band

flaurete chicilitti October 14, 2012, 17:17:39

Saw at havannas new hope pa played up in smoke people where jumping all the way out in the street listening to the band outside the club my boyfriend a skynyrd nut who has a picks from medlocke rossington and drum sticks from skynyrd now says smoke is better there music is real to life

lacey October 14, 2012, 17:35:28

At 14 my dad a southern rock drummer grew up with southern rock my crowd here’s rap I heard my dad play up in smoke now on my iPod holly cow for bbs lets stop rap and bring on smoke like a freight train comin

C Tucker October 15, 2012, 16:12:36

l have been a BBS fan for close to a decade. Never will forget the first studio cut CD a very close mutual friend of the band gave me as a B- day gift. l put the disc in and was Immediately and thoroughly blown away from the first to the last track. Hands down the best southern rock band ln decades! All the previous comments are dead on, Real songs, gritty lyrics and timeless southern rock tradition are these guys staple. They’re sound is truly one of a kind and reminds u how good music used to be. Hats off to the band whom l’ve met, drank with and followed from stage to bar for years with. Signing with, and opening for ZBB, will hopefully be the catylst to their superstardom! Great guys Great Music, and a 3 legged chicken-

Diane brandies October 16, 2012, 08:36:26

My husband (Stan) first heard BBS on TV. He recorded it 70’s, was so impressed and right away picked up on the unique talent the band showed and we are HOOKED! Our first live show was November 2011 in Jax Beach, Florida and we have traveled to 14 shows since then. We spread our love for them and their music almost daily. On our way to Largo, Florida in the morning for another show. They are the real deal!

Diane brandies October 16, 2012, 15:26:34

Mike Hatler October 17, 2012, 20:19:59

Love these guys. Can’t stop listening to all the CD’s. Had the pleasure of seeing them twice. Here is a link to get the official release of their set at the Peach Music Festival in August.
https://www.munckmusic.com/wms/random/index.html

Scott Dempster October 18, 2012, 16:47:11

These fellas rocked the joint I work at (Largo Cultural Center) in Fla.last night! I was Roger McGuinn’s bass player in the 1990’s but lemme tell you these guys are goin places! All the success they get is well deserved!! ~~SKD~~

Louie NYC October 18, 2012, 19:05:44

Look, these guys are some of the greatest musicians and even greater people that i have met in a very long time. they have proven that they are one of the best live (and recorded) bands to have ever graced my eardrums. they deserve to NOT be compared to anyone else. listen to any of their music and learn that it stands on its own. i do however like to call them the new sons of southern rock. i have seen them 9 times and the band members know me by name. that says a lot about how these guys feel about their fans. they always hang around after their shows and greet the fans, sign autographs and take pictures. keep it up boys!

Sandy Talley October 22, 2012, 14:31:46

I am so excited that they just played for our Seafood Festival in Richmond Hill. I have known who they were for several years and have had so much fun turning my friends into their fans. I had to work the admissions so I did not get to see the performance but they were so sweet in the meet n greet and signed my shirt. They were supposed to play for my birthday a few years back at Wild Bill’s in Atlanta but Kid Rock wanted them so they blew me off. Can you believe that? LOL!!! My boys The Tyler Hammond Band did get to open for them at The Smoke on the Water festival last year so I hope to see them agarin real soon. They ROCK!!!!!!!

Bill October 25, 2012, 12:12:01

First saw BBS on direct tv and was hooked. I looked ahead at direct tv scheduel and recorded it.Turned some friends on to it now they are as hooked as I am. Their lyrics are from the heart and soul and represent what people feel and deal with in daily living. I just saw them for the second time last nite in Raleigh “BAD ASS” show as always.Thanks for spending time with the fans after the show for autographs and pictures, not many bands as kick ass as you are willing to hang with the fans. Just another trait that makes BBS a truly aewsome band. See you at the Lincoln theatre next year.Till then I will be spreading the smoke.Thank you all for autographing my guitar last nite after the show. It is now one of my most cherished possessions.

Greg Smith October 25, 2012, 20:15:31

Saw these guys on direct tv. Had never heard of them until then, don’t know why. They are addictive. Trying to market them in Nebraska. They definately have something going for them. I dont’ like crowds but I will certainly go see them when they come this way.

terry stump October 25, 2012, 21:04:33

Heard BBS a year or so ago.And i cannot get enough of them!Greatest band i heard in 40 years.Stay true to your music,you guys have got it figured out.See you in Bham,AL in Dec.Will spread the smoke to everyone i know. thanks

Kenny from Scotland November 8, 2012, 09:17:01

First seen these guys on skynyrd“s simple man cruise 2008 and each cruise since . Also got see them in Fort Lauderdale“s culture room . An amazing band and as a lot of posts say also a great bunch of guys who will happily have picture taken and chat with you . New cd is awsone and surely a massive future is there for this hard working band . Brilliant music. Only hope they can come over and play a gig in Scotland .

Teresa November 18, 2012, 10:20:06

Watched them on Paladia and was hooked instantly.
Just saw them live for the first time, House of Blues, Orlando, Florida. Wow! You guys are awesome. Loved It! We are planning on seeing
you again soon in Florida! Until then keep on rocking!

Robin Riddle March 8, 2013, 14:13:52

saw BBS, Sold out show in Indianapolis,Had to see tham again! i cant get enought! They give it all they got, sooooo goooood, Love Tham,
Ha, Charlie, pls come back to Indiana, we all love you Brother….....

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