Blackberry Smoke Deliver Southern Rock Grit in Nashville
Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN | August 20, 2021
Blackberry Smoke brought a grounded, no-nonsense Southern rock performance to Ascend Amphitheater on August 20, 2021, delivering a set built on groove, storytelling, and road-tested chemistry. Framed by the downtown skyline, the band leaned into its roots-forward sound, favoring feel and authenticity over flash.
The strongest crowd reactions came during familiar staples like “Good One Comin’ On,” “One Horse Town,” and “Waiting for the Thunder,” each delivered with confidence and restraint. Charlie Starr’s vocals and guitar work remained the focal point, striking a balance between gritty lead lines and soulful phrasing, while the band locked in tightly behind him. The pacing of the set felt deliberate and steady, allowing songs to breathe without losing momentum.
Additional selections included Ain’t Much Left of Me, Hammer and the Nail, Let It Burn, Sleeping Dogs, Ain’t Got the Blues, and Pretty Little Lie, offering a well-rounded look at the band’s catalog and reinforcing their reputation as a dependable live act.
Opening-act information was not prominently billed for this date, keeping the focus squarely on Blackberry Smoke’s headlining set.
The Nashville stop highlighted the band’s strength as a live unit—honest, unpolished in the best way, and deeply connected to its audience.
Band Lineup
Charlie Starr — Vocals / Guitar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliestarrPaul Jackson — Guitar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauljacksonsmokeRichard Turner — Bass
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardturnersmokeBrandon Still — Keyboards
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonstillsmokeBrit Turner — Drums
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britturner
