CHARLOTTE, N.C. — July 11, 2026 — Some concerts entertain you for a couple of hours. Others remind you why live music continues to be one of the most powerful experiences you can have. Blackberry Smoke’s stop at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte on the Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour was the latter.
After an outstanding opening performance by Jason Newsted and The Chophouse Band, the atmosphere inside Ovens Auditorium shifted from anticipation to excitement as Blackberry Smoke walked onto the stage. Despite having competition from AC/DC playing the Carolina Panthers stadium across town, dedicated BBS fans still packed out the venue. Without relying on elaborate visuals or stadium-sized production, the band immediately commanded the room with nothing more than exceptional musicianship and an undeniable chemistry that has been built through years of performing together.
From the opening song, it was clear that Blackberry Smoke remains one of the tightest live bands on the road today. Every member contributed to a performance that felt effortless, allowing each song to breathe while maintaining the energy that has made the band a favorite among Southern rock fans across the country.
Charlie Starr continues to prove why he is one of the most respected frontmen in modern Southern rock. His vocals carried both grit and emotion throughout the night, while his guitar playing blended tasteful leads with powerful rhythm work. Starr never demanded the spotlight—instead, he shared it, giving every member of the band room to shine. That shared approach is one of Blackberry Smoke’s greatest strengths.
Paul Jackson’s guitar work perfectly complemented Starr’s, creating the rich dual-guitar sound fans have come to expect, while Benji Shanks added another layer of depth that elevated the band’s live performance even further. Whether delivering soaring harmonies, driving rhythm parts, or weaving in melodic guitar lines, the three guitarists created a full, unmistakable sound that filled every corner of Ovens Auditorium.
Holding everything together was bassist Richard Turner, whose steady groove and backing vocals formed the backbone of the band’s performance. His understated style may not always draw the biggest reactions from the crowd, but it’s impossible to imagine Blackberry Smoke sounding the way they do without his musical foundation.
Behind the keyboards, Brandon Still added warmth and texture throughout the evening. His organ and piano work filled the spaces between the guitars without ever becoming overpowering, giving the band’s Southern rock sound an added layer of richness that translated beautifully in a live setting.
On drums, Kent Aberle brought energy, precision, and power to every song. Stepping into a role once held by the late Brit Turner is no small task, but Aberle has clearly found his place within the band. His performance honored the band’s legacy while helping drive Blackberry Smoke confidently into its next chapter.
One of the things I appreciated most throughout the evening was how natural everything felt. There was no sense of anyone trying to outplay one another or steal the spotlight. Blackberry Smoke performs as a true band, where every member serves the music first. That level of chemistry is becoming increasingly rare, and it’s one of the reasons the band’s live shows continue to stand out.
The Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour showcases everything fans have come to love about Blackberry Smoke. The setlist moved seamlessly between longtime favorites and newer material, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end. Every song was met with enthusiastic applause, singalongs, and an audience that clearly understood they were watching musicians who genuinely love what they do.
The evening also happened to be Charlie Starr’s birthday, adding another reason for celebration inside Ovens Auditorium. Blackberry Smoke band and crew surprised Charlie with a cake on stage as the crowd chanted birthday wishes throughout the night.
Jason Newsted would return to the stage after opening the evening with The Chophouse Band, joining Blackberry Smoke for an electrifying performance of Thin Lizzy’s classic “Jailbreak.” It was one of those unexpected concert moments that instantly becomes part of the night’s story. Seeing the former Metallica bassist sharing the stage with one of Southern rock’s finest bands created an unforgettable collaboration that had the Charlotte crowd on its feet from the first note to the last.
The performance captured everything that makes live music special—great songs, outstanding musicians, and a room full of fans experiencing a moment that could never be duplicated.
Walking out of Ovens Auditorium, it was obvious that Blackberry Smoke hadn’t simply played another stop on the Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour. They delivered a performance that celebrated musicianship, authenticity, and the enduring spirit of Southern rock.
If this tour is making a stop anywhere near you, don’t hesitate to grab a ticket. Blackberry Smoke continues to prove that great live music isn’t about elaborate productions or flashy effects. It’s about talented musicians walking onto a stage, connecting with an audience, and leaving them with memories they’ll be talking about long after the lights come up.
Do not altar photos
Copyright: MJBragg Photography
