I was always disappointed to see the band without Liberty behind the kit. It’s so great that this relationship is healed and he’s back. As a drummer always loved his playing. As a Billy Joel fan I always thought they were better together. Great interview
@@rolandofgilead43I never really knew who he was but I always remembered the concert from Russia on HBO and the drummer Billy Joel had for that show...Now I know who that man was... What a POWER HOUSE DRUMMER!!!!
@srpdesigns hell yeah I've loved him as a drummer for years! Listen to his drumming easy money PERFECT at least I think so. My favorite Billy joel song? Prelude to an angry young man the Russia concert from (1987) is easily the best version and the only one to jam too
@@rolandofgilead43 I just got done watching that concert, the memories and nostalgia all came right back!!.. Those guys were like brothers back then, Imagine how much fun they had, traveling the world with your best friends making some of the best music that's ever been heard.. There's a part in that Russian concert that is very misunderstood, when Billy starts yelling at the guys with the spot lights to stop lighting up the audience, it wasnt because he wanted the spotlight it was because every time the audience would get lit up they all would freeze , don't forget we're talking about a 1980s communist country and the people would instinctively stop everything cause they were taught since childhood if you're lit up by armed guards you freeze!!!..but watching those kids completely enjoying themselves waiving the USA & CCCP flag together gave us some hope ya know, at least that's how I remembered watching that concert as a kid..
@srpdesigns that put the I think entire concert on cd some years back I still need to get that and that makes sense too especially where they were at at the Time too
Such a great story. Liberty and Billy can't recount the past without including each other in the stories, and Liberty is so key in huge stories like Billy writing Movin' Out or Only the Good Die Young. Billy's band and Elton's band and so many other musicians are so key to composition and arrangement and so on. Plus, they survived so much together like ugly divorces, corrupt management, and Doug Stegmeyer's suicide. So it was sad to see things go so sour for so long. Grudges aren't worth it. Glad to see friendship prevail.
When it comes down to it all that matters is family and friends. I’ve never been rich monetarily or famous, but I do have some great people in my life.
Liberty’s drums were essential to Billy’s golden era. And the live performances in those days with Liberty behind the kit were magic. Billy has top billing in all the shows, like Elton, but there are many of us who also enjoy watching the performances of the members of the band. And Liberty’s energy is the absolute best ever.
Opened for the Lords and got the chance to watch Liberty go to work from the side of the stage. You cannot watch that man and not be in awe. He plays with such fire and passion and is the rock of that music. One of the hardest hitting drummers in the game and still killing it. Whole band was amazing.
I saw them a few months back. He was incredible. His drum sound filled the entire room. And after the show he came out and signed autos and spoke to people for 45mins. Legend
Now that Billy is back to studio recording new material, hopefully, Billy and Liberty can work on some new material together. If a new album is forthcoming, his drum contributions would be the icing on the cake.
Definitely an essential part of the band. Who cares what happened? One of my best memories of the band was Liberty’s 40th birthday. Whilst most of us are surrounded by friends and family, here is Liberty up on stage doing what he does best
Like he said life’s way too short and really glad they’re both talking now. Really so happy to hear this. Liberty brought a dimension to that band since he left it was missing
Liberty's playing with Billy was part of my earliest musical education as a drummer. I have a fond memory of reading his 1988 Modern Drummer article whilst sitting on the sidewalk in lower Manhattan, reading about his time in Russia and the kid he gave his cymbals to... Very VERY glad to hear he and Billy buried the hatchet. 🥁🤘❤️
I saw Billy Joël and band at Hordern pavilion April 1978 Sydney. I will never forget him playing Just the way you are so beautiful. The sound was loud and The Minimoog that Mr Joel played was superb . Can someone tell Mr Joël can you release live box sets of concerts in the seventies 80 s like FM broadcast s that a lot of artists now release, Listen to the old grey whistle test broadcast 1978. This band really created a unique sound all musicians should study.
I have seen the other drummer- he is no Liberty by far- not even in Liberty class!! but I have watched Live from Long Island- one of THE BEST CONCERTS I EVER HEARD and the band MASTERCLASS!! PERIOD....left me speechless......I am so so glad they are back together...
I was floored when Billy broke up the band after The Bridge album. (Devitto stayed on longer.) Joel was never the same and his sound was never as good. Of course 1986/87 is when record production was really changing with the advent of CDs and producers were ... over-producing music knowing they could compress more.
You guys were so awesome and of course Fellow NY'ers! The first time I heard you guys at the Garden I was blown away by your power LIberty! What a rhythm section! You Russel and Doug! I stopped listening and buying records after you left the band. Glad you guys are talking again life is short!
At least there's a chance now that they might get on stage together even for just one show. I never thought Billy would have a number one hit in 2024 but here we are ... anything is possible !
I remember the live performance of Say Goodbye to Hollywood with Liberty on the drums! OMG he was killing! Those dynamics! Powerful! That made the song IMO! Glad to see them made up!😌🎹🥁🎶💥👍🏾
It’s not the same without Liberty on the kit!! Liberty rules. I met him at Dom Famularo’s 70th birthday party recently. Fantastic guy, He and Dom are very close.
Really changed my perception of Joel big time. I finished that movie with absolute disdain for Billy Joel. That band, not just Liberty, took him to the top.
100% . I thought LIberty laid it out why they fell out in the doc (was going thru a divorce, asked Joel for more more money, Joel was offended/ put off by the request ? ) so i dont know why he's reticent to say why now. @@jntdhome
Thanks Liberty and Eric. This is interesting Liberty. Being in relationships at any level is a huge commitment. You and Billy connect musically and emotionally also. It has chemistry. That makes it lasting. Ex -girlfriends, wives, children and band members connect on a personal level. Friendships are everlasting. I am familiar with the successes that you have achieved. Such grand accomplishments and failures. The Beatles said it eloquently. ...." And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make".... Much love and success and best wishes for your continuing career that has inspired millions of people all around the world.
Have seen Billy many times. Mostly with Liberty behind the kit. A slamming drummer LD is! 💥 Was sad to hear that they fell out and am very glad to hear that they've reconciled. 🙏
“Live in joy,in love,even among those that hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within, be still. Free from fear and attachment, know the sweet joy of the way”.
Glad they buried the axe. After watching that doc on “hired guns” it was very disheartening to hear how Joel basically cut out his own band overnight. Not only that, he invited a bunch of newbie band members to his wedding, but not DeVito or Stegmeyer(who committed suicide much later). The irony, Billy was taking advice on who to hire/fire by some shyster who end up pocketing tens of millions of his dollars, which left BJ penniless?
After years of being a huge Billy Joel fan, attending 3 concerts in the 90s, I walked away from Joel after he fired Liberty Devito. Being a life-long drummer myself, I always had an affinity for Liberty and what he brought to the table. I kept repeating to myself over the years, "Who fires Liberty Devito?!!"
Mr. DeVitto's playing hasn't aged a day. I greatly admire his talent as well as his ability to put a really difficult and hurtful time in perspective. He's a very big reason why us Long Islanders are so proud to call "Billy Joel" our own. Because, we all very well know that it's not and never was just Billy Joel.
Had the pleasure of meeting Liberty at the Kosa drum and percussion workshops in 2010 in Castleton, Vermont. A great and friendly guy - no airs - down to earth. And a super, powerful, rock drummer. I believe we took a little walking tour together of the little town.
Billy's current drummer is certainly competent and can play the tunes. But there's a soul and a feel and a nuance that Liberty has to his playing that is irreplaceable. The original Billy Joel band was a machine much like the way the E. Street Band was in it's original for. I've played many Billy Joel songs in cover and tribute bands over the years and it isn't the notes that give me headaches. But it's that timeless nuance and feel that kept me practicing and trying to "get it". I like to think I did, but it was a much tougher and more challenging process than I originally thought it would be.
Totally agree. Listening to live recordings from old concerts with liberty to recent concerts with chuck there is a definite something that liberty adds to the drumming that you can hear which added that extra bit of soul. I don't know if it's the way he hits the drums or what not but liberty certainly punches harder with each hit of the drum which you can certainly hear.
Good. Because those two are fekkin' amazing musicians that deserve to stay friends, if only to restore the balance once held in the universe by doing so.
Billy is my all time favorite. Met him as a kid and he was awesome. Elton too but he wasn't as friendly as BJ. Probably the best celebrity I've ever met. My voice is almost identical to his and still couldn't get a gig as a backup singer later in life. Still a great guy. New music is killer.
The band I saw Billy with on his Showtime concert in the 80's and before that on Old Grey Whistle test was a "band" band with real band chemistry, not just a guy with some hired guns. They were great to watch and I hope they get on stage together again.
Billy needs to bring those guys together for a week at the garden and give those guys equal shares equal dollars and make all this right to help his brothers out
nice interview and you asked the questions and listened! i know first hand that lib is a fantastic guy as i would not call him a friend, however we communicated a lot and when he came to chicago recently he reached out and said it would be great to see me! i went of course. he is a down to earth guy, great drummer and yes i know the reasoning behind the big feud and it was not just about the royalty money. lib knows he was in the right spot at the right time with the right band and singer/songwriter/frontman. i say frontman because everyone in that new york band were billy's sound. actually if one reads back into the history phil ramone wanted that sound and got those guys in there! yes, some studio guys at the beginning, however lib is on those records and in those videos! i know people talk a good game on the internet so i will stop here....i do know him personally and i know the reason for the feud, however like lib ain't sayin a word! lib love you and again nice interview. thank you!
The late ,great Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm did not manage to re kindle their estrangement after being like brothers and making some of the finest music together . I cant imagine what that felt like ? To go through life without reconciliation after a silly fall out is horrible . Its great to know Mr Joel and Mr De Vitto did just that ...nice one !
The things is Billy was the the writer and the artist, the band were just sidemen no matter how long they played together. This was never a group of equals. Glad they buried the hatchet though, That's great to hear
Liberty's ex-wife Mary Torrey is Best Friends with Stevie Nicks (Since the 70's) and Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks have been playing shows together lately. Mary goes on Stevie's tours as her assistant or whatever. I wonder if this helped with the reunion. Liberty has a daughter that's an actress named Torrey DeVitto. She starred in the TV show "Pretty Little Liars" and one of those "Chicago" shows on CBS.
1973 With the release of Piano Man my now wife (then girlfriend) and I sat in the bleachers of CW Post College gymnasium on Long Island and the shouts of VITO! VITO! VITO! were ever present at each of the 7 more times we saw BJ in concerts. Vito is #1!
Billy Joel without Liberty on stage well there’s something missing. Liberty brought so much to the music of Billy Joel. It’s just not the same without him behind the kit.
As I understand it, Billy fired bassist Doug Stegmeyer, and Stegmeyer later took his own life. Liberty felt that Billy's treatment of Doug led to his suicide, and He held a grudge as a result.No doubt there were other issues, but Doug Stegmeyer's death was the instigating issue in their alienation.Glad they were able to put any beefs from the past behind them.
Beside's the Doug issue, Billy had made LIberty a salaried band member and paid him way less than he was used to. Lib was also going through a divorce and was trying to get financial assistance from Billy as well. Members of Billy's crew/band undermined him as well and tried to paint him as a pain in the ass. Billy didn't have the balls to formally fire him and just opted to not invite him to rehearsals for a coming tour. Billy did this to David Santos as well. Not cool in my book.
Liberty was equally important to me if not more important than Billy Joel. But that’s just me. A drummer who idolized Liberty Devitto since I was a little kid starting out in the early 80’s.
i wonder what did happen on why they did start fighting? i remember he sued Billy cause he wanted credit on songs he wasn't credited on i have no idea if he ever got it though. but i am so glad they made up cause i think it was said for years those two were like brothers. though i wonder why he wasn't drumming that much on storm front? or hell River of dreams he's only on 2 or 3 songs.
😊 bridge over troubled Waters glad you're back together 😊😊🤗🤗 not stay strong together because we don't know what tomorrow will bring us in these different times to our life 🙏🙏 tyvm ❤️ mind soul faith hope peace 😊
I remember a quote from Beverly Sills when she was asked, after her retirement from the New York metropolitan opera, if she would perform with the NY City Opera as its new creative director. She said: Heavens no, I did that already. Liberty, I'm glad you two patched things up.
❤ This 4 U,Liberty!FreeDom!❤ Your Drummin!Especially Big Shot!I Laugh Every Time,I See That Video!I Jamm To This Gem of a Song!So CooL!That's What it's all About,nah!Take care!Jcsx
The story I heard from Billy's own mouth in interviews, is that he found out he was being robbed blind, and took it out on the band members, wanting them to take minimum pay for being just a hired hands from that point.
I saw Liberty when he gave a drum clinic at Skip Music Sacramento. It was way cool when he described some very tasty and simple beats like Just The Way You Are. He was great to talk to then all those years ago!
Current drummer is good but just doesn't have the right feel for Billy's music. Tempos are usually too slow. Low energy. I really hope Liberty joins the band again. Probably not, I know.
Watch complete episodes of Booked On Rock: th-cam.com/play/PL3K349Ovv49_H5mXZ9zn0Cbf0R6kxv3kE.html
I was always disappointed to see the band without Liberty behind the kit. It’s so great that this relationship is healed and he’s back. As a drummer always loved his playing. As a Billy Joel fan I always thought they were better together. Great interview
same
He’s back? Playing for Billy?
@@kingofallwhitesno he's no back playing with Billy
I won tickets in 2006 and sold them for aidscrack brenie goetz
@@romeoln846 Why did that make me laugh out loud?
His drumming always stands out on those old tracks
For me the best drummers of all time is John Bonham, Keith moon and Liberty DeVito yes i love many others but those are my top 3
@@rolandofgilead43I never really knew who he was but I always remembered the concert from Russia on HBO and the drummer Billy Joel had for that show...Now I know who that man was... What a POWER HOUSE DRUMMER!!!!
@srpdesigns hell yeah I've loved him as a drummer for years! Listen to his drumming easy money PERFECT at least I think so. My favorite Billy joel song? Prelude to an angry young man the Russia concert from (1987) is easily the best version and the only one to jam too
@@rolandofgilead43 I just got done watching that concert, the memories and nostalgia all came right back!!.. Those guys were like brothers back then, Imagine how much fun they had, traveling the world with your best friends making some of the best music that's ever been heard.. There's a part in that Russian concert that is very misunderstood, when Billy starts yelling at the guys with the spot lights to stop lighting up the audience, it wasnt because he wanted the spotlight it was because every time the audience would get lit up they all would freeze , don't forget we're talking about a 1980s communist country and the people would instinctively stop everything cause they were taught since childhood if you're lit up by armed guards you freeze!!!..but watching those kids completely enjoying themselves waiving the USA & CCCP flag together gave us some hope ya know, at least that's how I remembered watching that concert as a kid..
@srpdesigns that put the I think entire concert on cd some years back I still need to get that and that makes sense too especially where they were at at the Time too
Such a great story. Liberty and Billy can't recount the past without including each other in the stories, and Liberty is so key in huge stories like Billy writing Movin' Out or Only the Good Die Young. Billy's band and Elton's band and so many other musicians are so key to composition and arrangement and so on. Plus, they survived so much together like ugly divorces, corrupt management, and Doug Stegmeyer's suicide. So it was sad to see things go so sour for so long. Grudges aren't worth it. Glad to see friendship prevail.
When it comes down to it all that matters is family and friends. I’ve never been rich monetarily or famous, but I do have some great people in my life.
Among the best pairings of singer and drummer ever. Perfect together.
Liberty’s drums were essential to Billy’s golden era. And the live performances in those days with Liberty behind the kit were magic. Billy has top billing in all the shows, like Elton, but there are many of us who also enjoy watching the performances of the members of the band. And Liberty’s energy is the absolute best ever.
Opened for the Lords and got the chance to watch Liberty go to work from the side of the stage. You cannot watch that man and not be in awe. He plays with such fire and passion and is the rock of that music. One of the hardest hitting drummers in the game and still killing it. Whole band was amazing.
I saw them a few months back. He was incredible. His drum sound filled the entire room. And after the show he came out and signed autos and spoke to people for 45mins. Legend
One of the best rock drummers "period".
Billy Joel is one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Liberty Divitto is one of favorite drummers
Now that Billy is back to studio recording new material, hopefully, Billy and Liberty can work on some new material together. If a new album is forthcoming, his drum contributions would be the icing on the cake.
I love the drum beat Liberty plays during the bridge part in Goodnight Saigon. It is phenomenal hear him play it live.
excellent interview -- awesome to hear Liberty DeVitto talk openly!
Thanks Mark! Great to hear from you.
Definitely an essential part of the band. Who cares what happened? One of my best memories of the band was Liberty’s 40th birthday.
Whilst most of us are surrounded by friends and family, here is Liberty up on stage doing what he does best
This story truly warms my heart!
Like he said life’s way too short and really glad they’re both talking now. Really so happy to hear this. Liberty brought a dimension to that band since he left it was missing
Liberty's playing with Billy was part of my earliest musical education as a drummer.
I have a fond memory of reading his 1988 Modern Drummer article whilst sitting on the sidewalk in lower Manhattan, reading about his time in Russia and the kid he gave his cymbals to...
Very VERY glad to hear he and Billy buried the hatchet. 🥁🤘❤️
I saw Billy Joël and band at Hordern pavilion April 1978 Sydney. I will never forget him playing Just the way you are so beautiful. The sound was loud and The Minimoog that Mr Joel played was superb . Can someone tell Mr Joël can you release live box sets of concerts in the seventies 80 s like FM broadcast s that a lot of artists now release, Listen to the old grey whistle test broadcast
1978. This band really created a unique sound all musicians should study.
I have seen the other drummer- he is no Liberty by far- not even in Liberty class!! but I have watched Live from Long Island- one of THE BEST CONCERTS I EVER HEARD and the band MASTERCLASS!! PERIOD....left me speechless......I am so so glad they are back together...
makes me happy to see these two reconciled.
Liberty's book is really well written. I highly recommend it for your reading enjoyment.
It was shocking not to keep that band together. Incredibly dynamic band with Liberty playing the drums. Made them a crazy exciting live band.
I was floored when Billy broke up the band after The Bridge album. (Devitto stayed on longer.) Joel was never the same and his sound was never as good. Of course 1986/87 is when record production was really changing with the advent of CDs and producers were ... over-producing music knowing they could compress more.
You can spot Libery's sound instantly! So great to hear they healed
You guys were so awesome and of course Fellow NY'ers! The first time I heard you guys at the Garden I was blown away by your power LIberty! What a rhythm section! You Russel and Doug! I stopped listening and buying records after you left the band. Glad you guys are talking again life is short!
Great drummer, great energy... always a great snare sound.
Great underrated drummer he's bad ass he stands out!
At least there's a chance now that they might get on stage together even for just one show. I never thought Billy would have a number one hit in 2024 but here we are ... anything is possible !
Such a blessing that Liberty took the action and reconciled with Billy. 🙏❤😊
I remember the live performance of Say Goodbye to Hollywood with Liberty on the drums! OMG he was killing! Those dynamics! Powerful! That made the song IMO! Glad to see them made up!😌🎹🥁🎶💥👍🏾
You all were SUPERB.
So glad they are on good terms again. Both are legends.
It’s not the same without Liberty on the kit!! Liberty rules. I met him at Dom Famularo’s 70th birthday party recently. Fantastic guy, He and Dom are very close.
Great drummer always looked forward to hear him with Billy 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍♥️✌️☮️🥁🎹🥁🎹
I got to see Liberty play in the Slim Kings a few years back then got to play the same back line kit he played the next night. Pretty cool.
After watching “Hired Gun,” I’m team Lib all the way!
Really changed my perception of Joel big time. I finished that movie with absolute disdain for Billy Joel. That band, not just Liberty, took him to the top.
100% . I thought LIberty laid it out why they fell out in the doc (was going thru a divorce, asked Joel for more more money, Joel was offended/ put off by the request ? ) so i dont know why he's reticent to say why now. @@jntdhome
Liberty is pure class. Massively great drummer to
Liberty was so importation to all of those albums. I am glad they came back together to remember the greatness and friendship they both have.
Thanks Liberty and Eric. This is interesting Liberty. Being in relationships at any level is a huge commitment. You and Billy connect musically and emotionally also. It has chemistry. That makes it lasting. Ex -girlfriends, wives, children and band members connect on a personal level. Friendships are everlasting. I am familiar with the successes that you have achieved. Such grand accomplishments and failures. The Beatles said it eloquently. ...." And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make".... Much love and success and best wishes for your continuing career that has inspired millions of people all around the world.
Have seen Billy many times. Mostly with Liberty behind the kit. A slamming drummer LD is! 💥 Was sad to hear that they fell out and am very glad to hear that they've reconciled. 🙏
“Live in joy,in love,even among those that hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within, be still. Free from fear and attachment, know the sweet joy of the way”.
Great interview!
Thank you Lisa! Liberty is one...cool....dude!
If only more humans could forgive and forget. Ckich yes for sure, but it's true - live is short. Much credit to both. What a great guy Liberty is.
Drummer extraordinaire 🙏🏻👍🏻
It is nice to hear that they talked
Glad they buried the axe. After watching that doc on “hired guns” it was very disheartening to hear how Joel basically cut out his own band overnight. Not only that, he invited a bunch of newbie band members to his wedding, but not DeVito or Stegmeyer(who committed suicide much later). The irony, Billy was taking advice on who to hire/fire by some shyster who end up pocketing tens of millions of his dollars, which left BJ penniless?
After years of being a huge Billy Joel fan, attending 3 concerts in the 90s, I walked away from Joel after he fired Liberty Devito. Being a life-long drummer myself, I always had an affinity for Liberty and what he brought to the table. I kept repeating to myself over the years, "Who fires Liberty Devito?!!"
That’s a bad man right there. Nothing but love and respect for tha GOD LDV!!
The lords of 52 street , were pure magic back then , the shows ! That magic is long gone . What are these Kids supposed too do now .
Mr. DeVitto's playing hasn't aged a day. I greatly admire his talent as well as his ability to put a really difficult and hurtful time in perspective. He's a very big reason why us Long Islanders are so proud to call "Billy Joel" our own. Because, we all very well know that it's not and never was just Billy Joel.
Had the pleasure of meeting Liberty at the Kosa drum and percussion workshops in 2010 in Castleton, Vermont. A great and friendly guy - no airs - down to earth. And a super, powerful, rock drummer. I believe we took a little walking tour together of the little town.
Billy's current drummer is certainly competent and can play the tunes. But there's a soul and a feel and a nuance that Liberty has to his playing that is irreplaceable. The original Billy Joel band was a machine much like the way the E. Street Band was in it's original for. I've played many Billy Joel songs in cover and tribute bands over the years and it isn't the notes that give me headaches. But it's that timeless nuance and feel that kept me practicing and trying to "get it". I like to think I did, but it was a much tougher and more challenging process than I originally thought it would be.
Totally agree. Listening to live recordings from old concerts with liberty to recent concerts with chuck there is a definite something that liberty adds to the drumming that you can hear which added that extra bit of soul. I don't know if it's the way he hits the drums or what not but liberty certainly punches harder with each hit of the drum which you can certainly hear.
Completely agree. I’d say the same too about Richie’s playing too.
I was awful hurt when you weren't together but now it's god sent you together dearly faith hope peace love happiness to you All 😊😊
Good. Because those two are fekkin' amazing musicians that deserve to stay friends, if only to restore the balance once held in the universe by doing so.
Liberty was part of the show.
Liberty is a legend. He's a bigger man than me. My band broke up and to this day I can't see some of us reconciling ever again. Who knows?
Billy is my all time favorite. Met him as a kid and he was awesome. Elton too but he wasn't as friendly as BJ. Probably the best celebrity I've ever met. My voice is almost identical to his and still couldn't get a gig as a backup singer later in life. Still a great guy. New music is killer.
The band I saw Billy with on his Showtime concert in the 80's and before that on Old Grey Whistle test was a "band" band with real band chemistry, not just a guy with some hired guns. They were great to watch and I hope they get on stage together again.
For me, Liberty was half of the show. I've seen Billy in concert many times. I watched Billy half the time and Liberty the other half.
Billy needs to bring those guys together for a week at the garden and give those guys equal shares equal dollars and make all this right to help his brothers out
I always thought Liberty got the shaft. Glad to hear this.
One of the Great drummers
nice interview and you asked the questions and listened! i know first hand that lib is a fantastic guy as i would not call him a friend, however we communicated a lot and when he came to chicago recently he reached out and said it would be great to see me! i went of course. he is a down to earth guy, great drummer and yes i know the reasoning behind the big feud and it was not just about the royalty money. lib knows he was in the right spot at the right time with the right band and singer/songwriter/frontman. i say frontman because everyone in that new york band were billy's sound. actually if one reads back into the history phil ramone wanted that sound and got those guys in there! yes, some studio guys at the beginning, however lib is on those records and in those videos! i know people talk a good game on the internet so i will stop here....i do know him personally and i know the reason for the feud, however like lib ain't sayin a word! lib love you and again nice interview. thank you!
The late ,great Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm did not manage to re kindle their estrangement after being like brothers and making some of the finest music together . I cant imagine what that felt like ? To go through life without reconciliation after a silly fall out is horrible . Its great to know Mr Joel and Mr De Vitto did just that ...nice one !
The things is Billy was the the writer and the artist, the band were just sidemen no matter how long they played together. This was never a group of equals. Glad they buried the hatchet though, That's great to hear
Glad to hear that they reconciled. Now, they just need to play together again.
I agree
Going to see Billy in Tampa in 2 weeks....
The man could hammer the drums
Say Goodbye to Hollywood is my favorite Billy Joel song, and Liberty is very much at the forefront of that one.
Liberty needs to be touring drummer too. I love Billy Joel's music but it always lacks something without Liberty playing.
That original band is killer.
Liberty's ex-wife Mary Torrey is Best Friends with Stevie Nicks (Since the 70's) and Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks have been playing shows together lately. Mary goes on Stevie's tours as her assistant or whatever. I wonder if this helped with the reunion. Liberty has a daughter that's an actress named Torrey DeVitto. She starred in the TV show "Pretty Little Liars" and one of those "Chicago" shows on CBS.
Is it tomorrow yet?
Really glad to hear they buried the hatchet!!
one of the best rock drummers ever. bring back liberty and bring back Richie Cannata !!!
I remember this guy from the Documentary, "Hired Guns" Billy boy was a real dickhead to his bandmates...
Time is the best healer
Not a Billy Joel fan but I've heard of others falling out with him, my guess he's complicated like many of us.
1973 With the release of Piano Man my now wife (then girlfriend) and I sat in the bleachers of CW Post College gymnasium on Long Island and the shouts of VITO! VITO! VITO! were ever present at each of the 7 more times we saw BJ in concerts.
Vito is #1!
Billy Joel without Liberty on stage well there’s something missing. Liberty brought so much to the music of Billy Joel. It’s just not the same without him behind the kit.
Ive really missed Libertys energy on drums
What did they fight about?
What DID happen?
As I understand it, Billy fired bassist Doug Stegmeyer, and Stegmeyer later took his own life. Liberty felt that Billy's treatment of Doug led to his suicide, and He held a grudge as a result.No doubt there were other issues, but Doug Stegmeyer's death was the instigating issue in their alienation.Glad they were able to put any beefs from the past behind them.
Beside's the Doug issue, Billy had made LIberty a salaried band member and paid him way less than he was used to. Lib was also going through a divorce and was trying to get financial assistance from Billy as well. Members of Billy's crew/band undermined him as well and tried to paint him as a pain in the ass. Billy didn't have the balls to formally fire him and just opted to not invite him to rehearsals for a coming tour. Billy did this to David Santos as well. Not cool in my book.
Monster Drummer 🙏🏾
His drumming in uptown girl is phenomenal
Maybe the passing of his hero, Dino Danelli shook him and he realized.. life's too short for grudges. Make peace while you can. Love ya Liberty!😍
Liberty was equally important to me if not more important than Billy Joel.
But that’s just me. A drummer who idolized Liberty Devitto since I was a little kid starting out in the early 80’s.
i wonder what did happen on why they did start fighting? i remember he sued Billy cause he wanted credit on songs he wasn't credited on i have no idea if he ever got it though. but i am so glad they made up cause i think it was said for years those two were like brothers. though i wonder why he wasn't drumming that much on storm front? or hell River of dreams he's only on 2 or 3 songs.
😊 bridge over troubled Waters glad you're back together 😊😊🤗🤗 not stay strong together because we don't know what tomorrow will bring us in these different times to our life 🙏🙏 tyvm ❤️ mind soul faith hope peace 😊
He really tears those drums up! Just listen to uptown girl!!
I remember a quote from Beverly Sills when she was asked, after her retirement from the New York metropolitan opera, if she would perform with the NY City Opera as its new creative director. She said: Heavens no, I did that already.
Liberty, I'm glad you two patched things up.
❤ This 4 U,Liberty!FreeDom!❤ Your Drummin!Especially Big Shot!I Laugh Every Time,I See That Video!I Jamm To This Gem of a Song!So CooL!That's What it's all About,nah!Take care!Jcsx
When BJ got rid of his band? He lost all the soul & magic. Despite what he thinks, the magic was the band!
The story I heard from Billy's own mouth in interviews, is that he found out he was being robbed blind, and took it out on the band members, wanting them to take minimum pay for being just a hired hands from that point.
That is how I feel about Don Felder and Joe Walsh.
I saw Liberty when he gave a drum clinic at Skip Music Sacramento. It was way cool when he described some very tasty and simple beats like Just The Way You Are. He was great to talk to then all those years ago!
Hey, if Bruce and Stevie van Zandt can but differences behind, why can these two do it?
Wore his wristwatch on his ankle!!!!
Made it to 1:40 - long winded and drawn out story
Liberty made the songs work better.
Current drummer is good but just doesn't have the right feel for Billy's music. Tempos are usually too slow. Low energy. I really hope Liberty joins the band again. Probably not, I know.