If you ever went to a Billy Joel concert, it was to watch this man, and not Billy Joel. Liberty was a concert within another concert. Only man i know that made me want to watch nothing but the drummer and forget the reason why I was there. Keep them banging Lib....You are like a fine wine, you are getting better with age!!!!
Liberty is one of the most underrated drummer in the world. His energy and enthusiasm on the drum is simply infectious. One of my major early inspiration as a drummer and musician.
I don't give a damn what anyone says, Chuck's a good drummer, but Liberty's knock em' dead drumming style gave Billy's music it's signature drive and punch, and it hasn't been the same without it him! The heavy snare chops, the endless assaults on cymbals, the fast, agressive timing, a right foot like a giant, and the ability to play with the heart of a lion makes Liberty DeVito the drummer he is, and nothing less will ever do! See ya in Brooklyn Pisan!
I met Liberty back around the time of Glass Houses. He was doing a clinic in Vestal, NY and after the clinic he hung around to sign autographs for everyone. I was waiting for him to finish so I could ask for a photo with him. When he was finished, he turned to me and asked if I wanted anything signed. When I explained my reason for waiting, he said he was sorry and he didn't realize I was waiting for a photo. That's the kind of guy Liberty is. Class act. One of the best.
I've been told I hit too hard from time to time...I think it started as a teenager after I saw Liberty with Billy Joel touring to support the 'Pressure' album (1982 or 1983 in Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum), I'd never saw anyone play that hard up to that point. Luckily, Liberty still affects my playing and style to this day.
Absolutely, to the comment below...an act within an act, as his wife actually said to me at The Cavern last week.We went to see him, and it was brilliant to be somewhere so intimate, just a few feet away. Billy J Kramer was fronting the performance, but our eyes were fixed.I had never seen him before, and I was stunned by the power and energy of the man, and thrilled to meet him afterwards....a very lovely man...obviously takes it all out on the drums!! ..
Note to Mr. Joel and Mr. Devitto, bury the f-ing hatchet and play together again. I went to six of the Garden shows and both Shea shows, and I am PISSED Liberty was not there.
Thanks Miles for keeping Lib's drumming alive. A lot of Billy fans are unwilling to acknowledge his contributions nowadays since Chuck Burgi has taken over and just become an opportunist.
@lindseywarwick There's something about his playing that added A LOT to Billy's music. His insane amount of power. If there was another drummer it just isn't the same. His new drummer is a fine drummer, but he's not Liberty.
The last I heard, there were too many differences between he and Billy. They mutally agreed to part ways musically, but remain friends. At the time, it was more than likely the best choice for both of them. As far as I know, Billy has basically retired, and Liberty is still teaching at The Musicians Collective in New York, and doing drum clinics. I'm still a big Billy fan, and always will be. But, without Liberty behind the kit it's just not the same, I'll keep my ticket money in my wallet.
I saw Liberty when he did a drum clinic in Whangarei (Funga-Ray) in New Zealand. Hes got the energy of an 8 year old and hes a funny as guy. Mostly all i remember was his crack up accent and jokes but also his 4 steps to making it big. But i cant remember them haha oh well
I finally got around to seeing Billy Joel and was really saddened that Liberty was not on the tour. Then, through here I've read that they've had a falling out - which blows. No disrespect to Billy's new drummer but if you listen to the live cd from MSG the energy just isn't the same.
I guess you gotta be from new york or as passionate about playing? You should try getting through a song like this with this much energy... it aint easy and hes ALWAYS like this.
liberty and billy joel is like peanut butter and jelly. both are good alone but both are penomenal together..... i wouldnt go to a billy joel concert if liberty was not the drummer....
I've never seen a drummer from any genre play harder than Liberty. I love his drum parts but I have to say I imagine all the same parts and tempo and style could be the same with a fraction of the energy.
Hmm interesting! I saw this guy playing drums years ago on one of the face to face shows. I remember BJ bollocking Liberty on stage for some mistake he'd made during a song. I felt BJ was really rude to him..so they fell out..not surprising..what happened?
Really?? its not the HIRED drummers fault , he's there to do a job. Just a hired hand is all.People take this shit way to serious. Its just the way the "biz" goes...
Lib wrote the drum part to this song. It disgusts me that another guy is touring with Billy playing his parts. The current drummer, Chuck Burgi, probably wants to thank Lib, but Billy has in a very cowardly fashion put a hush order on all the band members, prohibiting them from talking to Liberty.
Yes , your right but I suppose it is not a problem when your not paying for cymbals . Then again I have never been into the smashing equipment a la the Who etc. just me , I have had my cymbals cracked by other players , there is a technique in hitting a cymbal for volume , that was not it .
Whats the big deal with Liberty? The only way he is different from any other recording drummer is the fact that he loves punishing his set. I don't mean to sound inconsiderate; i'm new to this guy
If you ever went to a Billy Joel concert, it was to watch this man, and not Billy Joel.
Liberty was a concert within another concert. Only man i know that made me want to watch nothing but the drummer and forget the reason why I was there.
Keep them banging Lib....You are like a fine wine, you are getting better with age!!!!
Liberty is one of the most underrated drummer in the world. His energy and enthusiasm on the drum is simply infectious. One of my major early inspiration as a drummer and musician.
I don't give a damn what anyone says, Chuck's a good drummer, but Liberty's knock em' dead drumming style gave Billy's music it's signature drive and punch, and it hasn't been the same without it him! The heavy snare chops, the endless assaults on cymbals, the fast, agressive timing, a right foot like a giant, and the ability to play with the heart of a lion makes Liberty DeVito the drummer he is, and nothing less will ever do! See ya in Brooklyn Pisan!
100%
Chuck is boring.
well said!
I met Liberty back around the time of Glass Houses. He was doing a clinic in Vestal, NY and after the clinic he hung around to sign autographs for everyone. I was waiting for him to finish so I could ask for a photo with him. When he was finished, he turned to me and asked if I wanted anything signed. When I explained my reason for waiting, he said he was sorry and he didn't realize I was waiting for a photo. That's the kind of guy Liberty is. Class act. One of the best.
The cam cant even keep up with this amazing drummer... So fucking good
And your instructor today for Cardio 101 will be Professor Liberty Devitto.
Those cymbals never stood a chance. One of the best drum performances of all time, that look of I'm going to kick your butt from Liberty is priceless.
He did say, the song is the most important thing......Genius. Thanks for the post. Great to watch.
The man that made me become a drummer 14 years ago...
I've been told I hit too hard from time to time...I think it started as a teenager after I saw Liberty with Billy Joel touring to support the 'Pressure' album (1982 or 1983 in Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum), I'd never saw anyone play that hard up to that point. Luckily, Liberty still affects my playing and style to this day.
Liberty is a show within a show, I love his energy. I just hope one day he will play with Billy again.
I love how the cameras can't keep up 😂 ! This guy is soooo under rated and a complete gentleman ! Thank You Mr. Liberty !!!!!!!!
Absolutely, to the comment below...an act within an act, as his wife actually said to me at The Cavern last week.We went to see him, and it was brilliant to be somewhere so intimate, just a few feet away. Billy J Kramer was fronting the performance, but our eyes were fixed.I had never seen him before, and I was stunned by the power and energy of the man, and thrilled to meet him afterwards....a very lovely man...obviously takes it all out on the drums!! ..
one of my fav!Love u Liberty DeVitto!
Plays with such passion. Agree that he's underrated. One of my faves.
Note to Mr. Joel and Mr. Devitto, bury the f-ing hatchet and play together again. I went to six of the Garden shows and both Shea shows, and I am PISSED Liberty was not there.
So much power in those double snare hits!
Great drumming from a seasoned drummer ! Great music as well. An ear- and eye-catching performance !
Simply a force of nature! Liberty is so into it, what he does.
Energy never fades Mr Devitto
Thanks Miles for keeping Lib's drumming alive. A lot of Billy fans are unwilling to acknowledge his contributions nowadays since Chuck Burgi has taken over and just become an opportunist.
+Bryan Herber Joel is NOTHING without Liberty.
I was lucky enough to see him in Earl's Court River of Dreams Tour. Such a perfect drummer for Billy Joel band.
Liberty for all, monster drummer. Nothing but class !!
Pure brilliance !
the only man who could win a drumoff with a simple 1-2-3-4 beat just because of the show he put on with it
I agree 100%. Phenomenal!
@lindseywarwick There's something about his playing that added A LOT to Billy's music. His insane amount of power. If there was another drummer it just isn't the same. His new drummer is a fine drummer, but he's not Liberty.
hardest hitting drummer of all time and yet the most finesse
The last I heard, there were too many differences between he and Billy. They mutally agreed to part ways musically, but remain friends. At the time, it was more than likely the best choice for both of them. As far as I know, Billy has basically retired, and Liberty is still teaching at The Musicians Collective in New York, and doing drum clinics. I'm still a big Billy fan, and always will be. But, without Liberty behind the kit it's just not the same, I'll keep my ticket money in my wallet.
i sat three feet next to him when he played this and i got to talk to him and stuff it was so cool.
One of the hardest hitters of all time
I saw Liberty when he did a drum clinic in Whangarei (Funga-Ray) in New Zealand. Hes got the energy of an 8 year old and hes a funny as guy. Mostly all i remember was his crack up accent and jokes but also his 4 steps to making it big. But i cant remember them haha oh well
私が最も尊敬するドラマーです。
Liberty is awesome.
AWESOME!
My main influence
I think Liberty knows all of Billy’s lyrics! 👍👏
He is a complete badass.
You are definently speaking the truth. Absolutely not the same without Liberty.A more generic type style without the same agressive timing,etc.
he kills every drum beat like its the end of the world
2 dislikes from his symbals :O
Liberty is dynamic and musical........and shows how to hit hard as an art form......Dom Famularo vibe all the way.....physically....most cool
Liberty is the King
grandioso!!
LDV-One of a kind!!!
Billy Joel - Prelude/Angry Young Man
I only ever went to Joel's concerts to see Liberty.
Monster!
no doubt, Chuck Burgi is a great drummer, but Liberty just is a MONSTER, he has so much power it's insane and does some insane fills.
Can´t believe nobody has post a any coment abbout this video jet, i wish he comes to Venezuela some day.
Im a fan since the Turnstiles album
That's the way drums were meant to be played!!!
epic
Mental note: Never buy a drumkit used in a Liberty Devitto clinic.
Holy shit does he hit those cymbals hard!
LUCKY!!!!
I finally got around to seeing Billy Joel and was really saddened that Liberty was not on the tour. Then, through here I've read that they've had a falling out - which blows. No disrespect to Billy's new drummer but if you listen to the live cd from MSG the energy just isn't the same.
A lot of Bonham in there.
I guess you gotta be from new york or as passionate about playing? You should try getting through a song like this with this much energy... it aint easy and hes ALWAYS like this.
liberty and billy joel is like peanut butter and jelly. both are good alone but both are penomenal together..... i wouldnt go to a billy joel concert if liberty was not the drummer....
I've never seen a drummer from any genre play harder than Liberty. I love his drum parts but I have to say I imagine all the same parts and tempo and style could be the same with a fraction of the energy.
He must go through a pair of cymbals every gig?
Hmm interesting! I saw this guy playing drums years ago on one of the face to face shows. I remember BJ bollocking Liberty on stage for some mistake he'd made during a song. I felt BJ was really rude to him..so they fell out..not surprising..what happened?
Angry young man...by Billy joel
Billy's current drummer should be ashamed for not coming close to what's happening here
Really?? its not the HIRED drummers fault , he's there to do a job. Just a hired hand is all.People take this shit way to serious. Its just the way the "biz" goes...
fuck me sideways.. the guy's gonna need a new kit for the next song.. damn! :o)
2:05 what is the song?
This guy should b3 the replace met for Taylor Hawkins I. The Foo Fighters
Lib wrote the drum part to this song. It disgusts me that another guy is touring with Billy playing his parts. The current drummer, Chuck Burgi, probably wants to thank Lib, but Billy has in a very cowardly fashion put a hush order on all the band members, prohibiting them from talking to Liberty.
Bryan Herber that's not true, I've seen current members talk to him online.
No one really knows. Liberty or Billy don’t talk bad about each other. The ones who do, are those who assume!
Why isn't Liberty Devito playing with BIlly Joel anymore?
Smoking!
i bet this guy replaces cymbals after every gig.. lol
The Angry Young Man is right . Is this a test to find the breaking point of cymbals ? Great drumming ,great song but why so hard ? Just a thought.
Why not?
Yes , your right but I suppose it is not a problem when your not paying for cymbals . Then again I have never been into the smashing equipment a la the Who etc. just me , I have had my cymbals cracked by other players , there is a technique in hitting a cymbal for volume , that was not it .
It's obvious why Billy canceled your contract; you were OUTSHINING him!
Only one other man hit the drums harder.....John Henry Bonham.....
1hr4play and Keith Moon..
could you drummers imagine if he had hammers instead of sticks and concrete instead of drumset? hahaha!!! he makes me laugh a lot!
Whats the big deal with Liberty? The only way he is different from any other recording drummer is the fact that he loves punishing his set. I don't mean to sound inconsiderate; i'm new to this guy
money changes everything...so he plays along w tapes...ooops,i overstepped
Great drummer but wow he must go thru cymbals like I go thru underwear...
yeah he is like a metronome....but i don't like him too much
WATCH DAVE WECKL KIDS !!!!!!! IM OUT ..........................................................