Liberty DeVitto: The Drummer Behind Billy Joel’s Biggest Hits

In this deeply personal and wonderfully candid episode, we’re joined by one of rock’s most recognisable and influential drummers: Liberty DeVitto.

For three decades, Liberty was the rhythmic engine behind Billy Joel — the man whose explosive, intuitive playing powered classics like “Only the Good Die Young,” “Movin’ Out,” “You May Be Right,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” and so many more. But as you’ll hear, his story is so much bigger than the music that made him famous.

Liberty opens up about his Brooklyn upbringing, marked by a tough home life and a school system that didn’t quite know what to do with a kid like him.

He talks about the teacher who dismissed his dreams outright, and the moment that changed everything: seeing the Beatles on television and suddenly realising what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

From there, Liberty takes us on a vivid journey through the early days — the basement rehearsals, the bar gigs, the scramble to get noticed — until fate put him in the same room as a young Billy Joel.

The chemistry was instant, electric, and undeniable. Liberty reminisces about the early records where the band was still finding its voice, the Stranger sessions where everything clicked, and the whirlwind that followed as Billy Joel became one of the biggest artists on the planet.

Of course, success rarely comes without friction.

Liberty speaks honestly about life inside the Billy Joel band, the tight-knit camaraderie, the touring madness, the studio magic, and the growing tensions that eventually fractured the group.

He doesn’t shy away from the painful parts — the confusion, hurt, and years of silence after he was let go. But he also shares the long path back toward healing, forgiveness, and ultimately reconciliation with Billy after fifteen years apart.

Along the way, he talks about fatherhood, sobriety, personal growth, and the rediscovery of joy through new creative partnerships and projects — including his heartfelt work with the band The Slim Kings and his passion for mentoring young musicians.

This conversation is full of humour, honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a man who helped shape some of the most iconic songs of the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond.

Whether you’re a longtime Billy Joel fan, a drummer, or simply someone who loves a good story of resilience and reinvention, this episode delivers in spades.

Settle in — Liberty DeVitto’s journey is one you won’t forget.

For more about Liberty head for his website https://libertydevitto.com/

I hope you enjoy his story.