#andsoitgoes

Liberty DeVitto Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Sitting down with iconic Billy Joel drummer, Liberty DeVitto, after a too-long three-year hiatus was fantastical! Friends since the 80s, I never get enough of Lib’s stories and his spectacular storytelling. 

Hot off the heels of being a major player in the current HBO/MAX Billy Joel doc, And So It Goes, Lib caught us up and filled in the blanks. Over the course of five interviews spanning the last decade, pieces of the story have been uncovered; today, Liberty put them all together. How did Billy’s once fierce loyalty wane, replaced with a detached coldness? The reasons stated in the doc, only part of the story. We got the deets, including turning down George Martin in favor of his band, refusing a ride to McCartney’s 911 recording session when there wasn’t room for Lib in the car, and to an ill-shared secret spilled by Lib’s then wife to Billy’s then wife, Christie. Liberty’s sobriety sobering, and a joy killer to Billy. How the end came down without a word to their longtime bandmates, Russell Javors and Doug Stegmeyer, perhaps responsible for the latter’s demise. And how, sometime later, the same fate awaited Liberty. The truth about his lawsuit and why he fought. Elizabeth Weber, Billy’s first wife and manager’s support, and why she finally chose to speak up and set the record straight. Lib talked about his and Billy’s 15-year silence following their 30-year collaboration, their reconciliation, and their ongoing renewed friendship, as Billy faces serious health issues. 

We got the scoop on his meeting Beatles, Ringo and Paul, playing with them - full circle from their inspiring his life’s path. Karen Carpenter, Carly Simon, The Beach Boys, Phoebe Snow, Ronnie Spector, just a few he’s shared a studio and or a stage with. 

How, with Billy’s blessing, the original Billy Joel Band, Liberty, Richie Cannata (gratefully recovered from a life-threatening aortic dissection), and Russell Javors, carry on as The Lords of 52nd Street, and how his Slim Kings are amassing a huge following, dropping a new record, and readying to tour. He’s got a gorgeous wife, a happy marriage, four thriving daughters, and two grandchildren; he’s sober. Life is good! Mine’s better with Liberty in it. Adore the man! 

Liberty Devitto Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 8/27/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my FB & YouTube

Today LIVE! Hot off the heels of being a major player in the current HBO/MAX Billy Joel doc, And So It Goes, our old pal, Liberty DeVitto comes to catch up and fill in the blanks.

One of the greatest iconic rock drummers of all time, Billy Joel's Liberty Devitto, is also a bestselling author, devoted family man, sober, and a long-time great friend.

Liberty's an active session and touring musician who's worked with Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow, Karen Carpenter, Stevie Nicks, Rick Wakeman, Bob James, The Beach Boys, Meat Loaf, and more. His memoir, LIBERTY, Life, Billy, and the Pursuit of Happiness, hit #1 on Amazon, and his Love, Santa Claus: A humble-hearted Christmas story is a 5-star Amazon hit.

A drummer’s drummer, Lib, along with Sax player Richie Cannata and the rest of the Billy Joel Band, was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

Liberty's an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization that provides free musical instruments and instruction to children in underserved public schools throughout the USA.

Along with Billy Joel Band members, Richie Cannata, and Russell Javors, Liberty formed The Lords of 52nd Street and play their original hits. Liberty is a founding member of The NYC Hitsquad and was featured in the rock doc, Hired Gun.

Liberty's funny, a great storyteller, and a fabulous human being. I've loved this man for decades, watched him slay the sticks innumerable times, and witnessed him besting the best in "battle."

A big juicy slice of home, my heart, and no doubt my accent will be on my sleeve. Can't wait for the laughs, the fun, and the stories!

Liberty Devitto Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson

Wednesday, 8/27/25, 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET

Streaming Live on my FB & YouTube

facebook.com/vickiabelson

youtube.com/@VickiAbelsonLive

“There is a #cultofignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of #antiintellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” ― Isaac Asimov