Liberty DeVitto/The Lords of 52nd Street -- Angry Young Man

The amazing-as-ever Liberty DeVitto performing his original drum part for Billy Joel's "Angry Young Man" with The Lords of 52nd Street at Havana's New Hope, 01/14/2017. Billy wrote some awesome songs but the guys in the Lords brought them to life! To me, Billy isn't the same without these guys behind him. If you love Billy's music, do yourself a favor and see these guys. It's as close to seeing the Billy Joel of the '70s and early '80s as you get these days...

[@MontyGraham-y3r]

Liberty Devitto! A GREAT DRUMMER and conversationalist. I've had the great pleasure of hanging out with Liberty. I took my 15 year old grandson to see The Lord's of 52nd St. , and introduced him to Liberty. My grandson was blown away! Thanks, Lib!

[@heinzflohe3358]

I love Billy, but without Liberty it is not the same. One of the most underrated drummers ever.

[@dannylorenze6188]

Most underrated drummer. Liberty and the rest of the Billy's original band really formed the Billy Joel sound. Those were the days

[@garyt19651]

I agree and put Hal Blaine in that category also

[@ThereCanBeOnly2112]

This is as far as you can stand on top of the pocket without tipping over. Total legend!

[@cliffschneiderman8648]

Liberty is like a fine wine, Better as it ages

[@ShaKimono]

A true testament to the power grace and fire of Liberty Devitto in all his glory loud blazing and heartfelt one of the best in the business

[@kennyjones6369]

I remember seeing him in Philly 1986 and holy crap I was fascinated how he played those drums, absolutely the backbone of that Billy Joel band. The band hasn’t been the same since

[@russell_szabados]

What a badass. Man, I grew up in New York City in the 70's & 80's and never got to see Billy Joel. C'mon NASA, get that Time Machine online!

[@c5d53g2e]

Phil Collins once made the comment that Liberty Devitto was the greatest drummer that he had ever seen

[@homeone4054]

That says something coming from someone as great as Phil doesn't it!

[@glennquagmire3258]

I don't believe you. Have Phil come on here back you up.

[@EmmaGlz211]

Maybe he never saw John Bonham or Buddy Ritch

[@Hugeroost]

Elvis had a badass drummer named Ronnie Tutt, you never heard much because E was always front and center. When he got the TCB band together he gave instructions he wanted the best musicians at every ;position that money could buy, they opened in Vegas 1970

[@caesardutta9394]

@@EmmaGlz211 Phil never saw u 2

[@danmartinez7443]

Lib’s drumming is what makes this song even more special!

[@ScarsUnseen24]

the drummer who got me into playing drums

[@caesardutta9394]

OMG...you ended up playing drums or bursting drums

[@drumhd1]

Liberty hasn’t lost a thing. Still killing it!!

[@caesardutta9394]

That is why he surroinded by police

[@leeborracho5695]

I don't care what your mom told you. Liberty told me " they are looking at you'!" Listen kids..... give them a fuckin show! "

[@markbradley5290]

Liberty just has it.

[@PlymouthVT]

I love Billy Joel but its not the same band without Liberty. When he hits the cymbals it means something. Extremely dynamic drummer. Balls out drumming.

[@MrDchristy]

Plays with passion. Like the pulse of the city. . It like Chicago without Danny Sepherino not the same

[@marceibel1131]

Seraphine.

[@howieduwit2551]

Billy Joel is nothing without liberty!

[@lucancherby]

How many cymbals does he go through in one night? At 4:35 the cymbal just gave up

[@erichirsch583]

Liberty’s amazing isn’t he?? Yes he is.. Billy probably regrets doing what he did to Liberty.. Liberty was a big part of the BJ sound..

[@paulh6591]

Liberty DeVitto's drumming was what I always listened for first and foremost when playing my old Billy Joel LPs back in the day. He infused every song with vitality and power. Thanks Liberty DeVitto for all the great playing!

[@howieduwit2551]

I don’t think Billy Joe would’ve had any of the hits without liberty!

[@scribblekitty6693]

I can’t listen to Billy’s classic recordings without tapping out Liberty’s drumming. Such vivacity!!! Thank you for posting this!

[@LebrettJames]

My eyes were always drawn to Liberty while watching Billy. He is the reason I took drums and have played them for 35 years, since. Billy's vibe is not the same without the guys who were there creating his sound with him. One of the best piano players, writers and lyricists of all time, no doubt. Great that he has Mark and Crystal still around, but without Lib, it does not hit the same. Thank you for posting. Long Live Liberty!

[@nyccountrygirl]

the one the only Liberty Devitto!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@IslandDigital]

Liberty’s Drumming is outstanding , such energy and SOLID. Could watch him play all day long. No over thinking , JUST PLAY !!! Great job Lib!!!!!

[@filomeelo]

If you need to see a visual testimony of playing with feeling, look no further than Liberty DeVitto. He put the breath in those songs from Billy Joel.That is how you play with charisma and passion. That is what it means to make the instrument an extension of your soul. No one better than Liberty. Who knows how much more Billy's songs could have been had he not parted ways with the drummer he had in Liberty DeVitto.

[@JimmyLeeHook]

Let's see Chuck Burgi try that. And, remember, Liberty WROTE that drum part. He created it from nothing. He didn't copy anyone, he created it. Lordy does he ever hit hard. Whoever is playing that piano part is an excellent player.

[@melissamariajackowski4783]

Chuck is a ####### joke.. Lib kicks ass

[@melissamariajackowski4783]

Burgi's a joke

[@stevegallo6460]

Isn’t it crazy that drum parts don’t just write themselves!?!!? This man wrote some of the best drums ever.. hes a monster of a player as well as a writer. You rule Liberty!!!!

[@johnnyozelius6852]

Honestly, I'd rather see these guys than the real Billy..And i LOVE Billy. Bring back the band

[@wrb1000]

Saw Liberty and the band at the Riverhead theater with my mid 20 yo children for their Xmas show. They were blown away - awesome show!

[@gtoger]

Drums: How hard should you hit? Liberty DeVitto: Yes.

[@drumsport]

It doesn't matter when Remo is sending you all the heads you need.

[@bluehornet6752]

@@drumsport It's not Remo so much (they get changed every gig anyway), but it's cymbals. I played for over 35 years, and was always a HUGE fan of this guy. The fact that he played Sabian cymbals for so many years says a lot to me about their durability.

[@drumsport]

@@bluehornet6752 I was just meaning that he could bang holes in his heads every day and he would get a fresh setup for the asking. Just finished reading Liberty's autobio. Nice read. Regarding cymbals, I've always had a mix of Zildgian, Sabian, and Paiste. I've never been good enough to get free gear, so I buy what sounds good. Love Jeff Porcaro, so I had to grab a few of Paiste Fast Crashes. Cheers.

[@brandonmalik3910]

Pro tip: watch movies at kaldrostream. Been using it for watching lots of of movies lately.

[@julianreese6021]

@Brandon Malik Yup, I have been watching on Kaldrostream for years myself =)

[@sandievandyck8626]

WOW. I miss Liberty. I just re-listened to "River of Dreams" and the most exciting song was "Shades of Grey" and it was because of Liberty's drumming. He's a powerhouse! Too bad they can't perform together once again. They had C H E M I S T R Y !!!!!! Hey, we're all getting older. Time to reconcile and make magic again!

[@norryonbass6574]

Thankfully they have now reconciled. The world has become that little bit brighter again knowing that

[@mikebatch6424]

Now a miracle for reunion?!?

[@birdmusic]

Liberty is a true HERO on drums to me !!!

[@christiancea6]

Great video!! I agree with you a 100% Billy isn't the same with out these guys. OUTSTANDING!! Liberty just rocks!!!! YESSSS!!!!!

[@BrettPalmer-t1p]

The man is a legend!

[@scribblekitty6693]

His fills are so creative and exactly what the song needs for musical forward motion.

[@thefool2007]

Liberty is a drum education. Absolutely brilliant.

[@darrylpaul4178]

One of my favorite drummers

[@johnjam88]

Very nice, Mr. DeVitto.

[@beardedlion261]

the best drummer Billy Joel ever dreamed about having he was the most fantastic drummer in the world. Thank you Liberty keep on playing brother Rumson New Jersey 19 77th Street

[@jfrey1]

A true showman. I recall watching the Billy Joel "Live From Long Island" VHS tape and seeing Liberty playing this song the same way he does here, arms flailing, giving it everything. It made a huge impression on me and my desire to play drums. Incredible and unreplaceable.

[@kevinphipps169]

After all these years and his execution is still flawless!!

[@brookshughey4060]

Hands Down, LIBERTY IS THE MAN!

[@johngold1849]

Love his flow. I can see how this song can be overplayed, but everything is in the right place. Great conviction.

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Saw him with BJ when I was 18, was completely blown away by his powerful, thunderous drumming. Had never seen anything like that until then...glad to say his influence is still in my drumming!

[@zombee38]

Mesmerized !

[@robertoetojo5861]

amazing this song mixed CLASSICAL AND ROCK

[@dt6540]

Liberty has patented that 2 measure pattern he does in this song as well as Billy The Kid. I love the way he does the 2nd measure with the high tom hit on the down beat, and then the catch up tom tom roll.

[@sgtpepper1138]

I love playing along to those songs, the fills are always fun.

[@PhilRounds]

Still rockin!

[@bobbyboombatz1489]

Ain't no back beat on that bro !!!! Love your style Mr. Liberty ! Thanks for the autograph on drum head !!!!! Branford festival

[@joehogg1016]

Met the great man years ago on his visit to NZ.... will never stop singing his praises! What Liberty can do to those drums is truly humbling and an education. A true legend and gentleman. 👍

[@c5d53g2e]

The GREATEST rock drummer that ever twirled the sticks!!!!!

[@rnorthrop]

This man influenced me for years and still does. Love his playing. Power, finesse, taste, creativity, chops and showmanship.

[@howieduwit2551]

Love this guy! I would never let him use my set!

[@richards6065]

Class act!😊

[@janstaugaard4098]

What a great drummer . Jan from Denmark

[@SUPERSPOTBEAMs]

This is Real!! Original!! Angry Young Man Drumming! 👏🏻😭

[@rayfarrell6926]

The original "East Coast Ass Kicker" Liberty Devito was a major part of Billy Joels sound. One of Rocks most exciting players, God Bless you Brother!!

[@simIsPlayingGames]

I agree with their name. THey are totally the soul of Billy Joel Band during that era

[@italianstallion9148]

Super tasteful feel. Great drummer. Amazing guy. Liberty DeVitto is the greatest New York styled jazz/rock n roll drummer on the planet. May God bless his soul.

[@iriedrummer89]

This is my favorite video!!!

[@joshuamorales1400]

Definitely one the greats..

[@jim289]

You have no idea what a big smile this put on my face today. Thank You for always being incredible & awesome!!! :-)

[@earldrum]

Liberty killing it! And those poor cymbals! Those cymbal stands couldn’t hold up to that beating! Awesome playing and drumming! 🙏🏻 thanks for the view!

[@peterperez1285]

Still delivers. Period.

[@wagnercabrerisso5986]

Fantastic !!!! Liberty, One more Captain Fantastic !!!!!

[@davefieramosca6974]

Excellent right on point drumming

[@wagnercabrerisso5986]

Liberty DeVitto, the Nigel Olsson from USA !!!

[@PedroPetracco]

This slaps!

[@erichirsch583]

Billy needs Liberty back in the band I know he’s missing him ....a lot...

[@MrDaveaccord]

Just read Liberty's book, it's awesome. Highly recommended.

[@J.P.Lindsay]

👍‼️ 😮Holy moly is that fast!!!

[@thomaskleinhans2384]

Yes man - you made my day!

[@christucci4064]

This guy made the albums great, it's just something about how he hits. A singular feel of some kind.

[@PeaceSeekersUBCSUO]

Niiiiiiiiice! On footage of the 1993 "From the River of Dreams" tour, when the camera was behind Liberty's kit, you could see "give blood" and "more blood" written on the skins of the floor toms! Yep... and in this clip, his cymbal stand loosens because he's giving so much blood! Rock on, Lib!!

[@charlieharpman2107]

Liberty is indeed Amazing!!!!!!

[@morenomartinezmarysolaleja2517]

Que tristeza que después de haber sido una estrella con el gran Billy Joel ahora toque con cualquiera........Ay Liberty porque te separaste de Billy?? ahi eras grande...y hoy??

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Jeez, Liberty is a BEAST!

[@AdamSmithNES]

Brilliant

[@howieduwit2551]

I have been a very big fan of liberty for a long time. I love this guy! I would never let him play my shit. He’s a fucking animal! And I mean that in a good way.

[@adammiller2246]

Liberty, you still got it man!! I remember you playing for Bill Joel back in the late 70s and 80s. Love the way you hit them drums. I do like his new drummer, Chuck, but he does not have your style. I am trying to get in touch with Billy but I don't think he will respond. I wrote to his home address and emailed him. left my cell phone number. In the letter I stated many things that only a person who knows him would know. Oh well I must have been crazy to try, but he must be right! 😆

[@stevecoyle1]

it's no surprise that these guys are still great. i don't really miss Billy (and I love Billy). i'd go to see them.

[@soundbreak7]

hitting so hard the cymbals are falling LOL

[@davegott4783]

Right there on a list with Keith moon

[@frank290862]

Proper musician.

[@jondesalvatore2052]

Liberty hits so hard the lights kept dimming and his set keeps breaking

[@edjones2199]

Nice job old fart we’re about the same age. I’ve got some covers that are so famous but they’re pretty cool too. God bless you.

[@michaelloder5150]

Next to Neil Peart, Stuart Copland, and Alex Van Halen, Liberty is in my Top 5 favorite Dummers!!

[@PinkLaffs]

Billy Joel without Liberty DeVitto, Russell Javors and David Brown isn't Billy Joel.

[@mm-nyc]

Without them Billy is basically playing in his own cover band. I saw Billy dozens of times with Liberty. Got to see Billy in a private concert in 2007 without Liberty. It was the last time I will see Billy live.

[@erichirsch583]

I so agree100%....

[@drumhd1]

Hell yeah!!!

[@Stevo_Drums]

“Is there a welder in the house?” - Liberty when his cymbals kept falling

[@iriedrummer89]

Hahaha I love how the stage hand had to come fix the crash cymbal lol

[@nowheretosit]

Now we're playing music.

[@kapwapoedolomitetalabritne8841]

Very tight drumming Mr Devitto

[@lorrainelisa-mccarthy6202]

Incredible talent

[@davidenders9282]

seen him with Billy for The Bridge tour. I believe Liberty was still in the band then. The last concert I seen BJ, he was not the drummer.

[@kennyf_drums]

HAHAHA!!!! FUCKIN" CYMBALS !!!!!! We've all been there.

[@traderpete007]

The man is a genius

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

3:38;.. he still does "the Fill" with 1/3 the amount of drums he had in the "Live from Long Island" video ... I miss big kits.... 3 toms is just not enough!!! hahaha.

[@annabasta2779]

DeVitto and Stewart Copeland are my preferite drummers.

[@troyalexander8228]

Me too! Truer words have never been spoken!

[@howieduwit2551]

You just named two of my top five drummers.

[@acme.videos]

Billy shouldn’t have let Liberty go!

[@joseperez8695]

That fill on 3.00😮😮

[@robertoetojo5861]

like jazz these drumming

[@gracielaelisabarrios7108]

Divino 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@weebgrinder-AIArtistPro]

Lib is like Bill Champlin is on vocals. Tons of grace notes.

[@davegott4783]

That is drumming that can’t be taught ...and drumming lib never learned ..just is...art

[@REVLIMITER3]

Liberty spent 30 years with Billy and should still be his drummer Chuck Burgi can't touch him !