Clore Chronicles

Liberty DeVitto is a legendary rock and roll drummer. One of the most visibly-passionate. One that truly loves the music. Simply one of the best.

He spent three decades of his life playing drums (in-studio and on-stage) for Billy Joel. He has also performed with the likes of Elton John, The Carpenters, Meat Loaf and many, many others.

I was fortunate to connect with Liberty recently and have the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

Clore: I know the Beatles had a huge impact on you. What other artists have had a significant impact on you?

Liberty: The Rascals, Cream, Hendrix and Traffic…a long list. I like any music that is played with Passion…classical, Jazz, Rock, soul, anything! My belief is “it’s not what you play, but how you play it.” There are a lot of musicians that can “play the part,” but there is no emotion in it. That sucks to me.

Clore: What part of the music world gets you going? Is it the studio, the live concert atmosphere, etc.?

Liberty: They are two different animals. When you record in the studio it is like an out-of-body experience. The drummer concentrates on what he and the other musicians are playing and is totally engrossed in the emotion and spirit of the song. The drummer becomes the listener, and listens to how the drummer’s part transcends through the speakers and how his part fits with the rest of the group. He becomes the judge. Live there is the exchange with the audience. You play a song, the audience reacts in a positive way. You play the next song better. It’s a give-give situation.

Clore: From a professional standpoint, what is your proudest moment?

Liberty: First, let me say there has never been anything greater in my life than having children. Period. Hands down the best! I think musically it’s when a young person says to me “I practiced to your records,” or, “I saw you play and I said ‘that’s what I want to do,” you are my Ringo.”

Clore: Do you have a daily mantra you live by?

Liberty: I try to treat people how I would like to be treated. I try to look at everyone as someone’s son or daughter.

Clore: Can you share a little about the down-side of the business and what happens to a person after years of actually living “the dream” like you’ve been able to?

Liberty: The dream is always bigger than the reality. I can remember standing on stage at Madison Square Garden thinking, “this is it?” It was nothing like I imagined when I used to think how Ringo felt in the Beatles playing Shea. When I was on stage at the Garden, it was nothing like I imagined. Don’t get me wrong, it was a cool feeling, but there were club gigs that were as exciting or more satisfying.

Clore: What keeps you motivated and interested after all of these years?

Liberty: Girls!