Curtain Call with Kevin Curtain and Liberty DeVito

Introduction

Host: Kevin Curtin
Guest: Liberty DeVito, renowned drummer for Billy Joel
Background: Drummer for Billy Joel for 30 years, participant in numerous iconic records

Early Influences: Big fan of The Beatles and The Rascals
Why Drums? Liberty’s father chose drums to help with his hyperactivity as no Prozac was available at the time

Connection: Introduced by producer Phil Ramone, who worked with Billy Joel
First Meeting: Surprise introduction; initially unaware it was Paul McCartney
Recording Experience: Familiarity with McCartney’s voice, surreal to work with him

Initial Gigs: Played in various weddings and bar gigs, band named ‘Topper’
First Encounter with Billy: Billy wanted a New York style drummer, introduced by Doug Stegmeyer
First Audition: Learned songs from “Piano Man” and “Streetlife Serenader” albums, got a tape of new songs beforehand

Studio Experience: Initial recordings with just piano, bass, and drums
Memorable Moments: Song “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” channeling Hal Blaine, “Angry Young Man” recorded with Billy playing on his chest
Track memorable shouts: “DeVito, where are you going?” left in the recording
Tour Influence: Album Tracks became staples in performances

Iconic Photo: Taken in a now-defunct macaroni factory, candid photo while eating
Key Tracks: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant: Different parts and changes rehearsed on the road
- Recording Just the Way You Are: Initially more like “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” changed by Phil Ramone
- Moving Out: Melody and lyrics developed, inspired by tour experiences
- Only the Good Die Young: Drumming style similar to Hendrix’s “Up from the Skies”
- Working with Phil Ramone: Emphasis on relatable music, humorous moments in the studio

Influences: Gene Krupa, Ringo Starr, Dino Danelli, Mitch Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Jim Capaldi, Hal Blaine
Unique Style: Combining influences, making iconic songs sound original

Memorable Tours: Havana, Cuba (1979), Soviet Union (Leningrad and Moscow)
Reflection: Realized people, not governments, were the ones involved in conflicts

Sting: Complimented him as a great drummer
Kenny Aronoff: Accredited Billy Joel’s sound to Liberty’s drumming in the documentary ‘Hired Gun’

Advice for Young Musicians: Persistence, passion, and adapting to changes in the music industry
Current Projects: Touring with Lords of 52nd Street, Slim Kings, Little Kids Rock charity involvement
Recent Works: Played on Jesse Kinch's new album, project for the government

[Music]