Most BILLY JOEL fans would know BILLY JOEL's past and present band members, specifically his drummers. Chuck Burgi is his current drummer, who has been a member of BILLY JOEL's band since 2006 - present. (16 years)
Prior to Chuck Burgi was Liberty DeVitto. Liberty DeVitto was BILLY JOEL's drummer from 1976 - 2006. (30 years) These were the years that BILLY JOEL produced his award winning Grammy albums and singles. Starting with 'Turnstiles' (1976), 'The Stranger' (1977), '52nd Street' (1978), 'Glass Houses' (1980), 'The Nylon Curtain' (1982), 'An Innocent Man' (1983), 'The Bridge' (1986), 'Storm Front' (1989), and 'River of Dreams' (1993). Liberty DeVitto, without a doubt, was a musical force and a contributing factor in BILLY JOEL achieving his success.
But who remembers BILLY JOEL's 'original' drummer? He was BILLY JOEL's drummer from 1971 -1975. (5 years) He toured with BILLY JOEL promoting the albums 'Cold Spring Harbor' (1971), 'Piano Man' (1973), and 'Streetlife Serenade' (1974). Fact: BILLY JOEL was the 'Best Man' at this drummers wedding to wife Marilyn (50+ years ago, and still married!) AND, Elizabeth Weber, BILLY JOEL's girlfriend at the time, was the 'Maid of Honor'! BILLY JOEL's 'original' drummer is still alive and living in California. They are still the best of friends, and BILLY JOEL keeps in touch with him till this day! His name is Rhys Clark.
Rhys Clark - 2022 Photo: ©Jon Brett
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