Elizabethtown College’s Bowers Writers House will host renowned drummer and author Liberty DeVitto on campus on Friday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in Brinser Lecture Hall, located inside the Steinman Center. DeVitto will read from his published memoir, “Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
DeVitto is best known for spending more than 30 years as lead drummer for Billy Joel, working with him on 13 platinum albums that have sold over 150 million copies, and writing and performing the drum parts on 22 of Billy’s 23 top-40 hits and all of his six Grammy Award-winning recordings.
His book, “Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness,” was published in July 2020 and covers his life’s story from growing up in Long Island, breaking into the music scene, and making decades of hit music with Joel, only to experience a falling out with the legendary musician later in his career.
DeVitto has played with megastars including Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Meatloaf, and more. In 2013, he was inducted into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame. He continues to lecture, interview, and play all over the world.
“For decades, Liberty has been the backbone of so many different musical acts, and I’m so excited to be able to bring him to our campus community,” said Jesse Waters, Director of the Bowers Writers House. “Aside from performance, he’s also been a pioneer for different social initiatives, so he definitely blends in with our Educate for Service mission.”
This event will also include a photo session and a book signing and is free and open to the public.