OT - Billy Joel Drummer Sues for Royalties

[brandonx76]

What do you guys think of this?

I know Liberty was with Billy since the beginning...as much Billy has been a victim of other shysters, this must be a shock.

I know you can't 'copyright' a drum groove (or part), but I'd think he was well paid.


http://blog.ez-tracks.com/public/item/d ... -royalties

A former drummer for Billy Joel is suing the piano man for royalties he alleges Joel stiffed him out for years, according to an Associated Press report.

Liberty DeVitto has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan’s state Supreme Court demanding Joel pay him overdue royalties. The 58-year-old says he was Joel’s drummer from 1975 to 2005 and helped Joel craft a series of blockbuster albums.

According to report, DeVitto’s lawyer says he does not know exactly how much the drummer is owed and that Joel’s financial records must be audited. DeVitto says he is currently working as a studio musician and teaching to support his family, including three children.

Joel has sold over 100 million albums worldwide since his debut with Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. Calls to the performer for his side of the story went unanswered, according to the AP.