Complete List Of Billy Joel Band Members

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Joel’s professional journey began in 1971 with the release of his debut solo album Cold Spring Harbor, and he has since released 13 studio albums, sold more than 150 million records globally, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. His band evolved significantly over the years, starting with session musicians and several touring lineups before stabilizing around 1975 with what became known as his classic band formation. That core remained central through much of the late 1970s and 1980s before major personnel changes arrived around Storm Front and the early 1990s.

Billy Joel’s touring band as a whole did not begin playing on his records until he recorded Turnstiles in 1976, marking the beginning of one of his most important creative periods. That album featured Richie Cannata on saxophones and keyboards, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Russell Javors and Howard “Howie” Emerson on guitars, and Doug Stegmeyer on bass. The lineup evolved over the following years, with David Brown joining on lead guitar and Mark Rivera later replacing Cannata. Members of this classic-era band provided the musical foundation for recordings from The Stranger through The Bridge, including songs such as “Just the Way You Are,” “My Life,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” and “Uptown Girl.” The band’s chemistry was rooted in strong Long Island connections and, for several members, musical history together before joining Joel’s organization.

The band, which no longer includes any members of the original 1970s touring lineup, underwent significant changes in the late 1980s when Joel decided to pursue different musical directions and work with new producers. From The Stranger in 1977 through The Bridge in 1986, Joel had worked with producer Phil Ramone and a largely stable core of musicians, but for the 1989 album Storm Front, Joel chose Mick Jones of Foreigner as co-producer and made major personnel changes. Joel’s record-breaking monthly Madison Square Garden residency began in 2014 and concluded on July 25, 2024, with his 150th lifetime performance at the arena.

As of October 4, 2026, Billy Joel’s official website still identifies David Rosenthal, Mark Rivera, Crystal Taliefero, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi, Carl Fischer, and Mike DelGuidice as the Billy Joel In Concert band. However, Joel cancelled all scheduled concerts in May 2025 after being diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and being advised to refrain from performing during his recovery. No new concert return date has been announced as of this update.

Liberty DeVitto

Liberatori “Liberty” DeVitto served as Billy Joel’s drummer from 1975 to 2005, making him the longest-tenured member in Joel’s band history and one of the most recognizable figures in Joel’s musical legacy. Born on August 8, 1950, in New York City to Italian ancestry, DeVitto taught himself to play drums after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. He was also influenced as a teenager by rock drummer Dino Danelli and developed a hard-hitting, aggressive style that would become perfect for Joel’s New York-influenced sound.

DeVitto’s path to joining Joel’s band began through his childhood friendship with Russell Javors and their shared experience in the Long Island band Topper alongside Doug Stegmeyer. Billy and I used to play the same club in Plainview, Long Island called “My House.” We would watch each other play and acknowledge each other in passing. When Joel was looking for a permanent band in 1974, Doug Stegmeyer recommended DeVitto because Billy was looking for a New York-type drummer, aggressive and hard hitting. The three of us recorded the basic tracks for Turnstiles and we both recommended Russell Javors and Howie Emerson, who played guitars in Topper and with the addition of Richie Cannata on saxophone, the “Billy Joel Band” was born.

DeVitto’s drumming provided the rhythmic foundation for Joel’s most successful albums, including “Turnstiles,” “The Stranger,” “52nd Street,” “Glass Houses,” “The Nylon Curtain,” “An Innocent Man,” “The Bridge,” “Storm Front,” and “River of Dreams.” His powerful playing style and intuitive understanding of Joel’s musical vision made him an essential component of the band’s sound. He is credited as a drummer on records which have sold a combined total of 150 million units worldwide. DeVitto’s contributions extended beyond drumming, as he often provided input on arrangements and helped shape the band’s overall musical direction.

The partnership between DeVitto and Joel came to an end after 2005, when DeVitto was not invited back for the 2006 tour. The split was followed by legal disputes involving royalties and song credits. The two eventually reconciled in 2020 when DeVitto reached out via email, leading to a meeting and Joel’s agreement to write the foreword for DeVitto’s memoir “Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Following his departure from Joel’s band, DeVitto formed The Lords of 52nd Street with fellow former Joel band members Richie Cannata and Russell Javors, performing faithful renditions of Joel’s classic recordings.

Doug Stegmeyer

Douglas Alan Stegmeyer served as Billy Joel’s bassist from 1974 to 1989, becoming one of the most important musical contributors to Joel’s classic period and earning the nickname “The Sergeant Of The Billy Joel Band.” Born on December 23, 1951, in Flushing, Queens, Stegmeyer grew up in a musical family with his father being an accomplished musician and his mother a contemporary singer and piano player. He took up bass guitar at age 14 and after graduating from Syosset High School, joined the band Topper with friends Russell Javors and Liberty DeVitto, becoming one of the hottest club bands on Long Island.

Stegmeyer’s introduction to Billy Joel came in 1974 when Joel was living in Los Angeles and looking for a new band with a New York sound. A mutual friend suggested that Joel reach out to Stegmeyer, and he flew out to California to join Joel on bass for the “Streetlife Serenade” tour. After the tour finished, Stegmeyer suggested that Joel give a listen to DeVitto and Javors, leading to the formation of what would become the classic Billy Joel Band. Stegmeyer’s bass work can be heard on every one of Joel’s studio albums from “Turnstiles” (1976) through “The Bridge” (1986), as well as the live albums “Songs in the Attic” and “КОНЦЕРТ.”

Stegmeyer’s playing style combined keen musical intuition with harmonic awareness and a band-first mentality that made him the perfect foundation for Joel’s intricate songwriting. His bass work featured tastefully executed grace notes, slaps, fretless glissandos, and nimble plectrum and finger picking, all rendered with a crisp bite that served the song. He frequently matched Liberty DeVitto’s kick drum patterns to reinforce the pulse of the song, creating one of the most powerful rhythm sections in popular music. His tone stood out through the mix, providing a clean and powerful low end with enough midrange presence to definitively stand up to the other instruments.

Stegmeyer and Russell Javors left the band in 1989, according to DeVitto, they were forced out as Joel made significant changes to his musical direction. Following his departure from Joel’s band, Stegmeyer maintained a busy schedule recording and producing, opening his own studio and continuing his music career. Tragically, on August 25, 1995, Stegmeyer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Smithtown, New York home. On October 23, 2014, Stegmeyer was posthumously inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame along with his former Topper and Joel bandmates Richie Cannata, Liberty DeVitto, and Russell Javors, primarily for their work with Joel.

Russell Javors

Russell Javors served as guitarist and vocalist for Billy Joel’s band from 1976 to 1989, contributing rhythm guitar, backing vocals, and occasional lead guitar work during Joel’s most successful commercial period. Born and raised on Long Island, Javors began his musical journey at age 15, performing songs with his childhood friend Liberty DeVitto. He met Doug Stegmeyer in high school, and along with Howard Emerson, formed the band Topper, where they performed original songs written by Javors. The band became known as one of the hottest club acts on Long Island and eventually attracted Billy Joel’s attention.

Javors’ transition from Topper to the Billy Joel Band occurred when Joel was assembling his permanent touring and recording group in 1975. When DeVitto and Stegmeyer joined Joel to record basic tracks for “Turnstiles,” they recommended both Javors and Howard Emerson as guitarists. Javors’ rhythm guitar work and backing vocals became integral components of Joel’s sound throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. His playing style complemented the band’s overall dynamic, providing solid rhythmic support while occasionally stepping forward for lead guitar parts when needed.

Throughout his tenure with Joel, Javors contributed to some of the most beloved albums in popular music, including “Turnstiles,” “The Stranger,” “52nd Street,” “Glass Houses,” “The Nylon Curtain,” “An Innocent Man,” and “The Bridge.” His guitar work and harmonies can be heard on classic Joel songs that continue to receive regular radio play and are performed at concerts worldwide. Javors’ contributions extended beyond just playing, as his songwriting experience from his Topper days provided valuable input during the creative process of Joel’s albums.

Javors left Joel’s band in 1989 along with Doug Stegmeyer as Joel made significant changes to his musical direction and production approach. Following his departure, Javors continued his music career and eventually reunited with his former bandmates in The Lords of 52nd Street. On October 23, 2014, Javors was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame along with Cannata, DeVitto, and Stegmeyer (posthumously), primarily for their work with Joel. The Lords of 52nd Street continues to perform faithful renditions of Joel’s classic recordings, allowing fans to experience the original arrangements and energy of the songs as they were first recorded.

Richie Cannata

Richard “Richie” Cannata joined Billy Joel’s band in 1975 and served as saxophonist, keyboardist, and occasional vocalist through the early 1980s, bringing a jazz sensibility and distinctive saxophone sound that became synonymous with Joel’s classic recordings. Cannata joined the newly formed Billy Joel Band when the core members of Topper were assembled with Joel, completing the lineup that would define Joel’s sound throughout his most successful period. His saxophone work became one of the most recognizable elements of Joel’s music, particularly evident on songs like “Just the Way You Are” and numerous tracks from “The Stranger” and “52nd Street.”

Cannata’s musical versatility made him an invaluable member of the band, as he contributed not only saxophone but also organ, keyboards, and backing vocals when needed. His jazz background brought sophistication to Joel’s arrangements, helping to elevate the musical complexity of the recordings while maintaining their accessibility to mainstream audiences. The addition of Richie Cannata on saxophone completed the “Billy Joel Band” formation that would become one of the most successful backing bands in popular music history.

One important change in 1982 was Mark Rivera taking over the primary saxophone role after Cannata’s original run with the band. Cannata’s departure marked the end of an era for the classic Joel band lineup, though the reasons for his leaving were not widely publicized. His saxophone work on Joel’s classic albums remains some of the most memorable and influential in popular music, helping to define the sophisticated pop-rock sound that made Joel a global superstar.

Following his time with Joel, Cannata established Cove City Studios, where he continues to work as a producer and engineer. Liberty DeVitto serves as the house drummer at Cannata’s studio, maintaining their musical partnership beyond their Joel years. In 2014, Cannata reunited with DeVitto and Javors for their induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and they officially formed The Lords of 52nd Street, which plays faithful renditions of the original Joel recordings. For the 2006 tour, Cannata temporarily returned on lead saxophones though he soon left the band again and Rivera returned to his position as lead saxophonist, demonstrating the ongoing respect Joel had for Cannata’s musical contributions.

David Brown

David Brown served as lead guitarist for Billy Joel from 1978 through the 1980s, joining the band during their peak commercial period and contributing distinctive guitar work to some of Joel’s most beloved albums. Joel also added lead guitarist David Brown in 1978 who stayed with the band throughout the 1980s, beginning with the recording of “Glass Houses” (1980). Brown’s addition to the band provided a different guitar dynamic from the rhythm guitar work of Russell Javors, allowing for more complex arrangements and layered guitar parts that enhanced Joel’s increasingly sophisticated compositions.

Brown’s guitar work can be heard on crucial Joel albums including “Glass Houses,” “The Nylon Curtain,” “An Innocent Man,” and “The Bridge.” His playing style brought influences from classic rock and blues traditions while adapting to Joel’s pop sensibilities and the band’s tight ensemble approach. The guitar work by Brown channeled George Harrison influences, and he worked closely with drummer Liberty DeVitto, who tried to emulate Ringo Starr’s approach, creating Beatles-influenced dynamics within Joel’s band structure.

Throughout the 1980s, Brown was part of the core group that Joel retained as he made various changes to his band lineup. For the 1989 album “Storm Front,” when Joel chose a new producer and started making more significant changes to the band, at this point, the only players that Joel kept, for both his touring band and for the recording of the album, were Brown, Rivera, and DeVitto. This demonstrates the high regard Joel had for Brown’s musical contributions and his importance to the band’s sound during a period of transition.

In August 2024, Liberty DeVitto announced on his Facebook that guitarist David Brown had passed away, marking the end of an era for the classic Joel band alumni. Brown’s guitar work remains an integral part of Joel’s recorded legacy, and his contributions helped define the sound of some of the most commercially successful and artistically acclaimed albums in popular music history. His death represents a significant loss for the extended Billy Joel musical family and for fans who appreciated his tasteful and effective guitar work throughout Joel’s classic period.

Mark Rivera

Mark Rivera joined Billy Joel’s band in 1982, replacing Richie Cannata as the primary saxophonist and becoming a long-term member who has remained with Joel for over four decades. One important change in 1982 was Mark Rivera taking over the primary saxophone role after Cannata’s original run with the band. Rivera brought his own musical personality to the saxophone role while maintaining the high standards and jazz-influenced approach that had characterized Cannata’s contributions to the band.

Rivera’s saxophone work became an integral part of Joel’s sound from the 1980s onward, contributing to albums including “The Nylon Curtain,” “An Innocent Man,” “The Bridge,” “Storm Front,” and “River of Dreams.” His versatility as a multi-instrumentalist has made him valuable beyond just saxophone, as he also plays flute, harmonica, and percussion while providing backing vocals. This multi-instrumental approach has allowed Rivera to adapt to the changing needs of Joel’s music and touring requirements over the decades.

Throughout the various lineup changes that occurred in Joel’s band during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Rivera remained a constant presence. For the 1989 album “Storm Front,” when Joel made significant changes to his band, at this point, the only players that Joel kept, for both his touring band and for the recording of the album, were Brown, Rivera, and DeVitto. This continuity demonstrates Rivera’s importance to Joel’s musical vision and his ability to adapt to new musical directions while maintaining the quality and professionalism that Joel demanded.

Rivera remains listed as a core member of Billy Joel’s In Concert band. He participated throughout Joel’s Madison Square Garden residency, which concluded in July 2024, as well as the stadium and arena dates that followed before Joel’s 2025 concert cancellations. His longevity with Joel surpasses that of most other band members, making him one of the most enduring musical partnerships in Joel’s career. His saxophone work has become synonymous with the live Joel experience for multiple generations of fans, and his professionalism and musical versatility have made him an indispensable part of Joel’s ongoing musical legacy.

Mike DelGuidice

Mike DelGuidice joined Billy Joel’s band in 2013 as a multi-instrumentalist providing rhythm guitar and backing vocals, bringing a unique perspective as someone who had spent years studying and performing Joel’s music as a tribute artist. In 2013, the Billy Joel Band was joined by multi-instrumentalist Mike DelGuidice on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. DelGuidice had previously fronted various Billy Joel tribute projects. His path to joining Joel’s official band began on Long Island, where DelGuidice also grew up and attended Miller Place High School.

DelGuidice’s passion for Joel’s music led him to form a tribute band called Big Shot, named after Joel’s 1978 hit single. Regionally successful, DelGuidice supported his family with Big Shot, playing covers of songs from Joel’s vast, decades-spanning catalog. His physical resemblance to Joel, including their shared baldness, along with his deep musical understanding of Joel’s repertoire, made him a natural fit when an opportunity arose to join the official band.

DelGuidice’s addition to Joel’s band came through a remarkable set of circumstances. In 2010, while Joel was off the road for hip-replacement surgery, DelGuidice began inviting members of Joel’s touring unit, including Tommy Byrnes and Chuck Burgi, to perform with Big Shot. In 2013, Byrnes and musical director David Rosenthal brought DelGuidice into rehearsals as a stand-in while Joel prepared for European dates. Joel heard him sing and play guitar during those rehearsals and invited him to join the tour, turning a long-running tribute career into a place in the official band.

From there, DelGuidice went on the road with Joel for European dates and became a regular member of the touring band before the historic Madison Square Garden residency began in 2014. “It was a lot at first, but it’s a well-oiled machine,” he says. “It’s was pretty easy to slide onto the conveyor belt that’s running so smoothly. And I think that’s a testament to how he runs his organization. He’s beloved, so it’s a big family.” DelGuidice continues to balance his role in Joel’s official band with performances of his tribute act, allowing him to experience both the intimacy of smaller venues and the spectacle of major arenas and stadiums.

Chuck Burgi

Chuck Burgi joined Billy Joel’s band in 2006 as drummer, replacing Liberty DeVitto after DeVitto’s 30-year tenure ended due to legal disputes and personal conflicts with Joel. For the 2006 tour, Joel did not invite DeVitto back as his drummer after the two became involved in a legal dispute, and the drummer Chuck Burgi (who played in the Broadway production of “Movin’ Out”) replaced DeVitto. Burgi’s background in musical theater, particularly his work on the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp Broadway production “Movin’ Out,” provided him with extensive experience performing Joel’s music in a live setting.

Burgi’s transition to Joel’s touring band represented a significant change for the organization, as DeVitto had been such a long-standing and integral member of the group. Burgi’s drumming style and approach had to fill the considerable shoes left by DeVitto while adapting to the expectations and musical dynamics that Joel’s audiences had come to expect. His experience with “Movin’ Out” proved invaluable in understanding the nuances and requirements of Joel’s music in a live performance context.

Since joining Joel’s band, Burgi has become a stable and reliable member of the current lineup, participating in Joel’s tours and the Madison Square Garden residency through its conclusion in July 2024. His drumming provides the rhythmic foundation for Joel’s current live performances, maintaining the energy and drive that fans expect while bringing his own musical personality to the role. Burgi’s professionalism and adaptability have made him an effective successor to DeVitto, allowing Joel’s live performances to continue at the high level of quality that has characterized his career.

Burgi’s work with Joel represents the continuation of the band’s evolution, demonstrating how new members can successfully integrate into an established musical organization while respecting the legacy and expectations that come with performing such well-known and beloved music. His drumming continues to support Joel’s live performances as they reach new audiences while satisfying longtime fans who have followed Joel’s career across multiple decades.

Crystal Taliefero

Crystal Taliefero joined Billy Joel’s band in 1989 as a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist, becoming one of the few musicians to maintain a long-term association with Joel through multiple lineup changes and musical transitions. He also added the percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Crystal Taliefero who would become a permanent fixture in his band while Stegmeyer was replaced by Schuyler Deale and Javors was replaced by Joey Hunting on the album and Tommy Byrnes for its accompanying tour. Taliefero’s addition came during a period of significant change for Joel’s band, as he was exploring new musical directions and working with different producers.

Taliefero’s versatility as a multi-instrumentalist has made her an invaluable addition to Joel’s band, capable of handling percussion, keyboards, backing vocals, and other instrumental needs as they arise during performances and recordings. Her musical flexibility has allowed her to adapt to the various stylistic changes that Joel has explored throughout different periods of his career, from the more rock-oriented material of the late 1980s through his more recent work.

Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, Taliefero remained a consistent presence in Joel’s touring band, demonstrating the loyalty and musical chemistry that Joel values in his collaborators. Her contributions extend beyond just instrumental performance, as her backing vocals and stage presence have enhanced the overall live experience for Joel’s audiences. The fact that she became a “permanent fixture” in the band speaks to her musical abilities and professional reliability.

Taliefero remains listed as part of Joel’s current In Concert band, having participated in his tours and the Madison Square Garden residency through its conclusion in July 2024. Her longevity with Joel represents one of the more successful long-term musical partnerships in his band’s history, and her contributions have helped bridge the gap between Joel’s classic period and his contemporary touring presentations. Her presence in the band demonstrates Joel’s appreciation for musicians who can grow and evolve with his musical vision while maintaining consistent quality and professionalism.

David Rosenthal

David Rosenthal serves as keyboardist, pianist, organist, and musical director for Billy Joel’s current touring band, representing the continuation of Joel’s tradition of working with accomplished keyboard players who can handle both the technical and creative demands of his music. As musical director, Rosenthal is responsible for coordinating the band’s performances, maintaining musical arrangements, and ensuring that Joel’s live presentations meet the high standards that audiences expect from one of popular music’s most accomplished performers.

Rosenthal’s role as musical director involves not only his own keyboard and piano contributions but also overseeing the overall musical coordination of the band during rehearsals and performances. This position requires extensive knowledge of Joel’s catalog, understanding of his musical preferences, and the ability to communicate effectively with other band members to maintain the tight ensemble playing that characterizes Joel’s live shows. His background and experience have prepared him to handle the complex logistics of presenting Joel’s sophisticated musical arrangements in live settings.

The most recently listed Billy Joel In Concert lineup includes Rosenthal as a key member and continues the tradition of musical excellence that has characterized Joel’s live career. Rosenthal’s contributions help ensure that classic Joel songs are presented faithfully while allowing for the spontaneity and energy that make live performances special. His musical director role also involves preparing for the various special guests and unique situations that arise during Joel’s tours and residency performances.

Rosenthal’s work with Joel represents the continuing evolution of the Billy Joel Band, demonstrating how new musicians can successfully integrate into an established musical legacy while bringing their own expertise and creativity to the role. His contributions as both performer and musical director help maintain the continuity and quality that have made Joel’s live performances among the most popular and enduring in popular music.

Howard “Howie” Emerson

Howard “Howie” Emerson was a key guitarist in the first stable version of the classic Billy Joel Band. He joined the touring lineup in 1975 alongside Doug Stegmeyer, Liberty DeVitto, Richie Cannata, and later Russell Javors, and he played electric and acoustic guitar on Turnstiles. Emerson’s work helped establish the guitar texture of Joel’s first New York-based permanent band after the earlier years of changing road musicians and studio players.

Emerson remained part of Joel’s touring organization through the late 1970s before David Brown became the principal lead guitarist. His presence on Turnstiles places him directly in the lineup that marked Joel’s transition from using separate road and studio musicians to recording with his own touring band.

Tommy Byrnes

Tommy Byrnes joined Billy Joel’s touring band during the Storm Front tour in 1990, initially handling rhythm guitar and backing vocals after Mindy Jostyn’s departure. By the River of Dreams era he had moved into the lead-guitar role, and he became one of the longest-serving members of Joel’s live organization. His guitar playing supported Joel’s arena and stadium shows for decades, including the ten-year Madison Square Garden residency.

Byrnes also became deeply involved with the Broadway production Movin’ Out, serving as a musical consultant and band member for the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp production. Billy Joel’s official band page continues to list Byrnes on guitars and vocals as part of the In Concert band.

Andy Cichon

Andy Cichon joined Billy Joel’s touring band in 2001 on bass and backing vocals, replacing the succession of bassists who had followed Doug Stegmeyer’s classic-era tenure. The Australian-born musician became the longest-serving bassist in Joel’s modern touring lineup and appears on live releases including 12 Gardens Live and Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert.

Cichon’s steady playing became part of the foundation of Joel’s twenty-first-century live sound. Billy Joel’s official website continues to list him as the bassist and a vocalist in the In Concert band.

Carl Fischer

Carl Fischer joined Billy Joel’s band in December 2005 after working in the Broadway production of Movin’ Out. A multi-instrumental brass player, Fischer performs trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, saxophone, and related horn parts, with his trumpet work on “Zanzibar” becoming one of the most recognizable features of Joel’s modern concerts.

Fischer initially came into Joel’s rehearsals through longtime guitarist Tommy Byrnes and quickly became a permanent part of the live band. He performed throughout the Madison Square Garden residency and is still listed on Billy Joel’s official band page as a member of the In Concert lineup.

Other Former Billy Joel Band Members

Billy Joel’s touring history extends well beyond the best-known classic and modern lineups. His first solo touring band in the early 1970s included drummer Rhys Clark, guitarist Al Hertzberg, and bassist Larry Russell. Later early-road configurations included guitarist Don Evans, bassist Patrick McDonald, saxophonist and keyboardist Johnny Almond, and multi-instrumentalist Tom Whitehorse.

Other important later members included keyboardist David Lebolt, guitarist Kevin Dukes, bassist Schuyler Deale, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs, multi-instrumentalist Mindy Jostyn, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Tom “T-Bone” Wolk, and bassist David Santos. These musicians filled key roles during the Soviet tour, the Storm Front period, the River of Dreams era, and the late 1990s. Session players who appeared on individual recordings are not treated here as permanent band members unless they also became part of Joel’s recurring touring organization.