Liberty Devitto - drums  (Billy Joel)

Hugh McDonald - bass/vocals  (Bon Jovi)

Joe Lynn Turner - vocals  (Deep Purple, Rainbow)

Andy Burton - keyboards  (Ian Hunter band)

Richie Cannata - horns  (Billy Joel, Beach Boys)

Incredible just doesn't seem to be enough to describe the amazing performance of Hit Squad at The Downtown in Farmingdale. The collective talents of these famous musicians have formed a powerhouse in Hit Squad that drew in loyal fans from all over the area despite the arrival of Tropical Storm Charlie.

The idea for Hit Squad was born last summer when Ricky Byrd and Liberty DeVitto had a casual conversation. It turned out they were off the road and itchin' to play out live! So they gathered up a bunch of like minded pirates. Ricky elaborates on the concept, "We're going to be playing the stuff we played when we first started out, before the Business became part of the Music. No record companies, publishers, booking agents. This is about having fun, no strings attached."

The repertoire will consist of songs such as "I'll Go Crazy," "Little Queenie," "Girl Can't Help It," "My Girl," "That's How Strong My Love Is" and "Route 66." Byrd continues, "And maybe, just maybe, we'll throw in a few songs from our respective checkered pasts! I'm thinkin' this is gonna be fun!!!”. Liberty adds, "I think this is gonna be the most fun I've had playing in a long time!"

After the show, Liberty Devitto and Hugh McDonald stuck around for some time to meet their fans, but it was Joe Lynn Turner, Ricky Byrd, Richie Cannata and Andy Burton who stayed for over an hour meeting their smiling fans, posing for photos and signing autographs. People patiently lined up, holding items to be autographed such as poster, photos, CDs and even a pick-plate form a guitar.

Hit Squad is a recommended show for fans to catch. Find more information about Hit Squad and its members through the Official Websites linked below.

Based on availability the revolving band consists of:

Liberty DeVitto - drums (Billy Joel)
Ricky Byrd - guitar & vocals (Joan Jett, Roger Daltrey, Ian Hunter)
Richie Cannata - horns (Billy Joel, Beach Boys)
Andy Burton - keyboards (Ian Hunter)
Andy York - guitar (John Mellencamp, Ian Hunter)
Joe Lynn Turner - vocals (Deep Purple, Rainbow)
Simon Kirke - drums (Bad Company, Free)
Kasim Sulton - bass & vocals (Joan Jett, Utopia, Meat Loaf)
Hugh McDonald - bass & vocals (Bon Jovi)
Charly Drayton - bass (X-pensive Winos, Michelle Branch)
Fernando Saunders - bass & vocals (Lou Reed, Jeff Beck)
Christine Ohlman - vocals (Saturday Night Live Band)
Arno Hecht - horns (Stones)