Billy Joel Slams Unauthorized Biopic as “Legally and Professionally Misguided”

Billy Joel firmly disapproves of the unauthorized biopic, highlighting the lack of his life and music rights in the project.

If you’re a Billy Joel fan like me, you know how personal and powerful his music is. So, when news broke about a biopic titled Billy & Me—which dives into the early years of Joel’s life and career—fans were curious. However, Joel himself has made it crystal clear: this film is unauthorized, and he has not granted rights to his music or his life story. He called the project “legally and professionally misguided,” emphasizing that the filmmakers do not have his blessing.

The Story Behind Billy & Me: Told from an Outsider’s Perspective

The film Billy & Me is helmed by John Ottman, who directed and edited the project. It centers on the early days of Billy Joel’s career, focusing on the time before he catapulted to global stardom. However, instead of Joel’s direct input, the story unfolds through the eyes of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered Joel in 1966 and helped shape his early career until Joel’s big signing with Columbia Records in 1972.

Interestingly, the filmmakers have secured life rights from Mazur and drummer Jon Small, both crucial figures in Joel’s early musical journey. Small, who played alongside Joel in bands like The Hassles and Attila, is deeply involved in the project as co-executive producer, consultant, and second unit director.

Billy Joel’s Firm Legal and Artistic Boundaries

Despite the involvement of these close collaborators, Billy Joel has not authorized the film or granted the rights to his life story or music. This means the filmmakers cannot use his iconic songs or his personal narrative without his permission. As reported, this probably explains why the film uses the perspectives of Mazur and Small as its narrative lens, effectively sidestepping Joel’s direct involvement.

A spokesperson for Joel stated unmistakably: “Since 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not possess Billy Joel’s life rights and will not be able to secure the music rights required for this project. Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided.”

Behind the Scenes: Perspectives from Jon Small and John Ottman

Jon Small passionately described the film as “the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal of Billy Joel’s early life and rise to becoming one of the greatest musical voices of our time.” He stressed that the story is “grounded in truth, shaped with care, and built with the insight of people who genuinely know and love Billy.” Small said the film captures not only the music but also “the friendships, struggles, humor, and creative spark that defined those years.”

John Ottman, better known to me after his work on the recent Michael Jackson biopic, called Billy & Me “a deeply emotional and fun story.” He’s clearly captivated by the era’s vibe, noting, “The long hair, cigarette smoke, and authentic look of the period turn me on as a filmmaker.” Yet, he insists the real draw is the humanity at the core of the story. “It’s funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately very inspiring,” Ottman added.

A Glimpse Into Billy Joel’s Turbulent Early Years

The biopic’s timeline overlaps with some dark chapters in Joel’s life. Just last year, Joel opened up in a two-part documentary about some of his toughest moments. He revealed that he had made two suicide attempts, driven by the guilt he felt after starting a romantic relationship with Elizabeth Weber, who was married to Jon Small at the time.

Joel recounted, “I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker. I was just in love with a woman, and I got punched in the nose, which I deserved. Jon was very upset. I was very upset.”

Following the fallout, the band Attila disbanded, and Joel found himself homeless, a period marked by deep despair. “I was sleeping in laundromats and I was depressed, I think to the point of almost being psychotic,” he confessed. “I figured, ‘That’s it. I don’t want to live anymore.’”

Fortunately, Joel eventually reconciled with Small and Weber, who later managed his career. Whether the biopic will explore this complex and emotional chapter remains to be seen.

Billy Joel’s Current Health Battle and Resilience

In other news, last year Billy Joel faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that forced him to cancel all scheduled concerts. Despite the diagnosis, his daughter recently shared encouraging updates about his condition, saying, “He’s doing physical therapy regularly, and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet. I’m so proud of him. He’s such a trooper, so resilient and committed to being healthy and proactive. He’s a fighter.”

Joel himself chimed in during an appearance on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, humorously noting that while he feels “fine,” his balance is off, likening it to “being on a boat.” In January, he even performed alongside a tribute act, marking his first public appearance since the diagnosis—a testament to his enduring spirit.

What’s Next for the Biopic?

At this stage, details about the cast or release date for Billy & Me remain under wraps. What is certain is that without Joel’s approval or music rights, the film will have to tread carefully to respect legal boundaries. Fans like me will be watching closely, curious to see how this alternative telling of Joel’s formative years unfolds.

“Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided.” – Billy Joel’s spokesperson

Your Thoughts?

As a longtime fan, I’m torn between excitement for any story about Joel’s beginnings and respect for his wish to control his narrative. How do you feel about unauthorized biopics of legendary musicians? Should the stories be told only with the artist’s blessing, or is there room for alternative perspectives?

FAQ

• What is Billy & Me about?
  It’s an unauthorized biopic focused on Billy Joel’s early career, particularly through the eyes of his first manager Irwin Mazur and drummer Jon Small.
• Has Billy Joel approved or supported this biopic?
  No, Joel has explicitly not authorized or supported the film and has not granted life or music rights.
• Who is involved in making the biopic?
  John Ottman is the director and editor, with Jon Small acting as co-executive producer, consultant, and second unit director.
• Will the film feature Billy Joel’s music?
  Due to lack of music rights, it’s unlikely the film will include Joel’s original songs.
• Is there a release date for the biopic?
  No official release date or casting details have been announced yet.

If you’re inspired by the iconic music and history of Billy Joel, consider shopping for your favorite album cover posters to bring that legendary sound and style into your own space at Architeg Prints. It’s a great way to celebrate the music while supporting artistic storytelling.