Billy Joel's team has spoken out against a planned biopic on the singer, emphasizing that the unauthorized project will not feature his songs.
Variety reported on May 19 that ‘Billy and Me,’ directed by John Ottman, the Oscar-winning editor behind music biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody' (2018), and written by Adam Ripp, will start filming next fall. A representative for Joel spoke out against the planned project in a statement.
“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," the statement says, adding that the Grammy winner “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."
According to Variety, ‘Billy and Me’ will be told from the perspective of Irwin Mazur, the manager who guided Joel’s career before his 1973 breakthrough hit 'Piano Man.'
Billy Joel is one of the most successful and influential musicians in music history. An acclaimed singer, songwriter, and piano player, he blends a number of music genres and has created his own signature sound.
From chart-topping songs to iconic live performances, the Piano Man should be celebrated as one of the greatest artists of our time. Click through the following gallery to revisit his life and career.