Billy Joel movie: "Misguided" film doesn't have his approval and won't include his music

20 May 2026, 11:00

There's a new Billy Joel biopic coming but the 'Piano Man' isn't a fan.

As Michael Jackson biopic Michael continues to storm the global box office, it seems as though the flood of authorised movies about music's biggest stars is only getting bigger.

But a planned Billy Joel film is bucking the trend by not only being completely unauthorised, but in fact absolutely rejected by its subject.

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In the works since back in 2021, when it had the working title of Piano Man, Billy & Me will explore Joel's earliest years and be told from the viewpoint of his first manager Irwin Mazur.

Filmmakers have the exclusive life rights to Mazur and early Billy Joel drummer Jon Small, Variety reports, but do not have Joel's life rights or the rights to his music.

"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."

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Director John Ottman, who was lead editor on Michael, said: "This is the formative years of Billy and his relationship with Irwin Mazur, the man who recognized Billy’s amazing talent even before Billy did himself.

"Sure, the long hair, cigarette smoke and authentic look of the period turns me on as a filmmaker, but what truly drew me to the material was the humanity at its core. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately very inspiring."

Drummer Small, who will also be consultant, co-executive producer and second unit director on the movie, added: "This is the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal of Billy’s early life and rise to becoming one of the greatest musical voices of our time.

"Billy & Me is grounded in truth, shaped with care, and built with the insight of people who genuinely know and love Billy.

"As someone who was there from the very beginning, I can say this script captures not just the music, but the friendships, struggles, humor, and creative spark that defined those years."

He added: "Too often, stories about artists get lost in exaggeration or mythmaking. Billy & Me reflects the real history with integrity and respect.

"I first met Billy when he was 16 years old, and after reading the script, I felt the filmmakers truly understood who he was before the world knew his name."

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Billy & Me is written by Adam Ripp, whose father Artie produced Joel's first album Cold Spring Harbor in 1971.

"Billy Joel has been a part of my life since my father signed him to his record label when I was four years old," Adam said.

"His music is ingrained in my DNA and it’s been a dream of mine as a filmmaker to explore and celebrate the untold story of how Billy Joel became the Piano Man."

Billy Joel was recently forced to cancel a number of planned shows after being diagnosed with the brain disorder normal pressure hydrocephalus.