Billy Joel distances himself from planned early-career biopic 'Billy & Me'

Billy Joel has publicly distanced himself from the upcoming biographical film Billy & Me, with representatives for the singer stating that the project does not have his approval, life rights or access to his music catalogue.

The feature film is set to be directed by editor and filmmaker John Ottman and will focus on Joel’s early career before the release of Piano Man in 1973.

The story is told through the perspective of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered the musician in 1966 and managed him until his deal with Columbia Records in 1972.

Casting for the production is currently underway, with filming expected to begin later this year in Winnipeg and New York.

In a statement issued to Variety, a representative for Joel said: “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.”

Despite the statement, the production has secured life rights from Mazur and Joel’s longtime friend and former bandmate Jon Small. Small is attached to the film as a consultant, co-executive producer and second unit director.

The film will reportedly explore Joel’s early years in bands including the Hassles and Attila, as well as his personal and professional relationships before his commercial breakthrough.

Small defended the project in a statement, saying, “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.”

Ottman also commented on the project, describing the script as “funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately very inspiring”.

Billy & Me follows the release of the 2025 HBO documentary And So It Goes, which examined Joel’s life and career in detail.