Unauthorized Billy Joel Biopic in the Works: 'Billy & Me' Focuses on Early Years
A biopic about the early life of Billy Joel, titled Billy & Me, is in development, focusing on his pre-fame years and relationships, despite the artist's disapproval.
Before achieving solo stardom, Billy Joel was part of Attila, a psychedelic rock duo from Long Island. His bandmate, Jon Small, who was also in The Hassles with Joel, was married to Elizabeth Weber. Weber later left Small and married Joel, leading to the band's dissolution. After their subsequent breakup, a depressed Joel attempted suicide, and Small was the one who found him and took him to the hospital. Eventually, Joel and Small reconciled, as did Joel and Weber, who later became Joel's manager. It's a story ripe for a movie adaptation.
And in a way, it already has been. The Billy Joel documentary And So It Goes, aired on HBO last year. However, Variety reports that the story is being adapted into a biopic. John Ottman, known for his work with Bryan Singer and for editing music biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody and Michael, will direct Billy & Me. Ottman also directed Urban Legend: Final Cut in 2000.
John Ottman
Despite these efforts, Billy Joel has not endorsed the project. A representative stated that the filmmakers do not possess the rights to his life story or 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."
Instead, the producers have secured the life rights of Jon Small and Irwin Mazur, Joel's first manager. Mazur will reportedly serve as the movie's point-of-view character. The film will focus on Joel's early years, ending before the release of his breakthrough hit, "Piano Man" in 1973. Casting is underway, and filming is scheduled to take place in New York and Winnipeg this fall.
The real question is, can Billy & Me surpass the comedic portrayal of young Billy Joel by Nick Kroll on The Kroll Show?
Nick Kroll as Billy Joel
In other news, Billy Joel's album Turnstiles celebrated its 50th anniversary today. Happy birthday, Turnstiles!
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