Billy Joel gives “no” to “Piano Man.”
Billy & Me, a music biopic chronicling the iconic musician’s early years, is moving forward without Joel’s blessing.
John Ottman, who worked as an editor on 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody and this year’s Michael, is set to direct. Adam Ripp will write and produce.
“As of 2021, the parties involved have been formally advised that they will no longer have a right to live in Billy Joel and will be unable to secure the music rights necessary for this project,” Joel’s representative said in a statement obtained by Page Six.
“Billy Joel has not endorsed or supported this project in any capacity and any attempt to proceed without it would be legally and professionally misguided,” they added.
“Billy & Me” will explore Joel’s origin story through the eyes of his first manager, Erwin Mazur, Variety reported Tuesday.
According to the newspaper, Ottman said he was “truly proud” of the work he and Rip did to “make ‘Billy & Me’ a deeply moving and entertaining story.”
“These were Billy’s formative years and his relationship with Erwin Mazur, who recognized Billy’s great talent even before Billy recognized himself,” Ottman’s statement continued. “Sure, the long hair, cigarette smoke, and authentic looks of the period intrigue me as a filmmaker, but what really drew me to this material was the humanity at its core.”
Ottman described the film as “funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately very moving.”
Mr. Mazur discovered 77-year-old Joel in 1966 and oversaw his career until he signed with Columbia Records in 1972.
The producers secured the rights to Mazur’s life and the life of John Small, Joel’s longtime friend and early collaborator.
Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Webber, was married to Small before the “Uptown Girl” singer split from him.
This incident led to the disbandment of Joel and Small’s band Attila.
In the aftermath, Joel suffered bouts of depression and attempted suicide multiple times. A period in the musician’s life is depicted in the 2025 documentary “Billy Joel: And Then It Goes.”
