Is it just me, or does it seem like every male singer from the ’70s is getting a biopic, like Bob Dylan, Elton John, Queen, and Bruce Springsteen? Well, now we can add Billy Joel to the list. However, you can’t add BJ’s music to Billy & Me.
The Piano Man’s rep told Variety, “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.”
The movie is being told from the perspectives of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, and his drummer, friend, and the man who was married to his first wife, Jon Small.
It will tell the story of his early days, before the hits. So it can be done without his music. But then, why would you do it?
And if it is as bad as most biopics, why even waste everyone’s time, especially since Joel’s documentary, And So It Goes, was so informative? What more do we need?
Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire is a history lesson of the latter part of the 20th Century. Movies are also a history lesson. So The Unusual Suspect combined the two.
He took scenes from 257 movies and had them sing the 1989 song!
And I reacted the same way I would to a bitching concert or mind-blowing movie, I gave it a standing ovation!!!
Growing up in NYC, it was innate in us to love Billy Joel. We came out of the womb singing Piano Man. So, when HBO Max announced that they were airing a documentary on his life and music, we knew we have to watch it. It is about time we learned more about the man who has been a part of our lives since day one.
And So It Goes is an expansive portrait of the life and music of Billy Joel, exploring the love, loss, and personal struggles that fuel his songwriting. With unprecedented access to never-before-seen performances, home movies, and personal photographs, along with extensive, in-depth one-on-one interviews, the documentary intimately explores the life and work of Joel, whose music has endured across generations.
Billy Joel, 76, had some sad news to share with his fans. He is cancelling his upcoming tour because he is suffering from a debilitating brain condition.
The statement reads: “Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.
According to Yale University, NPH is described as: “When excess levels of cerebrospinal fluid buildup within a person’s brain, they have a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus. The condition can lead to gait problems, urinary incontinence (which may begin as urinary urgency), and dementia (which may begin as trouble executing complex plans).”
NPH is treated by inserting a shunt into the brain to drain the extra fluid. The patient will feel relief almost immediately, and is expected to regain up to 80% of what was lost while they had excess fluid in the brain.
Hopefully, he will be better soon and back being the Piano Man in no time because he puts on one helluva show that everyone can enjoy.
Billy Joel has been on the road, but now he is stuck at home for the next few months.
The Piano man suffered an undisclosed medical condition that required surgery, and he is undergoing four months of physical therapy to recover.
Joel told his fans, “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”
The singer is expected to make a full recovery. And he is planning to restart his tour on July 5th at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Hopefully, he will be better soon from whatever is ailing him.
