Billy Joel is making clear that he is not involved with a planned film about his early years. A representative for the singer said Joel has not authorized, approved, or supported the project, titled Billy and Me, and argued that moving ahead without his involvement would be a serious legal and professional risk.
The film centers on Joel’s life before Piano Man, including his time in the Long Island band the Hassles. The production team has said the story is built around the perspective and life rights of Irwin Mazur, Joel’s first manager, along with material connected to Jon Small, Joel’s former drummer and longtime friend.
Joel’s music rights are not part of the project, which means the film may not be able to use his best-known songs. That could make the project very different from a traditional music biopic.
Unauthorized films about major artists have faced pushback before, especially when estates or artists object to how their lives are portrayed. In this case, Joel’s team is making its position public before the film reaches audiences.