Billy Joel condemns bombshell ‘legally and professionally misguided’ biopic

It was recently announced that a new movie is coming out about the legendary Billy Joel, though he does not appear happy with the upcoming music biopic.

The new biopic was recently announced, titled Billy & Me. It follows Joel’s formative years leading up to the release of his breakthrough album, Piano Man. The story was to be told through the perspective of his first manager, Irwin Mazur.

While the production has secured exclusive life rights to Mazur and Joel’s drummer, friend, and video director, Jon Small, the “Piano Man” hasn’t given the project his blessing. One of Joel’s representatives issued a statement to Variety, condemning the biopic.

“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.”

What will the upcoming Billy Joel biopic be about?

Billy & Me will follow Joel’s rise to stardom. Mazur famously discovered the “My Life” singer in 1966 before signing him four years later. He would continue to manager Joel through his deal with Columbia Records in 1972.

One thing Variety notes is the uncertainty surrounding the portrayal of Elizabeth Weber. It’s unknown if she will be featured in the biopic.

She was married to Small before leaving him for Joel. That led to the breakup of their group, Attila. This was discussed in the 2025 HBO documentary, And So It Goes. Small and Joel eventually reconciled, and Weber eventually became the “Vienna” singer’s manager.

John Ottman is set to direct Billy & Me. He was recently the lead editor of the Michael Jackson biopic, and he also oversaw postproduction.

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