There's a new movie in development about Billy Joel's early career, but the musician doesn't want it to come out.
“As of 2021, interested parties have been officially informed that they do not own the rights to Billy Joel's life and cannot obtain the necessary music rights for this project,” a representative for Joel explained. “Billy Joel did not authorize or support this project in any way, and any attempt to proceed with it without his approval would be both a legal and professional mistake.”
Billy & Medirected by American composer, editor and director John Ottman, will tell of Joel's beginnings through the perspective of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, who signed the artist in 1970 leading him to obtain his first major contract in 1972 with Columbia Records.
Ottman said a Rolling Stone that the film is “told from the point of view of Irwin Mazur, and we hold exclusive rights to his life,” adding that the biopic “does not reproduce or intend to use any of Billy Joel's original songs, as it is set during his formative years, when he performed with the Hassles, playing covers and struggled to find his own artistic identity.”
Ottman then commented on the statement from Joel's spokesperson: «Calling the project “legally and professionally incorrect” does not accurately reflect the true nature of the film nor the rights underlying the production». The director added: «The project is based on the direct experiences of Irwin Mazur and his legitimate right to tell his life story and his point of view on the events described in the film».
“This is the most sincere, heartfelt and authentic portrait of Billy's youth and his rise to become one of the greatest musical voices of our time,” said Jon Small, Joel's longtime friend. «Billy & Me it is rooted in truth, carefully shaped and built through the vision of people who truly know and love Billy,” he continued. «Too often, stories about artists get lost in exaggeration or myth-making. Billy & Me reflects real history with integrity and respect. I first met Billy when he was 16, and after reading the script, I felt they really understood who he was before the world knew his name.”
