Billy Joel will not be granting music rights for any script that has not been authorized by him. The legendary singer, through his representative, has expressed strong condemnation of the upcoming biopic titled 'Billy and Me,' which is scheduled to begin filming in the fall. Describing the project as 'legally and professionally misguided,' the 77-year-old musician has refused to support it by withholding both his life story and music rights.
Billy Joel Does Not Support the New Biopic
The feature film, directed by John Ottman, was officially announced on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. According to a statement cited by People Magazine, '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.' Furthermore, the Grammy-winning artist firmly believes that if the project proceeds without authorization, it will be misguided in every capacity.
On the other hand, screenwriter Adam Ripp shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the team never expressed a desire to own the music rights, nor was the film ever conceived around the use of Joel's hit catalog. 'The project was always designed as an intimate origin story focused on the people and relationships surrounding Billy during this specific period of his life,' Ripp explained.
About 'Billy and Me'
'Billy and Me' revolves around the story of Joel's first manager, Irwin Mazur, who reportedly discovered the singer, signed him, and managed his career until Joel's breakthrough the following year with the album 'Piano Man,' as reported by Variety. As casting for the film progresses, the director has secured the life rights of Mazur and drummer Jon Small, who is also attached to the film in multiple roles, including as an executive producer. Jon Small and Billy Joel formed a band together in the 1960s but disbanded in 1971 after it was revealed that Joel had an affair with Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber.
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