Singer-songwriter Billy Joel has publicly denounced an upcoming unauthorised biopic, calling the project 'legally and professionally misguided'. The film, titled Billy & Me, aims to chronicle Joel's early career through the perspective of his former manager, Irwin Mazur.
Joel's Representatives Speak Out
Billy Joel's representatives have issued a statement clarifying that the musician has not authorised or supported the project. They emphasised that the filmmakers do not possess the rights to Joel's life story or his extensive music catalogue. The statement described the biopic as an attempt to capitalise on Joel's legacy without his consent.
Filmmakers' Perspective
Director John Ottman and screenwriter Adam Ripp have defended the film, describing it as an 'intimate origin story' that focuses on Joel's formative years before he achieved fame. Ripp clarified that Billy & Me is not a traditional cradle-to-grave biopic but instead centres on Joel's struggles and his time performing in cover bands. The filmmakers argue that the project does not rely on Joel's hit music catalogue.
Production Details
The production has secured life rights from Irwin Mazur and Jon Small, Joel's lifelong friend and original drummer. Small is actively involved as a consultant on the film. Despite these arrangements, Joel's camp maintains that the biopic lacks the necessary authorisation and remains unsanctioned.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between artists seeking to control their own narratives and filmmakers aiming to tell compelling stories. As of now, no release date has been announced for Billy & Me.
