Billy Joel puts the “no” in “Piano Man.”
The musical history of the early years of the legendary singer, titled “Billy & Me,” continues without Joel’s blessing.
John Ottman, who served as editor on 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and this year’s “Michael,” will direct the film. Adam Ripp is set to write the script and produce the film.
“As of 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not own Billy Joel’s living rights and will not be able to obtain the music rights necessary for this project,” Joel’s representative said in a statement obtained by Page Six.
“Billy Joel has not endorsed or supported this project at any time, and any attempt to move forward without it would be legally and professionally misleading,” they added.
“Billy & Me” will examine Joel’s history through the eyes of his first manager, Irwin Mazur, Variety reported Tuesday.
Ottman said he is “really proud” of the work he and Ripp have done “to shape ‘Billy & Me’ into a deeply emotional and exciting story,” according to the outlet.
“These are the years of Billy’s growth and his relationship with Irwin Mazur, a man who recognized Billy’s incredible talent even before Billy did,” Ottman’s statement continued. “Of course, the long hair, the cigarette smoke and the authentic look of the time transforms me as a filmmaker, but what drew me to this material is the basic personality.”
Ottman called the film “funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately very inspiring.”
Mazur discovered Joel, 77, in 1966 and oversaw his career until he signed with Columbia Records in 1972.
Production secured the rights to Mazur’s life and that of Jon Small, a longtime friend and early collaborator of Joel’s.
Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, married Small before he left the “Uptown Girl” singer for her.
This issue led to the disbandment of Joel and Small’s band, Attila.
Afterward, Joel suffered bouts of depression and attempted suicide several times, a period in the singer’s life that was featured in the 2025 documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.”
