Billy Joel hits back at planned biopic, says filmmakers ‘will not be able to secure the music rights required’
Billy Joel has publicly opposed the upcoming biopic titled 'Billy & Me,' which focuses on his early years. His representatives stated that the filmmakers do not have the necessary life and music rights to proceed with the project. Despite this, the film's director, John Ottman, expressed pride in the work done to create a compelling narrative about Joel's formative years.
- ▪Billy Joel's biopic 'Billy & Me' is moving forward without his approval.
- ▪Joel's representatives confirmed that the filmmakers lack the rights to his life and music.
- ▪The film will explore Joel's story through the perspective of his first manager, Irwin Mazur.
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Movies Billy Joel hits back at planned biopic, says filmmakers ‘will not be able to secure the music rights required’ By Carson Blackwelder Published May 19, 2026, 10:44 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add Page Six on Google Billy Joel is putting the “no” in “Piano Man.” A music biopic chronicling the iconic musician’s early years, titled “Billy & Me,” is moving ahead without Joel’s blessing. John Ottman, who worked as an editor on 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and this year’s “Michael,” is set to direct the film. Adam Ripp is set to write the script and produce the film.
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