Billy Joel’s rep says the currently developing biopic “Billy & Me,” directed by John Ottman and told through Irwin Mazur’s perspective, is unauthorized and “legally and professionally misguided,” while the filmmakers say the project has the necessary life righ
Hours after the biopic was announced on May 19, Billy Joel’s camp moved fast—and firm.
The developing film, “Billy & Me,” will be told from the perspective of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, with the story focusing largely on Joel’s life before he found stardom with his 1973 album Piano Man. But Joel is not backing the project.
In a statement sent to Variety. Joel’s rep said the parties involved were officially notified that they do not have Billy Joel’s life rights and won’t be able to secure the music rights required for the film. The rep added: “Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity. and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided.”.
The pushback lands right as the project gathers momentum. The film has obtained the life rights of Mazur and Jon Small, a longtime friend of Joel. Mazur discovered Joel in 1966 and managed the singer from 1970 to 1972. Small, meanwhile, was Joel’s drummer in the band Hassles and their acid-rock duo Attila. Small later directed many of Joel’s music videos.
Small is also taking a prominent role in the biopic, serving as a consultant, co-executive producer and second unit director. Defending the project, Small told Variety: “Billy & Me reflects the real history with integrity and respect. I first met Billy when he was 16 years old. and after reading the script. I felt the filmmakers truly understood who he was before the world knew his name.”.
The dispute is sharp, but the filmmakers aren’t arguing from scratch. Small’s relationship with Joel extends beyond music credits. Joel’s longtime friend has ties to major personal events: Small was married to Joel’s first wife. Elizabeth Weber. when her affair with Joel began—an affair that led to the breakup of Attila. Weber and Small later married in 1973, then divorced in 1982. After that split, Joel slipped into depression and became suicidal.
Small saved Joel’s life the second time he attempted suicide, and the singer and drummer mended their friendship afterward. Joel later reconciled with Weber, who eventually became his manager.
At the center of the film is John Ottman, who has also directed blockbuster biopics including Bohemian Rhapsody and Michael. Ottman is currently assembling the cast for “Billy & Me.” The filming is expected to start this fall in Winnipeg, Canada and New York.
The story behind the story is now tangled in competing versions of what the film is allowed to tell—and what Joel wants to be told at all.
Billy Joel Billy & Me John Ottman Irwin Mazur Jon Small Piano Man biopic unauthorized biography Variety Winnipeg New York