Billy Joel will not grant music rights to a script that he has not authorized. The legendary singer has expressed through his representative that he disapproves of the upcoming biopic ‘Billy and Me’, which will begin filming in the fall. Calling him “legally and professionally misguided,” the 77-year-old refused to take away the rights to his life and music.
Billy Joel does not approve of a new biopic about him
The director’s feature film John OttmanIt was announced on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. “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 secure the music rights needed for this project,” according to People magazine. Furthermore, the Grammy winner firmly believes that the project, if it goes ahead with permission, will be wrong in every capacity.On the other hand, screenwriter Adam Ripp has said that the group did not express any desire to own the music rights, nor did the film ever revolve around the use of its catalog of hits, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “The project was always designed as an intimate origin story focused on the people and relationships around Billy at this particular time in his life,” he said.
About ‘Billy and Me’
‘Billy and Me’ is the story of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who reportedly discovered the singer, signed him and managed his career, the following year with Piano Man, according to Variety. As casting for the film is underway, the director has secured the life rights to Mazur and drummer Jon Small, who is also attached to the film in multiple executive roles. Jon Small and Billy Joel formed a band together in the 1960s, but broke up in 1971 when it was revealed that Joel was having an affair with Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber.
