Through his rep, the songwriter says “Billy & Me” will not be able to “secure the music rights required for this project.”

Billy Joel slams unauthorized biopic immediately after it’s announced

Through his rep, the songwriter says "Billy & Me" will not be able to "secure the music rights required for this project.”

By Kathleen Perricone

May 19, 2026 10:15 p.m. ET

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Billy Joel performing at the Tokyo Dome in 2024. Credit:

Taylor Hill/Getty

- Billy Joel is slamming a newly-announced biopic, *Billy & Me*, the same day it was officially announced.

- The film traces the origins of the singer's career and will be told from the perspective of Irwin Mazur, his first manager.

- “Billy Joel has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity,” his rep said in a statement.

For Billy Joel, it's always been a matter of trust.

The singer-songwriter has come out fighting against an unauthorized biopic, *Billy & Me*, told from the perspective of "Me": Irwin Mazur, Joel's first manager who discovered the struggling musician in 1966.

The film, written by Adam Ripp, will trace the origins of Joel's career before his 1973 breakthrough album, *Piano Man*.

Billy Joel circa 1970.

Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

"Since 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not possess Billy Joel's life rights and will not be able to secure the music rights required for this project," his rep told *Variety* in a statement. "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."

*Billy & Me*, which has been kicking around since at least 2022, will be directed by John Ottman, whose most recent project was as lead editor on *Michael*.

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Another person from Joel’s past is also involved in the biopic: Jon Small, the drummer in his pre-fame band, Hassles, and side project Attila.

The best friends had a falling out when Joel had an affair with Small's wife Elizabeth, who the singer married in 1973. Following their 1982 divorce, Joel healed his fractured friendship with Small, who went on to become a director and worked on several of his music videos, including "Uptown Girl" and "Tell Her About It."

Small, who will serve as a consultant, co-executive producer, and second unit director for *Billy & Me*, defended the project.

Billy Joel and Jon Small in 1970.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

"This is the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal of Billy's early life and rise to becoming one of the greatest musical voices of our time," Small told *Variety*.

"*Billy & Me* is grounded in truth, shaped with care, and built with the insight of people who genuinely know and love Billy," he continued. "As someone who was there from the very beginning, I can say this script captures not just the music, but the friendships, struggles, humor, and creative spark that defined those years."

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Casting for *Billy & Me* is currently underway, with production to begin in the fall in Winnipeg and Joel’s native New York.

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