Billy Joel Biopic Controversy: The Unauthorized Story Behind 'Billy & Me
Billy Joel has distanced himself from a new biopic about his early life, titled Billy & Me, directed by John Ottman and written by Adam Ripp. The film aims to explore Joel's early years before his rise to global fame as a musician. Despite focusing on the iconic singer-songwriter, Joel has made it clear that he does not support the project and has not granted his approval for it.
The movie is framed through the perspective of Joel's first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered him in 1966 and later signed him in 1970. Mazur managed Joel before the singer signed with Columbia Records and became The Piano Man. The production has secured the life rights of Jon Small, Joel's friend and former drummer, who is actively involved in the film as a consultant, co-executive producer, and second unit director.
Joel's representatives have stated that the filmmakers do not possess his life rights or the music rights required for the project. They have emphasized that Joel has not authorized or supported the film in any capacity. The absence of Joel's life rights likely explains why the movie focuses on Mazur and Small's perspectives rather than being an authorized biopic.
The film is described as the untold origin story of Billy Joel before his fame, focusing on his formative years performing cover songs with The Hassles. Ottman has defended the project, stating that it is based on Mazur's firsthand experiences and his legitimate right to tell his own life story. The filmmakers have been transparent about the project's scope and legal footing, emphasizing that they do not seek to use Joel's original songs.
Screenwriter Adam Ripp has echoed Ottman's sentiments, emphasizing that the film is centered on Billy's early years before his iconic songs. Ripp highlighted the involvement of Jon Small in the production and reiterated that the project was never conceived around using Joel's hit catalog. Both Ottman and Ripp expressed their admiration for Joel and their intention to tell an honest, heartfelt story about the young artist before he gained worldwide recognition.
The dispute surrounding the biopic has attracted attention due to Ottman's association with successful music biopics like Michael and Bohemian Rhapsody. It remains unclear whether the filmmakers initially sought Joel's approval before proceeding with the project independently.