Billy Joel's Health Struggles and Journey to Stardom Explored in New Documentary

The world anticipated pop music legend, Billy Joel, to attend the opening night of the Tribeca Festival for the premier of a new documentary featuring his story. However, Joel, recently diagnosed with a brain disorder called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, had to skip the flashy debut of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.” Despite his absence, the film's directors, Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, reassured fans that Joel remains optimistic about returning to the stage.

Following the divulgence of his health challenges, the artist had to cancel 17 concerts across North America and England to undergo specific physical therapy. The documentary offers a comprehensive insight into Joel's uphill journey towards stardom, displaying his struggles to attain mainstream success, his multiple hit records, and his mixed feelings towards fame. The film showcases the man and the music, featuring old footages, interviews, and pictures with Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and Pink along with the story behind evergreen songs like “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Just the Way You Are."

The director revealed that Joel's instructions to the filmmakers were to remain truthful while presenting his story. "No matter where you’re from, Billy’s music crosses geographical and generational divides, and it’s a privilege to celebrate an artist whose music has united us for so long," adds Lacy.

Many celebrated icons showed support at the premiere, with Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, the co-founders of Tribeca, saluting Joel's embodiment of New York's spirit that the festival reveres. The documentary will be airing on HBO and will be accessible for streaming on Max during the summer.