Billy Joel Two-Part Documentary Sets HBO Debut

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Billy Joel fans should all get in the mood for two long nights with the piano man in July.

The premiere dates have been announced for HBO’s two-part original documentary titled “Billy Joel: And So It Goes“. The first part is scheduled for broadcast on Friday, July 18, and the second part will follow a week later on Friday, July 25. Both parts will be aired simultaneously on HBO and its streaming service, HBO Max, at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific Time, with each episode running approximately two-and-a-half hours. In total, the complete documentary about the legendary musician spans nearly five hours.

The documentary film titled “Billy Joel: And So It Goes“, helmed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, made its debut at the 2025 Tribeca Festival with its first segment. However, Billy Joel was regrettably absent from the opening night screening, as he revealed a week prior that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This diagnosis forced him to cancel his upcoming concerts and caused apprehension among his fans.

Nevertheless, the movie’s directors and producers have assured us that there is no cause for undue concern regarding the cherished actor.

Lacy assured The Hollywood Reporter prior to the documentary’s premiere at the Tribeca Festival that everything would be alright. He merely required recovery and some physical therapy, which he’s already started. The doctors said he should make a full recovery yesterday.

Lacy and Levin mentioned, “He’s coming back,” as they expressed a jestful remark from the artist during their introductory speech for the screening. This comment was a reference to him jokingly addressing his own situation, demonstrating that his wit remains unscathed.

Joel expressed, through a message read aloud on stage, that growing older isn’t pleasant, but he’d rather experience it than be cremated.

On the day of the premiere, Joel’s long-term lighting director and executive producer of “And So it Goes”, Steve Cohen, mentioned that they had a conversation with Joel.

Cohen shared with THR that the person is doing wonderfully, focusing on healing and recovery before Wednesday’s premiere. He described him as being lively, cheerful, and ecstatic for them. The individual called Cohen to express his pride in their work, saying he didn’t anticipate reaching this point. Cohen praised him, stating that he’s a great guy.

The person is expected to spend time with family to heal from his condition, and the outlook is positive. Despite everything else, Cohen only cares about his health and happiness during this phase of his life. They have achieved many milestones together, and Cohen considers him not just as a boss or collaborator but also his best friend. In summary, Cohen values nothing more than the well-being and joy of this person in his current journey.

The movie provides a comprehensive exploration of Joel’s life and career, including unique, intimate interviews with the artist himself, along with unveiled performances, private films, and personal images that have not been made public before.

Beyond my own discussions with Joel, the documentary also features conversations with my long-time friend and collaborator Jon Small, ex-spouses Elizabeth Weber (who was also my manager), Christie Brinkley, Katie Lee, my daughter Alexa Ray Joel, my current wife Alexis Roderick Joel, band members and musical peers such as Bruce Springsteen, Sting, John Mellencamp, Nas, Pink, Garth Brooks, and Paul McCartney.

The production of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is handled by Emma Pildes, with Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman serving as producers under their Playtone label, and Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner doing the same through their Hazy Mills label. Additionally, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez serve as executive producers for HBO.

This HBO documentary titled “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” offers a comprehensive look at Billy Joel, a six-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer from Long Island. With unparalleled access to never-before-seen performances, home movies, personal photos, and one-on-one interviews, the film delves into the life and music of a singer-songwriter whose tunes have resonated across generations. The two-part documentary is structured around revealing conversations with Joel, shedding light on the pivotal events and influences that molded his character and sparked his songwriting for over six decades.

The film explores uncharted territories in Joel’s life, providing insights into his childhood marked by his father’s absence, his early bands, significant relationships, and both supportive and deceitful colleagues and collaborators. The documentary showcases the origins of hit songs such as “Just the Way You Are,” a tribute to his first love, and “Uptown Girl,” inspired by his second wife Christie Brinkley. It underscores the intricate relationship between Joel’s life experiences and his music, offering a glimpse into the compositions that defined his career, established his legacy, and even saved his life.

More detailed descriptions of each part, provided by HBO, follow.

As I stride towards my eighth decade, reflecting on my past, I admit I’m still a work in progress – a product of a humble upbringing as the son of hardworking parents on Long Island. The void left at age eight when my father abandoned our home was a wound that never truly healed. However, it was this pain that eventually found its way into the melodies and lyrics I crafted as a musician.

I’ve made mistakes along the way, but every step, every heartache, every triumph has been immortalized in my music. From playing keys in local bands to stepping out on my own, I share tales of love, loss, and everything in between – stories that resonated with millions through hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “She’s Always a Woman.”

My early songwriting was fueled by a love affair and first marriage with Elizabeth Weber. My collaborators and peers offer insight into my unique musical talent, while I delve deeper into the business deal that spawned the creation of “Piano Man.” After signing with Columbia Records, my career took off like wildfire, with years of hits and record-breaking tours following suit. Yet, despite the success, I often felt a gnawing discomfort with the critical response to my music, battled demons with alcohol, navigated the complexities of my personal life, and faced an uncertain future after a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left me questioning if I could ever play piano again. How would I rebuild my career and find a way forward in life?

In Part Two: “With his eighth studio album titled “The Nylon Curtain“, Joel shifted his musical direction, mirroring the hardships and dreams of the average person through tracks like “Allentown” and “Goodnight Saigon”. He shares his challenging reunion with his long-lost father and uncovers the hidden tale of how his Jewish ancestors survived World War II’s horrors, which he encapsulated in the philosophical ballad “Vienna”. After years on tour, Joel takes a break in St. Barths where he meets Christie Brinkley, his future spouse who would be the muse for his hit single “Uptown Girl”. Persistent despite challenges both romantic and professional, Joel opted to re-invent himself repeatedly. With the backing of wife Alexis Roderick Joel and their children, and through his partnership with Elton John, a return to classical music and his extended residency at Madison Square Garden, he continues to find solace in his music.

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2025-06-24 20:55