‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes’ Directors Share Inspirational Message From Ailing Singer: ‘He Will Be Back’

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Billy Joel intended to attend the inaugural performance of the Tribeca Festival, where he would witness the global debut of a fresh documentary detailing his challenging journey to chart-topping success.

However, due to a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), the singer was compelled to miss Wednesday’s grand premiere of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.” Directors Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin reassured the crowd that Joel is optimistic about his recovery, planning to make a comeback on stage.

And So It Goes” due to a recently confirmed case of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The filmmakers, Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, told the audience that Joel remains hopeful about his return to performing.

Lacy stated, “He’ll return,” and she additionally passed on a brief message from the renowned musician. The message read, “Growing old isn’t pleasant, yet it’s more acceptable than being cremated,” a note penned by Joel.

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Lacy told us, “He is coming back,” and she also shared a casual remark written by the music icon. The note said, “Aging isn’t fun, but it’s still better than being cremated,” a message from Joel.

Following the public disclosure of his health concerns, Joel has declared that he’s canceling a total of 17 concerts scheduled at stadiums spread across North America and England. This is to allow him time for a specific course of physical rehabilitation.

From a passionate film enthusiast’s perspective, delving into “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” offers a profound exploration of the singer’s journey to mainstream success, followed by his complex emotions towards fame. This captivating documentary features archival footage and photos of performances, home movies, and intimate interviews with Joel, as well as key figures from his social and artistic circles – names like Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Pink, Garth Brooks, and Elizabeth Weber, who was once Joel’s wife and manager. The movie also uncovers the compelling stories behind some of Joel’s timeless hits, such as “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Just the Way You Are.

Lacy said that Joel instructed the filmmakers to “be honest.”

He didn’t shy away from revealing the depth of his music and personal life, showing bravery, wit, and openness throughout,” she commented. “Billy’s music transcends geography and time, connecting people regardless of their origins. In a world that seems more divided each day, it’s a joy to honor an artist whose music has been our unifying force for so long.

In their opening statements, Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, co-founders of Tribeca, praised Joel for embodying the unifying spirit of New York City’s five boroughs, which the festival aims to honor.

De Niro remarked that Billy could be seen as the city’s unofficial poet, as his verses seem to capture the very spirit of New York.

Kicking off with a star-studded event featuring celebrities like Tom Hanks and Whoopi Goldberg, this year’s premiere took place at the Beacon Theatre, followed by an afterparty at Tavern on the Green. The 2023 lineup for the Tribeca Festival showcases documentaries on Barbara Walters, Nobu Matsuhisa, a visual album collaboration between Miley Cyrus and others titled “Something Beautiful,” as well as discussions with Sean Penn, Ellen Pompeo, and Bryan Cranston. Additionally, there are planned reunions of the casts from “Meet the Parents” and “Casino.

After being screened at Tribeca, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is set to premiere on HBO and can be streamed on Max this coming summer. However, it’s important to note that the festival presented only the first half of the two-part documentary.

“They would not let us stay in the theater longer than two and a half hours,” Levin explained.

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2025-06-05 07:17