There’s Never Been a Better Time to Love Billy Joel

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If Robert De Niro refers to Billy Joel as the “poet laureate of New York” during his introduction at the Beacon Theatre for the Tribeca Film Festival’s opening-night screening of Billy Joel: And So It Goes, it seems reasonable to conclude that Billy Joel holds the title of poet laureate of New York. The documentary, which will be split into two parts, with Part Two airing on HBO in July, showcased an intense love for Billy Joel among the audience, reminiscent of a live performance at Madison Square Garden. Notable celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg, and Hank Azaria were present, but the majority of the crowd consisted of ardent fans who reacted to the screening like they were attending an actual show.

The renewed enthusiasm for Joel might stem from his recent health issues. Diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that accumulates fluid in the brain, he has had to cancel several upcoming performances. This condition, being a disorder of the brain, can be quite frightening, but Joel has reassured Howard Stern that he is “not dying.” In his words, “getting old isn’t great, but it’s better than being cremated.” It’s comforting to know that despite his health struggles, his wit and humor remain as sharp as ever. Throughout the documentary, Joel is often seen seated behind a piano or nearby with a vape in hand.

Billy Joel’s album “And So It Goes” encompasses both his music and his life experiences. Many of his albums, particularly the early ones, are deeply autobiographical. For instance, the title track from “Piano Man” recounts Joel’s time as a lounge pianist in Los Angeles, while “The Entertainer” from “Streetlife Serenade” expresses his resentment towards the popularity of “Piano Man.” Songs like “You May Be Right” from the album “Glass Houses,” with lyrics about riding a motorcycle in the rain, were inspired by real-life events, such as an argument with his ex-wife and then-manager Elizabeth Weber Small. Although Joel’s music may not always delve deep into complex themes, it is undeniably enhanced by his captivating live performances. His charisma, energy, and inherent corniness make him one of the country’s most beloved performers. This is demonstrated effectively through extensive archival footage in “And So It Goes.

And So It Goes” was indistinguishable from being at a live concert. New Yorkers are absolutely fanatical about Billy Joel! “Piano Man,” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “New York State of Mind” all received thunderous applause, with the latter potentially triggering a standing ovation if the film had ended there. It wasn’t just about the music; the crowd went wild whenever one of Joel’s bandmates was introduced in the documentary. These musicians are an integral part of what makes Billy Joel great, symbolizing his lifelong loyalty to his crew, which embodies the essence of this working-class New York City artist. Despite his corny side, Joel remains true to himself and his roots, hailing from Long Island. The audience in the documentary cheered when Joel won Grammys, maintaining their excitement throughout. It seemed as if they believed that by being loud enough, Joel might actually hear them in real life.

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2025-06-06 00:55