HBO's 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Documentary Offers Intimate Look Amid Health Struggles

June 24, 2025
HBO's 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Documentary Offers Intimate Look Amid Health Struggles
  • HBO is set to premiere a two-part documentary titled 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' on July 18 and July 25, 2025, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.

  • Directed and produced by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the documentary had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in early June 2025.

  • Billy Joel was unable to attend the Tribeca screening due to a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, which has led to the cancellation of his tour dates.

  • Despite his health issues, Joel is reportedly managing his medical situation well, as confirmed by his friend Howard Stern.

  • The documentary aims to provide an expansive portrait of Billy Joel, showcasing his life and work through never-before-seen performances, home movies, personal photographs, and intimate interviews.

  • Part two of the documentary will delve into Joel's evolution as an artist, focusing on his musical shift with albums like 'The Nylon Curtain,' his reunion with his father, and his relationships, particularly with supermodel Christie Brinkley.

  • This segment will also explore the philosophical aspects of his songwriting, including the backstories of hits like 'Allentown,' 'Goodnight Saigon,' and 'Vienna.'

  • Joel's career highlights include classic hits such as 'Movin' Out', 'Uptown Girl', and 'We Didn't Start the Fire', and he made a notable return to music after a 15-year hiatus with the ballad 'Turn the Lights Back On' in February 2024.

  • Interviewees in the documentary include Joel's ex-wife and former manager Elizabeth Weber, ex-wives Christie Brinkley and Katie Lee, current wife Alexis Roderick Joel, daughter Alexa Ray Joel, and notable artists like Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney.

  • The film promises to include dynamic video and performance clips, many of which have never been seen before, enriching the narrative of his musical journey.

  • The documentary's release comes at a poignant time as Joel is undergoing treatment for his brain condition, making it a timely celebration of his legacy and music.

  • The title of the documentary is taken from Joel's song 'And So It Goes,' which he has identified as a defining piece of his work.

Summary based on 13 sources


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