And So It Goes: Tribeca Film Festival 2024 Opening
The Tribeca Film Festival 2024 got a shot of musical history with the premiere of HBO’s “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” a deep dive into the life and career of the Piano Man. Director Susan Lacy unveils unseen footage, home movies, and intimate interviews, painting a portrait of Joel’s journey from Long Island roots to global icon status. The documentary features insights from music legends Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Nas, celebrating Joel’s songwriting prowess and his deep connection with New York City.Explore the struggles,relationships,and resilience that shaped the artist,offering a timely tribute. News Directory 3 has the scoop on how the premiere went. Discover what’s next for the film and Joel’s fans.
HBO Premieres Documentary on Billy Joel’s Life and Music
A new HBO documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” premiered at the Tribeca Festival, offering an intimate look into the life and career of the iconic musician. director Susan Lacy shared a message from the ailing Joel, who could not attend the New York City premiere at the Beacon Theatre. Joel quipped, “Getting old sucks, but it’s still preferable to getting cremated.”
Robert De Niro, co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises, introduced the film, calling Joel the ”poet laureate of New York,” noting that his lyrics capture the essence of the city.
The film traces Joel’s journey from his early days in Long Island, forming his first band at 14, through various musical ventures and personal struggles. It delves into his relationships, including his marriage to Elizabeth Weber, who initially was married to Joel’s bandmate. The documentary also explores his battles with the music industry and his efforts to distinguish himself from Elton John.
The documentary highlights Joel’s resilience, shaped by a challenging upbringing with an absent father and a struggling single mother. Despite these hardships, his passion for music, fueled by his mother’s support for music lessons, propelled him forward.
The film features insights from music legends. Paul McCartney expressed his admiration for Joel’s “I Want You Just The Way You Are,” while Bruce springsteen lauded Joel’s songwriting. Nas praised “Piano Man” and “New York State of Mind,” celebrating Joel’s connection to his home.
“Even though we always wanted the music to speak for itself, we are immensely grateful that he was convinced that there was more to it than that,” Lacy said.
Lacy added that Joel “peeled back the layers of his music and his life with courage and humor and vulnerability,” emphasizing the worldwide appeal of his music.
The HBO Original documentary includes never-before-seen performances, home movies, and personal photographs, along with extensive interviews with the private artist. It will be available on HBO and max in July.
What’s next
Following a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Billy Joel is undergoing physical therapy. His wife, Alexis Roderick, expressed hope for his recovery and thanked fans for their support. The documentary’s release offers a timely celebration of his enduring legacy in music.