Billy Joel Documentary⁣ premieres amid Singer’s Health Concerns

Updated June 05, 2025
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Despite recent⁣ health concerns forcing him to cancel performances, ‍Billy Joel sent a message of reassurance to fans at⁣ the tribeca Festival premiere⁣ of his new documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes. Director Susan⁣ Lacy shared⁢ Joel’s greetings with the audience at New York City’s Beacon Theater on Wednesday.

Lacy, accompanied by producer Jessica Levin, conveyed Joel’s message,​ noting, “He will be back.” She quoted Joel as saying, “Getting old sucks, but it’s ⁣still preferable to getting cremated.”

The documentary, set ⁣to air on⁢ HBO this summer, aims to ‍provide ⁢an expansive‌ portrait of the life and music ‍of Billy Joel, focusing on the love, loss, ⁤and personal struggles that have informed his creative process. The premiere ‍drew attendees including Tom hanks and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tribeca‌ Festival co-founder Robert De‌ Niro emphasized Joel’s connection to New York ​City, stating, “Billy may be considered ⁢the poet laureate of New York.You ‌feel the essence⁤ of our city in his lyrics.”

Last month, Joel ⁤announced the ‌cancellation of upcoming performances due to normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition affecting his hearing, vision, and balance. He is currently undergoing physical therapy.

Radio⁤ host Howard Stern recently shared a message from Joel, reassuring the public: “He said, ‘Yeah, you can tell people: I’m not dying.’ he wants ⁤people to know that.he’s just got to deal with some medical stuff.”

“Billy might potentially be considered the poet laureate of New York. You feel the essence of our city in his lyrics.”

What’s next

Fans can anticipate the HBO premiere of Billy Joel: And So‌ It‌ Goes this summer, offering an in-depth look at the musician’s life and career‌ as he continues to focus on his health⁤ and recovery.