Billy Joel’s documentary, ‘And So It Goes,’ is set to premiere in two parts on HBO Max on Fridays, July 18 and July 25. In the trailer, the legendary musician opens up about his life, career, and the profound impact of music. The 76-year-old reflects on how his persona as ‘Billy Joel’ sometimes feels foreign to him, highlighting the complexity of his public and private identities. The documentary promises an intimate glimpse into Joel’s journey through family photos, home videos, and iconic performances from his extensive music catalogue.
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Throughout the trailer, Billy Joel underlines the interconnectedness of his personal experiences and his music, suggesting that his songs serve as a reflection of his life’s highs and lows. Viewers can anticipate insights into his formative years, early industry struggles, as well as poignant moments from his relationships and marriages. The documentary also features appearances from music icons like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink, who share their admiration for Joel’s musical prowess. Springsteen, in particular, praises Joel’s songwriting skills, declaring “Billy’s melodies are better than mine” in the preview.
‘And So It Goes’ delves into the darker chapters of Billy Joel’s life, including a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1982 and his battles with suicidal thoughts. Addressing these struggles, Joel reveals, “I learned that life is a fight. I think music saved my life. It gave me a reason to live.” The documentary encapsulates Joel’s resilience in the face of adversity, portraying how his music served as both a refuge and an outlet for his emotions. As Joel candidly expresses, “Everything I’ve done and everything I’ve lived through has somehow found its way into my music.”
The documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 4, offers a poignant narrative of Joel’s legacy in the music industry. However, Joel’s journey has not been without recent challenges. Prior to the New York premiere, he disclosed a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, leading to the cancellation of upcoming concerts. Despite these setbacks, Joel remains grateful for the support of his fans and acknowledges the profound impact of music in his life. His resilience in the face of health issues underscores the enduring power of his musical legacy.
‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes’ presents a multi-faceted portrait of a musical icon, blending personal revelations with industry insights and tributes from fellow artists. The documentary serves as a testament to Joel’s enduring influence on the music landscape and his ability to channel life’s complexities into timeless melodies. Viewers can tune in to HBO Max on consecutive Fridays, July 18 and July 25, to witness the unfolding narrative of Billy Joel’s remarkable career and indelible impact on the music world.