As difficult as it might be to believe, Billy Joel has been making music for more than 50 years. His debut album, Cold Spring Harbor, came out in 1971. That means anyone attempting to do a retrospective of Joel's immense career has a lot of proverbial ground to cover. Thankfully, HBO (Max?) is going to try to do just that.
Arriving sometime this summer (no firm release date is yet known), HBO, along with a whole host of famous executive producers, will produce a documentary on the piano man called Billy Joel: And So It Goes. The documentary will be in two parts (fitting for one whose career has gone on so long). Susan Lacy, who has done numerous projects, including Spielberg, will direct and produce the shows.
It is unknown what part Joel plays in the documentary, if any, other than archival footage. According to Rolling Stone, though, Joel did give his blessing on the project. But don't expect this to be something that just shows Joel in the best light. Lacy and HBO typically create docs that are fair to both the subject matter and the viewer.
HBO, Sean Hayes and Tom Hanks bring Billy Joel fans a new documentary on the Piano Man
One would assume Joel wants the truth known as well. Sure, he doesn't want to be viewed poorly, but he would probably appreciate honesty. There should be no less of an expectation from the creators of the documentary.
This is partly because of all the big names involved. Sean Hayes (of Will & Grace, sure, but you might know him better from the Smartless podcast he does with chums Will Arnett and Jason Bateman), Tom Hanks (from your favorite films), and Steve Cohen (owner of the New York Mets) are all attached. That means money has been poured into the project, which hopefully means high quality.
I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of this very special project about an incredibly special talent - one of my music heroes - the one, the only, Billy Joel. I can’t wait for you all to see it this summer. #BillyJoel https://t.co/b5sZQQGr6M
— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) March 26, 2025
Unfortunately, Joel himself has been dealing with some recent medical issues. He required surgery for an unspecified condition, which has forced him to postpone all of his concerts over the next few months. He is not expected to perform until November, and even that would likely be in jeopardy at this point.