Hey, Billy Joel fans, we have some good news for you! If you were looking for something to watch this weekend, HBO has you covered. Part one of Billy Joel’s documentary is officially out for the world to see. Yes, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which is a whopping 5-hour in-depth film that showcases never-before-seen footage, photos, interviews, and life about the singer, is officially streaming.
The documentary, directed by Jessica Levin and Susan Lacy, is split into two parts. Luckily for us, the first is already airing on HBO and HBO Max, which showcases his past. Part two is set to air next week, on July 25th, and will include present-day interviews with Billy Joel himself. This segment will also touch on the recent news about Joel’s rare brain diagnosis. This forced the singer to put his career on hold for a while.
A Personal Look at Billy Joel’s Legacy
Fans can expect to see exclusive interviews with his family, bandmates, management, and special appearances from his wife and daughters. As a special treat, producers decided to also add exciting appearances from several A-list celebrities such as The Beatles’ Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Pink, rock icon Bruce Springsteen, and more. These icons will speak about the legacy the “Uptown Girl” singer has created over the years and the impact he has made not only on them but also on the world.
“Bruce Springsteen is someone that Billy has always been compared to,” Lacy said about the appearances. “Both are from working-class backgrounds, but Springsteen has always received more attention and approval from critics. So, having someone like Bruce Springsteen address that and say, ‘I think they missed a lot of Billy’s really good work because he didn’t fit a particular mold’ was important. Musicians know musicians, and they understand how good Billy was.”
The Story Behind the Music
Known for his unforgettable melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, Joel has captured the hearts of fans for decades. Even that’s an understatement itself. But behind classics like “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Just the Way You Are,” the documentary takes a deeper dive into the personal struggles and missteps that shaped his journey. Not only as a musician, but also as a family man.
It provides an intimate exploration of his life, diving into the personal challenges that influenced his career and music. It showcases his struggles with depression, turmoil during his early years, and the pressure he faced as he began to gain fame, all while maintaining a successful career. Viewers will also gain insight into his mental health struggles, his relationships, and interviews with ex-wives, including Elizabeth Weber and Christie Brinkley.
What makes the film extra special is that it doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of his life. This, according to Lacy, regarding his alcohol addiction. It was a time in his life that caused significant issues during his rise to fame in the 1980s. Lacy addresses this sensitive topic openly, saying, “I would say alcohol was difficult to talk about with him. We’re not pretending that he didn’t have an alcohol problem. He did.”
She continued, “It’s quite evident, and he talks about it—his excessive drinking, rehab, and how he didn’t want to go but ultimately did. It was a sensitive subject, but we handled it as honestly as we could.”
Despite focusing on some of his darkest moments, the documentary shows how music helped Joel overcome his struggles. Songs like the legendary “Piano Man” and “Vienna” not only gave him a way to process and heal his pain, but also provided comfort to fans worldwide. These iconic songs came to life during pivotal moments in his personal and professional journey.
When Will It Air?
Part one of the documentary is officially yours to see at your own time, in the comfort of your own home. For those tuning in, be sure to grab some pizza and popcorn, as the episode runs for 147 minutes. Part two will air on July 25th at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, also running for 145 minutes. This segment will focus on Joel’s recent years, including his diagnosis with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in 2025. NPH is a rare brain condition also known as “water in the brain” that occurs due to excess cerebrospinal fluid building up in the brain’s ventricles. Symptoms usually include difficulty with memory, cognitive impairment, and walking.
According to his family, the diagnosis added another layer of complexity to his story. But, the documentary is set to remind viewers of his incredible resilience and powerful strength. Despite facing numerous challenges, he’s continued to inspire new generations of fans. This by solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
“Billy Joel: And So It Goes” definitely offers a rare and insightful look at the man behind the music. It’s set to provide both longtime fans and newcomers with a deeper understanding of one of pop music’s most enduring figures. It’s a documentary that’s as much about music as it is about struggle, perseverance, and growth. Especially for an artist who has made an impact in the world.
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HBO Releases New Billy Joel Documentary Packed with Never-Before-Seen Interviews