At the opening night of the Tribeca Film Festival at New York’s Beacon Theatre, the world premiere of the documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” took place, but the hometown hero wasn’t in attendance.
As noted in a previous post, the 76-year-old music icon had recently revealed his diagnosis of a brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Despite his absence, Joel received heartfelt support from Tribeca co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro, who introduced the first part of his two-part documentary. This marks the 24th year of the festival, which started back in 2002. The documentary is set to debut on HBO and HBO Max later this summer.
De Niro, 81, referred to Joel as the “New York Poet Award Winner,” while Rosenthal, 68, highlighted his ongoing health challenges.
“Billy wished he could be here tonight, but, as you know, he’s facing health issues and had to postpone his performance, including tonight,” Rosenthal explained.
De Niro expressed his admiration, stating, “He’s our piano guy and a key part of this city’s heartbeat. Tonight, we want to honor the man behind the music, and I think you’re in for a real treat.”
Directors Susan Lacey and Jessica Levin also touched on Joel’s absence, sharing a humorous comment the singer made regarding aging.
“He really wanted to join us this evening. In fact, he said, ‘Aging is like smoking; it’s better to be cremated,’” revealed Levin.
The documentary promises to showcase never-before-seen footage and candid interviews, chronicling Joel’s rise from Long Island to global superstardom.
It features his popular songs, including “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” and the iconic “New York State of Mind.” Following the announcement about Joel’s health, Rosenthal and De Niro shared their supportive sentiments.
“Our hearts are with Billy and his family during this time,” they stated. “As a New York icon and a worldwide music legend, he has profoundly influenced the city’s cultural landscape.”
Although Joel couldn’t be there, it was clear that he’s not done yet.
In a recent update shared by Howard Stern, it was revealed that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is in good spirits. “I saw Billy two weeks ago,” Stern explained. “We had dinner, and he mentioned, ‘You can tell people I won’t die.’ He wanted everyone to know that.”
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull, potentially affecting cognitive functions.
Due to his health issues, Joel has canceled all upcoming tour dates, including concerts at Yankee Stadium, Metlife Stadium, and Citifield during the summer.
Fortunately, after wrapping up his historic 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden last July, Joel isn’t just walking away from music.
“He thrives when he plays,” an industry insider commented. “Music has always been his life, and he isn’t ready to retire.”
