The highly anticipated 2025 Tribeca Festival commenced with a bang, debuting the world premiere of the HBO documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," amidst a flurry of excitement—despite the absence of its central figure. Just a week prior, Joel had revealed his diagnosis with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that necessitated the cancellation of his impending concerts, sparking widespread concern among his devoted fans.
In line with his prioritization of health and recovery, Joel was notably absent from the Tribeca Festival's opening night festivities. However, the directors and producers of the two-part documentary, echoing the reassuring words of Joel's friend Howard Stern from the previous day, assured that there was no cause for undue alarm regarding the "Piano Man's" wellbeing.
"He's on the mend," co-director Susan Lacy reassured The Hollywood Reporter just before Wednesday night's screening. "All he needs is time to recuperate and undergo the necessary physical therapy, which he's actively engaging in. The doctors assured him yesterday that everything will be alright."
Adding to the reassuring sentiment, Lacy and co-director Jessica Levin emphasized, "He'll bounce back stronger," and shared an uplifting message from Joel during their opening remarks, highlighting his characteristic wit and humor. Through Lacy, Joel delivered a lighthearted yet poignant message, "Aging may have its drawbacks, but it's certainly better than being reduced to ashes."
Moreover, Steve Cohen, Joel's long-time lighting director and executive producer of "And So It Goes," revealed that he had spoken to Joel on that very day, further testament to the performer's enduring spirit and resilience.
"He's thriving. He's diligently working on his healing journey and recovery process," Cohen revealed to THR prior to Wednesday evening's premiere. "His spirits are high; he's radiating happiness and excitement for us. He reached out, saying, 'I'm incredibly proud of the work you've accomplished. I never anticipated you'd reach this far,' and it was just wonderful to hear. He's genuinely a stand-up guy. I believe he'll be spending quality time with his family, focusing on what it takes to fully recuperate from his condition, and the prognosis looks promising. Ultimately, he's content. He's my boss, my collaborator, and above all, my closest friend. I couldn't care less about anything else except for his health and his joy in this chapter of his life. We've journeyed through it all together. He's conquered the tallest peaks and achieved what anyone could ever aspire to."
Even so, the behind-the-scenes crew of the film commented that the premiere, marred by his absence, was an occasion tinged with both sweetness and sorrow.
"We yearned for his presence, harbored hope that he'd be here, and he shared that same desire," Lacy expressed.
Producer Emma Pildes added, "It's tough, but it's a reality our bodies impose upon us. However, tonight is a celebration of him, his artistry, and all his accomplishments. We sincerely wish he could share in this moment with us."
Although Joel couldn't make it to the uptown premiere at New York's Beacon Theatre, the event was graced by stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Mariska Hargitay, Mira Sorvino, and Tom Hanks, who executive produced 'And So It Goes' alongside his Playtone partner Gary Goetzman.
Moreover, Tribeca co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal were present at the opening night gala, even reciting lines from Joel's hits such as "Movin' Out," "Only the Good Die Young," "New York State of Mind," and "You May Be Right" during their introductory remarks.
In a statement following the announcement of Joel's brain disorder, De Niro and Rosenthal voiced their "unwavering love and support," wishing him a "speedy and healthy recovery." They stated, "Our hearts ache for Billy Joel and his family amidst today's news. As a New York icon and a global music legend, he has indelibly shaped the cultural tapestry of this city and resonated with audiences worldwide. We extend our love, full support, and wish him strength and a swift recovery. We're deeply honored that this year's opening night salutes his extraordinary legacy and enduring impact on New York's cultural landscape. This is the ideal moment to recognize a creative giant whose work mirrors the very essence of our city—and the heartbeat of Tribeca."
While only the first part of the two-part 'And So It Goes' premiered on Wednesday night, both installments will debut on HBO and Max this summer.
