The Piano Man narrates his outstanding life within the two-part HBO Max documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.”
What followers may not anticipate is a love story, one which guided Joel to the highest of the charts. The primary of the two-part sequence follows Joel’s early years and an surprising romance along with his former bandmate’s bride.
What began as a typical rock star transfer – all swagger and shaky morals – turned a bond that formed music historical past.
Half One is a hefty two and a half hours lengthy, an indication that “deep dive” barely describes the worshipful strategy to the fabric. We revisit Joel’s early years, bopping from one cowl band to the following till he discovered a measure of fame with The Hassles.
The rock star life suited his ambitions, and his prodigious abilities have been nonetheless principally untapped. He even flirted with heavy steel infamy, however his love for Led Zeppelin outstripped his rock god chops.
By a rustic mile.
Alongside the best way he fell for a fellow Hassles member’s spouse, but it surely seems Elizabeth Weber was far out of your common groupie. The 2 fell deeply in love, navigating the early years of Joel’s profession collectively.
No cash. Little fame. One awful document contract. However the future Piano Man refused to cease, and Weber stood by his facet at each step.
“And So It Goes” begins in chronological order, and understandably so. However we study nothing about Joel’s mother and father or how they influenced his budding skills. That comes later, within the type of a harrowing anecdote about his father’s cruelty.
Sure, there’s ache behind the pop famous person’s eyes, and extra regrets than your common famous person. Correcting your errors is the important thing to life, Joel tells us within the documentary’s opening moments.
A measured and infrequently nostalgic Weber fills in loads of blanks, as do fellow musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Jackson Brown and Nas. The hip-hop star gives essentially the most cogent takes, exhibiting how Joel’s artistry crosses musical genres.
The origin story behind the traditional “Piano Man” monitor is definitely worth the worth of an HBO Max subscription, however “And So It Goes” overflows with gorgeous anecdotes. Administrators Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin dissect a few of Joel’s best-known songs, a satisfying course of for followers and music lovers alike.
A number of track vignettes are flat-out beautiful, each visually and of their exact descriptions. Joel poured his life experiences into his songwriting, so disassembling key tracks gives a twin delight.
Considered one of many highlights?
Strive to not guffaw when a studio government hears Joel’s 1977 album, “The Stranger,” and describes it as “good” however missing a real single.
- “Movin’ Out”
- “Simply the Manner You Are”
- “She’s At all times a Girl”
- “Solely the Good Die Younger”
- “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”
Yeah, not a success within the bunch. Higher luck subsequent time.
“And So It Goes” will be exhausting. Among the narrative detours aren’t value pursuing, like managerial strikes that may intrigue solely Joel completists and enterprise majors. The singer/songwriter comes off like a mensch, spending many years with loyal bandmates and flashing loads of uncertainty.
Nonetheless, listening to him say how TV cameras make him uncomfortable suggests a part of his aw, shucks exterior could also be insincere. Few pop stars are as expressive and charismatic as Joel behind a microphone.
Some viewers will balk at Half 1’s size and recoil on the in depth portrait. In spite of everything, he’s a rock star, not a head of state.
Nonetheless, contemplating his cartoonishly deep songbook and music legacy, Joel deserves nothing much less.
“Billy Joel: And So It Goes” airs at 8 p.m. ET July 18 on HBO Max. Half 2 will probably be proven at 8 p.m. ET July 25.