Billy Joel was notably absent from the world premiere of his new documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," which opened the Tribeca Festival on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at New York’s Beacon Theatre. The legendary singer-songwriter was forced to miss the event due to a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder.

NPH is characterized by an excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, which can press on the brain and disrupt cognitive functioning, leading to issues with hearing, vision, and balance. As a result of his condition and on medical advice, Joel has cancelled all upcoming tour dates, including 17 stadium shows he had booked across North America and England, and is currently undergoing "specific physical therapy." He has been "advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."

The documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, offers an in-depth look at Joel's tumultuous journey from his Long Island roots to international superstardom. It explores his struggles to break into the mainstream, his conflicted feelings about celebrity, and features rare, never-before-seen archival footage, photos of performances, home movies, and candid interviews with Joel himself. The film also includes insights from prominent figures in his social and artistic circles, such as Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Pink, Garth Brooks, and Joel's ex-wife and former manager, Elizabeth Weber. It delves into the backstories of some of his most enduring songs, including "Piano Man," "New York State of Mind," and "Just the Way You Are."

According to director Susan Lacy, Joel instructed the filmmakers to "be honest," and she noted that "he peeled back the layers of his music and his life with courage, humor and vulnerability." Despite his health challenges, Joel conveyed a message through the directors, stating, "Getting old sucks, but it’s still preferable to getting cremated." Lacy and Levin assured the audience that Joel is confident he will return to the stage, with Lacy saying, "He will be back."

Tribeca Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal paid tribute to Joel at the opening night. De Niro hailed him as "the poet laureate of New York," adding, "You feel the essence of our city in his lyrics." Rosenthal acknowledged Joel's health issue, conveying wishes for a speedy recovery and emphasizing his integral role in the city's heartbeat. They expressed their honor in celebrating his legacy, stating, "This is the perfect moment to recognize a creative force whose work reflects the very soul of our city — and the heart of Tribeca."

The premiere drew a host of A-list celebrities, including Tom Hanks (an executive producer of the documentary), Whoopi Goldberg, Mariska Hargitay, and Peter Hermann, who attended the screening at the Beacon Theatre. An afterparty was held at Tavern on the Green.

Support for Joel has been widespread. Howard Stern recently shared that he had dinner with Joel and assured listeners that the musician is "not dying" but is dealing with medical issues he needs to address. Joel's wife, Alexis, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support in an Instagram update, stating, "Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery." His daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, also shared a message of support. A music industry insider told People that Joel "is happiest while performing" and "is not ready to retire."

The two-part documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" is set to debut on HBO and will be available to stream on Max later this summer. The festival screening featured only the first part of the documentary. As director Jessica Levin explained, “They would not let us stay in the theater longer than two and a half hours.” Joel, a five-time Grammy winner who concluded his historic 10-year Madison Square Garden residency last July, remains committed to his health and looks forward to returning to the stage.