During the Wednesday (6.04,) premiere of the singer’s documentary, Robert De Niro expressed his support for Billy Joel concerning his health diagnosis.
After revealing his diagnosed of a rare brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH,) it was in May that the now 76-year old Joel was forced to cancel his upcoming US and UK tour dates.
Notably absent from the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of his forthcoming documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, during their opening speech, event co-founders De Niro and Jane Rosenthal shared their support for the iconic singer/songwriter.
“Billy wanted to be with us tonight, but as you may have heard, he’s dealing with a health issue and had to postpone his performances – including this one tonight.” We know you’ll join us in wishing him a speedy recovery,’ said Rosenthal, with De Niro adding:
“He’s our piano man, a wonderful, beautiful part of the heart of our city.” “Tonight, you get to see the man behind the music and behind the legend. You’re in for a real treat.”
Including never-before-seen performances, interviews, photos, and home movies, the two-part documentary explores the personal struggles that fueled Joel’s songwriting.
Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, Billy Joel: And So It Goes is scheduled to air on HBO this summer and during the premiere, Lacy assured the audience that the musician “will be back” soon, adding, “He said, ‘Getting old sucks, but it’s still preferable to getting cremated.'”
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Author: Al Denté