Tag: music legacy

July 28, 2025

Billy Joel Opens Up About DUIs Elton John Feud and More in New Documentary

Billy Joel recently made headlines with the release of his two-part HBO documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which premiered on July 18 and July 25. This revealing documentary offers fans an intimate look into the life of the legendary musician, exploring the love, loss, and personal struggles that have shaped his songwriting career.

At 76 years old, Joel candidly reflects on his journey, stating, “I’m not finished. … I’m still looking. I’m still searching. I may not ever figure it all out. But I’m trying.” The documentary not only showcases his musical achievements but also delves into his personal battles, including a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that has prompted him to take a break from performing. During a recent appearance on the “Club Random” podcast, he shared that he is doing well and believes the diagnosis may be linked to his past struggles with alcohol, a topic he addresses extensively in the documentary.

Here are some of the most significant takeaways from “Billy Joel: And So It Goes”:

DUI Rumors
Joel has been open about his struggles with alcohol but firmly denies ever being arrested for driving under the influence. “I didn’t like the tabloid kind of press. For example, there’s this rumor that I have all these DUIs,” he asserts in the film. “That never happened.” He expresses frustration over the persistent rumors surrounding his life, stating, “People keep repeating the myth. ‘Oh, he’s got so many DUIs.’ I never had a DUI. So f*** you.” Joel highlights the challenges of living under constant scrutiny, acknowledging that the attention can be overwhelming.

Drama with Elton John
The documentary also touches on Joel’s complicated relationship with fellow musician Elton John. The two have been friends and tour partners for decades, but tensions arose in 2011 when John suggested in a Rolling Stone interview that Joel needed to return to rehab. “Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab,” Joel recalls. “He trucked it up to, ‘Oh, he’s a drunk.’ And that really hurt me. I said, ‘Wait a minute, don’t you know me better than that?’” This comment led to a period of bad blood between the two, highlighting the complexities of their friendship.

Rehabilitation Journey
Joel’s ex-wife, Katie Lee Biegel, also shares her perspective on his alcohol struggles in the documentary. Married from 2004 to 2009, she recalls the difficulties of their relationship during his battles with addiction. “With rehab, you don’t go for somebody else; you go for yourself. You have to want to do it. I didn’t want to do it,” Joel admits. Biegel notes that it was challenging to support him when he was not ready to seek help.

Split from Christie Brinkley
The documentary features insights from Joel’s first wife, Christie Brinkley, with whom he shares a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. The couple was married for nine years before their divorce in 1994. Brinkley reflects on the impact of Joel’s drinking on their marriage, stating, “I don’t think it’s a secret that his drinking got pretty bad. And he couldn’t really remember what he did when he was drinking, and so he didn’t really know how he could hurt people.” She recounts how she would sometimes pretend to be asleep when he came home intoxicated, illustrating the strain his addiction placed on their relationship.

As Joel navigates his health challenges and personal history, he remains a beloved figure in the music industry. “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is now available for streaming on HBO Max, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.

For those who may be struggling with substance abuse, the documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for anyone in need of support.

In summary, Billy Joel’s documentary not only highlights his musical legacy but also sheds light on the personal battles he has faced throughout his life. With a mix of honesty and vulnerability, Joel invites fans to join him on his journey of self-discovery and growth, proving that even legends continue to evolve.

July 23, 2025

Black Sabbath Members Pay Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne After His Passing

Ozzy Osbourne’s bandmates from Black Sabbath are mourning the loss of the legendary rock icon following his death at the age of 76. The iconic frontman, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by his family on July 22, 2025. His bandmates expressed their heartfelt condolences and shared their memories of their dear friend.

Drummer Bill Ward took to Instagram to share a poignant tribute, saying, “Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls. No, you’re forever in my heart.” He accompanied his message with a nostalgic photo of himself and Osbourne, reflecting on their deep bond. Ward extended his condolences to Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, and the rest of the family, stating, “Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.”

Guitarist Tony Iommi also expressed his sorrow, stating that the surviving members of Black Sabbath had “lost our brother.” In an emotional post, he wrote, “I just can’t believe it! My dear, dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park.” He shared a series of images featuring Osbourne and concluded with, “My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace, Oz.”

Bassist Geezer Butler shared his own memories, posting a collection of throwback photos and writing, “Goodbye dear friend—thanks for all those years. We had some great fun. Four kids from Aston—who’d have thought, eh?” Butler expressed gratitude for their final performance together, stating, “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”

Osbourne’s death came just weeks after a triumphant performance with Black Sabbath at the Back to the Beginning festival in Birmingham, England, where he captivated a crowd of over 45,000 fans. The band performed classic hits such as “War Pigs” and “Iron Man,” and Osbourne’s energy on stage was palpable. “It’s so good to be on this f**king stage, you have no idea,” he exclaimed to the enthusiastic audience. Reflecting on the concert, he had previously mentioned that it was his wife Sharon’s idea, providing him with motivation and purpose.

In a statement released by his family, they expressed their profound sadness: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Osbourne’s life was marked by incredible moments both on and off the stage, from his outrageous antics to his candid personality. His legacy as a rock and roll pioneer will undoubtedly live on, with fans and fellow musicians alike remembering his contributions to music and culture.

As the world reflects on the impact of Ozzy Osbourne, his bandmates and fans will forever cherish the memories they shared with the legendary figure. The outpouring of love and respect from his family and friends highlights the profound influence he had on those around him, solidifying his place in rock history.

In the wake of this loss, fans are encouraged to celebrate Osbourne’s life by revisiting his music and the unforgettable moments he created throughout his illustrious career. The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, a true rock icon, will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.

July 4, 2025

Ringo Starr Discusses Changes He Requested for Beatles Biopic

Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, recently opened up about his involvement in the upcoming biopics about the iconic band. In an interview with The New York Times, he shared insights into the creative process and the changes he requested from director Sam Mendes to ensure an authentic portrayal of his life and relationships.

At 84 years old, Starr remains deeply connected to his past and the legacy of The Beatles. He spent two days with Mendes, offering “extensive notes” on the script for the films, which are set to explore the lives of each band member from their unique perspectives. Starr emphasized that he wanted the portrayal of his first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett, to reflect their true relationship. He expressed concern that the original script did not accurately represent how they interacted with each other. “He had a writer — a very good writer with a great reputation — and he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I,” Starr explained. “That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that.’”

Starr’s feedback highlights his desire for authenticity in storytelling, especially when it comes to personal relationships that shaped his life. He is now satisfied with the direction the script has taken after reviewing it line by line with Mendes.

The biopics, which are set to be released in 2027, will feature a star-studded cast, including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. Each film will focus on the individual stories of the band members, providing fans with a deeper understanding of their lives and the dynamics that defined The Beatles.

Keoghan, who has been cast as Starr, recently shared his experience meeting the legendary drummer. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” he admitted feeling nervous when he visited Starr at his home. “It was sort of one of those moments where you’re in awe and you’re just frozen,” Keoghan recalled. He expressed his determination to not only imitate Starr but to humanize him and bring depth to his character.

Starr’s excitement for the films is palpable. He praised Mendes for taking on the ambitious project of creating four films simultaneously, acknowledging the challenges involved. “I’m excited that [Mendes] has taken the madness of making four movies at the same time,” he told People in May.

As anticipation builds for these biopics, fans of The Beatles can look forward to a fresh perspective on the band’s history. With Starr’s input and the talented cast, the films promise to honor the legacy of one of the most influential bands in music history while providing an intimate look at the lives of its members.

In addition to the biopics, Starr continues to engage with fans and share his love for music. His enduring passion for creativity and storytelling resonates with audiences, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

As the release date approaches, fans are eager to see how Starr’s vision and experiences will shape the narrative of The Beatles’ remarkable journey. With Mendes at the helm and a talented cast ready to bring these stories to life, the biopics are poised to be a significant addition to the legacy of The Beatles and their impact on music and culture.

June 26, 2025

Brian Wilsons Cause of Death Confirmed A Tribute to the Beach Boys Legend

Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the iconic band The Beach Boys, passed away at the age of 82 on June 11, 2025. His death was a significant loss to the music world, and his family has since confirmed the cause of his passing. According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Wilson died of natural causes following respiratory arrest. This critical condition occurs when the lungs cease to function, depriving the body of necessary oxygen.

In addition to respiratory arrest, Wilson’s health was complicated by several underlying issues, including sepsis and cystitis, which is an inflammation of the bladder. Other contributing factors noted by coroners included sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory failure, and a neurodegenerative disorder. His family, including daughters Carnie and Wendy, who are members of the group Wilson Phillips, announced his passing with heartfelt tributes.

The Beach Boys released a statement mourning Wilson’s loss, describing him as “the heart of The Beach Boys” and recognizing his unparalleled talent and the profound impact he had on music. They stated, “The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever.” Wilson’s influence extended beyond his own band; he shaped the sound of an entire generation and created a legacy that resonates with fans worldwide.

Brian Wilson was born in June 1942 in Hawthorne, California. He was the eldest child of Audree and Murry Wilson, both of whom played significant roles in his musical upbringing. Brian was joined by his brothers Dennis and Carl, who would later help form The Beach Boys alongside their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine in 1961. The band quickly rose to fame, known for their harmonies and surf rock sound, which defined the California music scene.

Throughout his career, Wilson faced many personal struggles, including mental health issues that led him to step back from touring with The Beach Boys in the mid-1960s. However, he returned to the band in the 1970s as a key songwriter and performer. His last major performance with the group was during their 50th anniversary tour in 2012.

In recent years, Wilson’s health had been a concern. In 2024, his family sought a conservatorship after he was diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder, believed to be dementia. This decision was made with the support of his children and medical professionals, ensuring that Wilson received the care he needed.

The announcement of Wilson’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike. Many celebrated not only his musical genius but also his contributions to the cultural landscape of America. The Beach Boys’ music, characterized by its themes of youth, love, and the California lifestyle, continues to resonate with audiences today.

Brian Wilson leaves behind a rich legacy, including his daughters and five adopted children. His second wife, Melinda, passed away in January 2024, further deepening the family’s loss. As fans reflect on Wilson’s life and career, they remember him not just as a musician but as a symbol of creativity and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the wake of his passing, many are reminded of the joy and freedom that Wilson’s music brought into their lives. His ability to capture the essence of summer and the American spirit through song will forever be cherished. Wilson’s family has requested privacy as they navigate their grief, but they also recognize that their loss is shared with the world, a testament to the profound impact he had on countless lives.

As we celebrate the life of Brian Wilson, it is essential to acknowledge his contributions to music and the legacy he leaves behind. His work with The Beach Boys not only defined a genre but also inspired generations of musicians and fans. The melodies and harmonies he crafted will continue to be a source of inspiration and joy for years to come.