# Billy Joel AI-recreated documentary release > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/billy-joel-ai-recreated-documentary-release > Updated: 2026-08-17T17:41:24.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. A 20-minute documentary titled ‘1971: Billy Joel’s Lost Interview’ is scheduled to premiere on September 25 at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. The film focuses on a December 1971 radio interview conducted by student Ed Mann for college station WCWP, recorded when Joel was 22 and had recently released his debut album, ‘Cold Spring Harbor.’ Because only the original audio from a quarter-inch reel-to-reel master tape survived, director Adam Ripp utilized artificial intelligence, in collaboration with a Canadian AI company, to visually recreate Joel, his manager Irwin Mazur, and Mann. The documentary aims to provide a visual connection to this early period in Joel’s career. The project includes a disclaimer stating it is an independent work that has not been approved, partnered with, or endorsed by Billy Joel. The footage captures a young Joel discussing his perspectives on music and venues, including his skepticism toward performing at Madison Square Garden. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Billy Joel AI documentary to premiere using lost 1971 interview An AI-driven documentary titled ‘1971: Billy Joel’s Lost Interview’ will debut in September, using authentic 1971 audio to visually recreate a long-lost radio interview with the musician. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/billy-joel-ai-documentary-to-premiere-using-lost-1971-interview ### 2026-08-13: Billy Joel lost 1971 interview becomes AI-recreated documentary A new AI-recreated documentary, ‘1971: Billy Joel’s Lost Interview,’ will premiere on September 25, using animation to visualize a rare, long-lost radio interview from the singer's early career. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/billy-joel-lost-1971-interview-becomes-ai-recreated-documentary --- Cite as: Billy Joel AI-recreated documentary release. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/billy-joel-ai-recreated-documentary-release