Billy Joel fires back at persistent DUI rumors that have plagued his reputation for years

Billy Joel set the record straight on longstanding rumors that he was charged with driving under the influence.

The "Piano Man" addressed the DUI allegations in his new, two-part HBO documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes."

He added, "But people keep repeating the myth. 'Oh, he's got so many DUIs.' I never had a DUI. So f--- you." 

Joel asserted that "the press can be mean," and admitted that "having that much attention paid to you is not easy."

"I never had a DUI in my life. That's another fallacy. Look at the police records," he told the outlet. "My mind wasn't right. I wasn't focused. I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11. 9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don't know even now if I've recovered from it. 

"It really, really hurt that man could do that to man. And then there was a breakup with somebody, and it took me a while to get me back on my feet again."

The statement at the time continued, "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health."

Joel canceled all of his tour dates earlier this year to recover from a "recent surgery and to undergo physical therapy under the supervision of his doctors." 

The "We Didn't Star the Fire" musician married his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, during a surprise wedding on July 4, 2015. The couple has two daughters together.