Billy Joel: And So It Goes" - A Tale of Betrayal, Forgiveness, and Redemption
Billy Joel, the iconic rock musician, recently shared a harrowing experience from his past where he attempted suicide multiple times due to the guilt and shame he felt over having an affair with his best friend's wife. This revelation was made in a new documentary about his life titled "Billy Joel: And So It Goes." In the late 1960s, Joel found himself in a love affair with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his close friend Jon Small, while living with the couple. The affair caused Joel immense distress and led to multiple suicide attempts.
During the documentary, Joel opened up about the emotional turmoil he experienced after the affair was exposed. He expressed deep feelings of guilt and remorse for his actions, describing himself as a "homewrecker" for coming between his best friend and his wife, especially since they had a child together. The situation escalated to the point where Small physically confronted Joel, punching him in the nose, a reaction Joel felt he deserved.
Following the fallout from the affair, Joel found himself homeless and in a state of despair. He recounted sleeping in laundromats and feeling overwhelmed by pain and hopelessness, which ultimately led him to contemplate ending his own life. His first suicide attempt involved swallowing a bottle of sleeping pills, resulting in a coma that lasted several days. His second attempt involved drinking furniture polish, but he was saved by Jon Small, who rushed him to the hospital and prevented a tragic outcome.
Despite the betrayal and turmoil, Small eventually forgave Joel, and the two reconciled their friendship. In a surprising turn of events, Joel later reconnected with Elizabeth Weber, and they married in 1973. However, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce by 1982. Joel's life has been marked by tumultuous relationships and personal struggles, including his recent revelation about suffering from a rare brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus, which forced him to cancel concert dates and miss the premiere of his documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival.
"Billy Joel: And So It Goes" offers a candid look into the life of the legendary musician, showcasing the highs and lows of his career and personal life. The documentary is set to premiere on HBO Max later this summer, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the music and the challenges he has faced along the way.