Billy Joel: And So It Goes - A Journey of Resilience and Redemption
Billy Joel recently shared his personal struggles in a new documentary, revealing that he attempted suicide twice after being involved in an affair with his best friend's wife. The documentary, titled Billy Joel: And So It Goes, delves into Joel's emotional turmoil during the early 1970s when he was in a band with his friend Jon Small and developed feelings for Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber. The affair led to the breakup of the band and left Joel homeless, prompting him to contemplate taking his own life.
Feeling guilty and devastated by the situation, Joel found himself in a dark place, sleeping in laundromats and struggling with depression. He first attempted suicide by overdosing on pills given to him by his sister, Judy, who feared she had inadvertently caused his death. Joel survived the attempt but later tried to end his life by drinking a bottle of Lemon Pledge. It was Small who intervened and rushed him to the hospital, ultimately saving his life.
Despite the strain on their friendship, Small forgave Joel, recognizing the depth of Joel's emotions and the pain he was experiencing. Joel eventually sought help and spent time in an observation ward, where he realized he could channel his emotions into his music. The documentary sheds light on Joel's journey from despair to finding a renewed sense of purpose through his music.
The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, but Joel was unable to attend due to health issues. In May, he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder that has led him to cancel his upcoming tour dates. However, Joel remains optimistic about his recovery, with his daughter Alexa Ray sharing that he is dedicated to regaining his strength through physical therapy.
Despite his health challenges, Joel has emphasized that he is not giving up and is focused on his recovery. His friend Howard Stern reassured fans that Joel is doing well and wants people to know that he is not facing a life-threatening situation. Joel's resilience and determination to overcome his struggles serve as a testament to his strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.