Billy Joel: And So It Goes" - A Journey of Resilience and Redemption

Billy Joel: And So It Goes" - A Journey of Resilience and Redemption

Billy Joel's tumultuous early life is the focus of a new documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York City. The documentary sheds light on Joel's struggles, including two suicide attempts and a coma resulting from a tumultuous affair with his bandmate's wife. The dark period in Joel's life occurred in his 20s when he was part of a band called Attila, living with his best friend Jon Small, Small's wife Elizabeth Weber, and their son. The affair led to the end of Attila and strained relationships.

Joel's downward spiral continued as he found himself homeless and battling depression, leading to his first suicide attempt by overdosing on sleeping pills. His sister, Judy Molinari, saved him from the brink of death. The second suicide attempt involved ingesting Lemon Pledge, but Small intervened and took Joel to the hospital. Despite the strain on their friendship, Small's actions saved Joel's life. After these traumatic experiences, Joel checked himself into an observation ward and later channeled his emotions into his music.

The documentary highlights Joel's journey of self-discovery and transformation following his suicide attempts. Despite the challenges he faced, Joel found a way to turn his pain into something positive by using his experiences to create music. The film also touches on Joel's reunion with Weber and their subsequent marriage. "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" will be available on HBO next month, offering viewers a glimpse into the iconic musician's tumultuous past and his resilience in overcoming adversity.