Billy Joel documentary reveals he attempted suicide twice and was in a coma after affair with friend’s wife
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Billy Joel opens up about suicide attempts and recovery in new HBO documentary.
Billy Joel’s Dark Struggles Behind the Music: A Tale of Love, Pain, and Survival
Billy Joel, one of the world’s most iconic singer-songwriters, reveals a haunting chapter of his life in the new documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which premiered this week at the Tribeca Festival in New York City. The film revisits Joel’s personal battles, including two suicide attempts triggered by an intense and complicated affair with the wife of his bandmate and best friend. This emotional story explores the deep guilt, heartbreak, and mental health struggles that nearly ended Joel’s life but also shaped the music that would eventually bring him worldwide success. According to People magazine, the documentary sheds light on how Joel spiraled into depression and homelessness following the affair, his eventual path to healing, and the complicated relationships that both wounded and saved him.
The Beginning: Bandmates and a Troubled Affair
Joel’s early career included a stint with the rock band Attila, where he played alongside his best friend Jon Small. The two shared a home with Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber, and their young son. Weber’s own reflections in the documentary describe a “slow burn” developing between her and Joel. What began as a secret relationship quickly became a source of immense pain for everyone involved. Joel admitted to feeling “very, very guilty” about the affair, knowing it would betray his friend and disrupt the family.
The Fallout: Confessions and Heartbreak
Joel’s confession to Small about his feelings for Weber led to a violent confrontation and the band’s breakup. “I was just in love with a woman and I got punched in the nose, which I deserved,” Joel said. The affair’s impact extended beyond just personal heartbreak; Joel described himself as a “homewrecker” who caused irreversible damage. The fallout sent Joel into a dark place — he began drinking heavily, became homeless, and sank into severe depression, describing his mental state as “almost psychotic.”
Near Tragedy: Two Suicide Attempts
The depths of Joel’s despair became terrifyingly clear as he contemplated ending his life. “I figured, ‘That’s it. I don’t want to live anymore,’” he recalled in the documentary. On his sister Judy Molinari’s advice, Joel took a large number of sleeping pills, resulting in a coma that lasted several days. Judy’s emotional recollection of seeing her brother pale and unresponsive in the hospital captures the seriousness of the moment. But even this brush with death wasn’t the end. Joel’s second suicide attempt involved drinking a bottle of cleaning fluid — a desperate act that ironically led to his bandmate Small, despite their fractured friendship, rushing him to the hospital once again.
The Role of Friendship and Redemption
Despite their relationship being in tatters, Jon Small’s actions in saving Joel’s life highlight a complicated but enduring bond between the two men. Joel’s path to recovery involved seeking professional help and channeling his pain into music. The documentary shows how this creative outlet became a lifeline, eventually leading Joel to the heights of fame and acclaim. Years later, Joel and Weber rekindled their relationship, marrying in 1973 and staying together until 1982. Weber’s continuing support of Joel, especially during his recent health struggles with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), speaks to a complex yet lasting connection.
Reflections on a Hard-Fought Life and Career
Elizabeth Weber praised Joel’s relentless work ethic and dedication, telling E! News that she had never met anyone who worked as hard as him during their years together. Joel’s recent decision to cancel tour dates to focus on treatment for NPH reflects ongoing challenges, but also a commitment to health and longevity. The documentary offers a candid, often raw look into the personal battles behind the public success of a music legend.
Looking Ahead: “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” on HBO
Fans and viewers can look forward to watching “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” when it airs on HBO this July. The film not only chronicles the highs and lows of Joel’s storied career but also humanizes the man behind the music — a talented artist who faced profound pain and emerged stronger through the power of love, friendship, and creativity.
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