In the newly released documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the legendary musician candidly recounts a profoundly turbulent period in his early life, marked by emotional turmoil, betrayal, and two suicide attempts. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is set to air on HBO in July 2025, offers an intimate glimpse into the personal struggles that shaped Joel’s journey.(people.com)
A Painful Chapter
In his early 20s, Billy Joel was part of the rock duo Attila alongside his best friend and drummer, Jon Small. During this time, Joel moved in with Small, his wife Elizabeth Weber, and their young son. As Joel and Weber spent more time together, their relationship evolved into a romantic affair. When Small confronted Joel about his suspicions, Joel confessed, stating, “I’m in love with your wife” .(hindustantimes.com, axs.tv)
The revelation shattered their friendship and led to the dissolution of their band. Overwhelmed by guilt and despair, Joel found himself homeless and battling severe depression. He described feeling like a “homewrecker” and admitted to being in a state of psychotic depression during this period .(news.com.au, axs.tv, pagesix.com)
Suicide Attempts and Recovery
Joel’s emotional distress culminated in two suicide attempts. The first involved an overdose on sleeping pills provided by his sister, Judy Molinari, which left him in a coma for several days. Reflecting on this, Molinari recalled visiting him in the hospital and thinking, “I thought that I’d killed him” .(pagesix.com, tmz.com)
The second attempt entailed ingesting furniture polish. Despite their fractured relationship, Jon Small intervened and saved Joel’s life. Following these incidents, Joel checked into an observation ward, where he began his path to recovery. He channeled his pain into his music, using it as an emotional outlet to process his experiences .(people.com, pagesix.com)
Aftermath and Reflection
Joel and Weber eventually married in 1973, with Weber also taking on the role of his manager. Their marriage lasted until 1982. In the documentary, Joel reflects on this period with candor, emphasizing the depth of his remorse and the impact it had on his mental health. He stated, “I was just in a lot of pain” .(en.wikipedia.org, people.com, pagesix.com)
The film also touches on Joel’s recent health challenges, including his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a rare brain disorder that affects cognitive and motor functions. This condition led to the cancellation of his tour dates and his absence from the documentary’s premiere .(thesun.co.uk)
Billy Joel: And So It Goes offers a poignant exploration of the personal struggles behind the public persona, shedding light on the resilience and vulnerability of one of music’s most iconic figures.(news.com.au)
