Billy Joel's tumultuous life takes center stage in his latest documentary.
According to Fox News, the iconic musician unearths the details of his past, including two suicide attempts and a complex love affair, in "Billy Joel: And So It Goes."
Famed singer-songwriter Billy Joel, known globally for hits like "Piano Man," premiered his documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," delves deep into his early struggles with mental health and interpersonal relationships, shedding light on a rarely seen side of the artist.
The documentary reveals that during his early 20s, Joel was part of a band named Attila with his best friend, Jon Small. They lived together with Jon Small's family, fostering a complicated dynamic that ultimately led to personal turmoil for Joel.
Joel candidly discusses his unrequited love for Jon Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber, which caused the dissolution of both his band and his friendship with Small.
This tumultuous period, marked by personal betrayal and professional setbacks, plunged Joel into severe depression and homelessness.
During this dark phase, Joel was driven to a point of despair so deep that he attempted suicide twice. His first attempt involved a large quantity of sleeping pills; the second, consuming furniture polish known as "lemon Pledge." Both attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, although the first left him in a coma for several days.
Elizabeth Weber described their alliance as a "slow build" of friendship, but Joel’s feelings took a romantic turn, complicating everything. "I'm in love with your wife," Joel admitted in the film, shedding light on the emotional chaos that ensued.
Billy Joel described his severe mental state during those times. "I had no place to live. I was sleeping in laundromats, and I was depressed, I think to the point of almost being psychotic. I figured, ‘That’s it. I don’t want to live anymore,’” Joel recounted in the documentary.
Following his harrowing experiences, Joel admitted himself to an observation ward, starting a journey towards recovery. It was during this time that he resolved to channel his tumultuous emotions into his music, marking the beginning of his recovery and subsequent rise to stardom.
His relationship with Elizabeth Weber eventually evolved into marriage, leading to a legal union from 1973 until their separation in 1982. This period was significant in Joel's life, influencing many of his later works and personal development.
Jon Small reflects on the past events and Joel's emotional state during the height of their conflict. "He never really said anything to me. The only practical answer I can give as to why Billy took it so hard was because he loved me that much and that it killed him to hurt me that much. Eventually, I forgave him,” said Jon Small.
Today, Billy Joel stands as a testimony to overcoming severe emotional and mental challenges. The film not only explores his path to stardom but also his most vulnerable moments, offering a rare glimpse into the complex man behind the music.
In his documentary, Joel reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped him, the relationships that defined him, and the music that saved him. His journey from despair and betrayal to global acclaim is not just a story of personal triumph but a profound example of resilience and the transformative power of art.
As fans and viewers witness the raw and refined edges of Billy Joel's life through "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," they gain an intimate understanding of the struggles and successes of one of America's most enduring musical talents.
