Billy Joel’s Complex Love Story with His Best Friend’s Wife

Billy Joel’s journey through love and friendship is both tender and tumultuous, especially regarding his feelings for his best friend’s wife. In the new documentary “Billy Joel: And That Goes,” he opens up about the heartache he faced when he confessed his feelings to his bandmate.

During his early career, Joel shared an apartment with bandmate John Small and Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber. Both young and ambitious, they were part of a music duo called Attila. But it wasn’t long before Joel found himself deeply in love with Elizabeth.

“I was really in love, and it just felt wrong,” Joel recounted, recalling the guilt that consumed him. “They had kids, and I felt like I was breaking up a family.” The emotional weight of his feelings was heavy, and the fallout was inevitable.

Earlier this year, Joel faced a serious health setback with a diagnosis of a brain condition, which led him to cancel all concert dates. His longtime collaborator, Steve Cohen, expressed hope, noting, “Every time he steps on stage, it’s like a gift.” There’s a sense of unpredictability around Joel’s future performances now.

At 76, Joel has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition affecting neurological functions. Cohen commented on the challenges this presents, especially given Joel’s beautiful family and the responsibilities he carries.

As for Elizabeth, in the documentary, she reflects on the instant connection she felt with Joel, describing their relationship as one where they could effortlessly understand each other. But Small acknowledges the strain, admitting he felt overshadowed by their bond.

The revelation of Joel’s feelings devastated Small—two of his closest friends were now at odds. Joel’s admission, filled with tears, showed just how torn he felt about the situation. “How do you break your best friend’s heart?” he mused. The aftermath led to the dissolution of both the band and his friendship with Small for a time.

Amid this storm, Joel struggled, even contemplating suicide more than once. “I was overwhelmed with pain; I thought I couldn’t bear it anymore,” he explained. But it was Small who ultimately came to his aid, demonstrating the depth of their bond, even through betrayal.

Eventually, Small found a way to forgive Joel, understanding the complexity of love and friendship. Over time, Joel and Elizabeth reconnected through music, leading them to marry in 1973, although they would part ways in 1982.

Now married to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, after high-profile marriages, Joel reflects on his past and the songs that came from his heartache. Elizabeth, too, was touched by these memories, which became a powerful reminder of their shared history.

Part 1 of “Billy Joel: And That Goes” premieres on HBO on July 18, with part 2 following on July 25.