Billy Joel’s Struggles Revealed in New Documentary

Billy Joel shared a deeply personal account of his past struggles, including two suicide attempts and a coma, in his documentary titled “Billy Joel: And That Goes.” The first part premiered at Tribecafe Stability in New York City.

The iconic singer opened up about a particularly dark chapter in his life, which was linked to his complicated relationship with the wife of his friend and bandmate, John Small, when he was in his 20s. Joel confessed that he fell in love with Elizabeth Weber shortly after moving in with the couple. During that time, he and Small were part of a band called “Attila.”

In the film, he recounted the aftermath of his first suicide attempt, revealing that he considered taking his life again, stating that it felt “right” at that moment.

Weber also features in the documentary, describing the emotional turmoil as a gradual process. She noted that her closeness with Joel, who eventually married her in 1973, played a significant role in the tension that unfolded.

Joel reflected on how that experience affected him profoundly. “I felt very guilty about it. They had kids. I felt like a homewrecker,” he revealed, detailing the hardship he faced at that time.

“I had no place to live. I was sleeping in the laundry room. I was depressed, so I think I’m mostly mentally ill,” he candidly admitted. The feelings of despair became overwhelming, leading him to think, “That’s all. I don’t want to live anymore.” He described the pain he felt, noting that each day seemed just as bad as the last.

Joel’s younger sister, Judy Molinari, a medical assistant back then, mentioned in the documentary that she had given him sleeping pills. However, he ended up taking a dangerous amount, resulting in a prolonged coma. “I thought I’d killed him,” Molinari recalled of the hospital visit, where he appeared lifeless.

After waking up from the coma, Joel’s struggle continued. He attempted suicide a second time by consuming a bottle of “Lemon Pledge,” and it was ironically Small who rushed him to the hospital. “Even though our friendship was strained, John saved my life,” Joel acknowledged.

During his time in the observation ward, which he described as pivotal, he confronted feelings of being a “lost soul.” Reflecting on those weeks, he noted that he realized he could channel his emotions into music.

“Billy Joel: And It Goes” is set to be released on HBO in July, offering an introspective look at the life and challenges of one of music’s greatest legends.