Singer Billy Joel reveals his troubled history during health crisis disclosure
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Get a peek into the gritty reality of Billy Joel's life, as showcased in his documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes. At 76, the renowned singer, known for hits like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," opens up about a tormented past.
In this candid tale, Joel admits to attempting suicide twice and falling into a coma, all stemming from an affair with his former bandmate's wife. His band, Attila, disintegrated due to this emotional upheaval, and his friendship with the bandmate, Jon Small, came crashing down.
Back in the day, Joel played music with Small and lived harmoniously with Small, Elizabeth Weber, and their child. "Bill and I were close," Elizabeth shared in the documentary. Small started suspecting their intimacy when Joel divulged, "I'm in love with your wife." This revelation marked the end of Attila, and the friendship with Small followed suit.
As Weber left the scene, Joel and Small found solace in alcohol. Joel found himself homeless, sleeping in laundromats, and spiraling into a deep, almost psychotic depression. In a raw moment, he decided that life was no longer worth living.
Sharing his mindset at the time, Joel said, "I was in so much pain that tomorrow would just be another day of the same despair, so I thought I might as well end it all." But, he made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide.
He recognized his selfishness post-attempt and remembered wanting to try again, but this time "correctly." It was Small who eventually took Joel to the hospital, saving his life. "Jon saved my life, despite our friendship falling apart," Joel reflected.
"Even though our friendship was shattered, Jon rescued me," Joel admitted, with Small adding, "He didn't speak much about it, but the only explanation I can think of is that he loved me so much that it pained him to hurt me so deeply. Eventually, I forgave him."
The documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival, offers a stark look at Joel's personal battles, including depression, infidelity, and suicide attempts. These challenges significantly impacted Joel's life and state of mind, eventually influencing his music in profound ways.
- For a musician like Billy Joel, battling mental health issues and a tumultuous personal life deeply affected his craft, influencing songs like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl" with emotional authenticity.
- Besides his career in music, Billy Joel's struggles extended into areas like science and health-and-wellness, as he battled addictions and suicidal tendencies, causing serious harm to both his physical and mental health.
- As the world watches the trials and tribulations of celebrities such as Billy Joel, it sheds light on the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellness, reminding everyone that stars are people too, facing challenges in their private lives, just like us.
