Billy Joel discloses two suicide attempts following affair with his best friend’s wife.

In an upcoming documentary set for release on HBO, renowned musician Billy Joel opens up about a series of harrowing personal experiences, including two suicide attempts that occurred during a turbulent period in his early life. The documentary, titled “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” recently premiered at the Tribeca Festival and is poised to offer viewers an intimate glimpse into the emotional struggles that have shaped Joel’s enduring career.

Joel, now 76, reflects on a particularly painful chapter involving a love affair with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his former bandmate Jon Small. This triangular relationship, which occurred while living with Small and Weber, led to feelings of deep guilt and remorse for Joel. He describes himself as having fallen “in love” with Weber, who later became his first wife. His admission of guilt is palpable as he recalls the turmoil the affair caused, stating that he felt like a “homewrecker” since Small and Weber had a child together.

The fallout from this relationship triggered significant personal and professional turmoil for Joel, culminating in the dissolution of his band, Attila. The emotional strain left Joel in a precarious situation, battling heavy depression and resorting to excessive drinking. This period of despair saw him living in laundromats and spiraling into thoughts of self-harm.

Joel’s first suicide attempt involved an overdose on sleeping pills, resulting in a coma that lasted for several days. The pills, which were provided by his sister, Judy Molinari, were given with the intention of aiding his sleep, unaware of his tragic intentions. The documentary poignantly captures her perspective as she recounts the experience, where she felt guilt over the situation. Following that attempt, a second incident occurred when Joel ingested furniture polish, prompting Small to intervene and transport him to the hospital, ultimately leading to a reconciliation in their estranged friendship.

After moving back into his mother’s home and checking into an observation ward, Joel found solace in music, channeling his tumultuous emotions into songwriting. The result was his debut solo album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” released in 1971, which featured songs such as “Tomorrow Is Today” and “She’s Got a Way,” the latter inspired by Weber.

Joel’s turbulent relationship with Weber transitioned into marriage, lasting from 1973 to 1982, during which she also became his manager. The upcoming documentary arrives at a moment when Joel is navigating new health challenges, having recently been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a brain condition that may cause debilitating symptoms and led him to cancel all upcoming performances through July of next year.

Despite the challenges he faces, Joel reassures fans of his well-being, indicating he is not in immediate danger. His powerful narrative in “And So It Goes” not only sheds light on his past struggles but also serves as a reminder of the resilience that has characterized his remarkable career. The documentary is expected to premiere on HBO in July, inviting audiences to engage with the complexities of an artist who has long been woven into the fabric of American music. Media News Source.