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Billy Joel recalls painful past in new documentary

In his new HBO documentary, Billy Joel discusses his emotional turmoil after dating his best friend's wife.

July 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Billy Joel recalls feeling 'like a homewrecker' while dating friend’s wife

Billy Joel opens up about his internal battles in his new documentary about a past affair.

Billy Joel shares emotional struggles after affair with best friend's wife

In the HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the iconic musician reveals the deep emotional pain he faced after dating his bandmate's wife, Elizabeth Weber. Joel reflects on feelings of guilt and the fallout from his actions, which led to lost friendships and severe depression. He recounts two suicide attempts fueled by despair after losing both Weber and his connection with bandmate Jon Small. The documentary offers a glimpse into Joel's struggle with his mental health and the eventual healing he found through music. His story sheds light on the heavy toll of personal decisions on mental well-being and relationships.

Key Takeaways

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Billy Joel faced severe depression after dating his friend's wife.

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The affair ended his friendship with Jon Small and his band Attila.

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Joel attempted suicide twice due to overwhelming emotional pain.

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His experiences underscore the risks associated with personal choices.

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After psychiatric treatment, he learned to channel his pain into music.

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The documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.

"I felt like a homewrecker."

Joel expresses his guilt over dating his friend's wife, highlighting his emotional turmoil.

"Even though our friendship had blown up, Jon saved my life."

Joel reflects on the forgiveness of his friend despite their fallout.

"I was just feeling sorry for myself."

In the hospital, Joel realized he needed to change his perspective on life.

"You can utilize all those emotions to channel that stuff into music."

Joel discusses how he transformed his pain into the power of music after recovery.

Billy Joel's candid revelations in his documentary highlight the fragile nature of friendships and the profound impact of personal choices. His guilt over the affair opened up wounds that led to significant mental health struggles, prompting a powerful narrative about redemption and healing. As he articulates the pain of his actions, Joel's journey reflects a broader societal issue regarding mental health, relationships, and the consequences of our choices. This story is not just about a fall from grace, but a testament to resilience, the power of music, and the importance of seeking help.

Highlights

Pain can be a powerful muse for creativity.
I felt like a homewrecker, but I was just in love.
This was not just about an affair. It broke me.
Even in darkness, music can be a light.

Mental health implications from personal choices

The discussion of Joel's severe depression and suicide attempts adds a sensitive layer to the narrative, spotlighting the impact of personal decisions on mental health.

Joel's story shows that even the brightest stars can face dark times, but there is hope in healing.

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