Billy Joel was “in a coma for days” after suicide attempt over affair with friend’s wife
Billy Joel, the iconic musician celebrated for his timeless hits, has revealed a harrowing chapter of his life that was marked by emotional pain and turmoil. In his recent documentary titled “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which debuted at the Tribeca Festival, Joel opens up about the personal struggles he faced following an affair with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his former bandmate, Jon Small. This intimate revelation sheds light on the darker moments of Joel’s life, showcasing the profound impact of relationships on mental health.
The Affair and Its Consequences
The genesis of Joel’s emotional distress can be traced back to his affair with Weber, which began during a stay at the Small family’s home. Joel’s relationship with Weber developed slowly at first but eventually spiraled into a romance that would wreak havoc on his personal life and his friendships. When Jon Small began to suspect the nature of their connection, he confronted Joel, leading to an honest confession that would change the course of their lives. Joel expressed feelings of guilt, referring to himself as a “homewrecker,” acknowledging the toll his actions had taken on Small, who had a child with Weber.
This betrayal not only fractured Joel’s friendship with Small but also led to the disbandment of their music project, Attila. The fallout set off a chain reaction of despair in Joel’s life, with guilt overshadowing his every step. The emotional burden was so heavy that it plunged him into a severe depression, influencing his thoughts and actions in devastating ways.
The Downward Spiral
As depression enveloped him, Joel’s battle with alcohol abuse escalated, becoming a coping mechanism for the emotional turmoil he faced. Struggling to find solace, he found himself homeless at times, sleeping in laundromats and other places where he could escape the chaos of his mind. The isolation and despair ultimately culminated in two serious suicide attempts. One of the most shocking incidents involved him swallowing a dangerous number of sleeping pills, which landed him in a coma that lasted for several days.
Joel’s sister, Judy Molinari, vividly recalls the moment when he attempted to take his life, underscoring the anguish that overwhelmed him during this period. In another instance where he attempted to end his life, Joel consumed the toxic household cleaner known as lemon Pledge. In a twist that showcased the complexity of human relationships, Small, despite his anger, rushed Joel to the hospital, saving his life in a moment of deep conflict.
Life After the Turmoil
Years later, Billy Joel married Elizabeth Weber, and they remained together from 1973 until their divorce in 1982. Although the affair caused significant challenges, the relationship also opened a new chapter in Joel’s life. This documentary reveals not just the struggles with fame and the chaos of personal relationships, but also showcases the vulnerabilities that even celebrated figures like Joel experience. His candid storytelling serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations around such deeply personal topics.
Joel’s journey exemplifies the complex interplay of love, guilt, and ambition, illustrating how the pursuit of success can sometimes overshadow the need for genuine human connection. The documentary offers a raw and honest look at the consequences of his actions, the struggles he faced in overcoming them, and the long road to healing that many people traverse in silence.
As captivating as his music is, Joel’s revelations about his life serve a deeper purpose, resonating with anyone who has faced personal battles. With this documentary, viewers have a unique opportunity to gain insight into not only Billy Joel’s life but the broader human experience of dealing with emotional pain.
For those who wish to dive deeper into Billy Joel’s story and explore the resilience of the human spirit, watching “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is a must. His journey reminds us all of the significance of forgiveness, love, and the power of second chances.
