Billy Joel at one point wanted to “end it all,” according to the documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.” The new film, which premiered at Tribeca Festival in New York City this week, revisits the some of the singer’s struggles, including two suicide attempts following an affair with his bandmate’s wife, according to People. The first part of the documentary told the story of the Joel being in the band Attila with his best friend Jon Small, whom Joel eventually went to live with in a home occupied by Small, his wife Elizabeth Weber and their son. Weber reportedly said in the film that there was a “slow burn” between her and Joel. Joel said he “felt very, very guilty” about their resulting affair, which ended in a fight and the band splitting after he confessed to Small that he was in love with Weber. “They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker,” Joel told the filmmakers. “I was just in love with a woman and I got punched in the nose, which I deserved. Jon was very upset. I was very upset.” Weber left and Joel said he spiraled into drinking, became homeless and was “depressed I think to the point of almost being psychotic,” he recalled. “I figured, ‘That’s it. I don’t want to live anymore.’ I was just in a lot of pain and it was sort of like why hang out, tomorrow is going to be just like today is and today sucks,” he said. “So, I just thought I’d end it all.” His sister, Judy Molinari, was a medical assistant at the time and gave him sleeping pills, which Joel took all of and ended up in the hospital in a coma for days. “I went to go see him in the hospital, and he was laying there white as a sheet,” she said in the film. “I thought that I’d killed him.” He drank a bottle of cleaning fluid the second suicide attempt, Joel said, and ironically it was Small who took him to the hospital. “Even though our friendship was blowing up, Jon saved my life,” Joel said. He sought help, which Joel said helped him channel his emotions into his music that has brought him success. Years later, Joel and Weber reconnected and married from 1973 to 1982. She still has admiration for him and has been supportive as the superstar musician recently canceled tour dates to seek treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that affects the brain. “He’s worked so hard all of his life,” she told E! News at the premiere. “I’ve never known anybody who worked harder than he did in all those years we were together and working together.” “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is set to air on HBO in July.
Billy Joel documentary reveals he attempted suicide twice and was in a coma after affair with friend’s wife
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"Billy Joel's Documentary Explores Personal Struggles and Suicide Attempts"
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TruthLens AI Summary
The documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," which premiered at the Tribeca Festival, delves into the personal struggles of the iconic musician, revealing that he attempted suicide twice following an affair with his bandmate's wife, Elizabeth Weber. In the film, Joel recounts his experiences during his time in the band Attila, where he developed a complex emotional relationship with Weber, the wife of his best friend Jon Small. The affair led to significant turmoil, resulting in Joel feeling immense guilt and shame. He described the emotional aftermath of the affair, including the disintegration of his friendship with Small and the subsequent impact on his mental health. Joel expressed that he felt like a homewrecker and, overwhelmed by depression and substance abuse, he contemplated ending his life. His first suicide attempt involved taking sleeping pills provided by his sister, which left him hospitalized in a coma for several days. His sister recounted the harrowing experience of seeing him in such a state, fearing that she had killed him.
The documentary also highlights Joel's second suicide attempt when he consumed a bottle of cleaning fluid, an act that ironically led to Small, despite their fractured friendship, saving his life by taking him to the hospital. After these life-threatening incidents, Joel sought help and began channeling his emotions into his music, which eventually contributed to his success as a musician. Years later, he and Weber reconnected and were married from 1973 to 1982. Weber has since spoken positively about Joel's work ethic and dedication, especially as he takes time off from touring to address health issues related to normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The documentary is set to air on HBO in July, offering a reflective look at Joel's life and the challenges he has faced throughout his career.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent documentary about Billy Joel sheds light on the darker aspects of his life, particularly his mental health struggles and personal relationships. It reveals the painful consequences of his actions, including two suicide attempts, and offers a glimpse into the emotional turmoil that accompanies fame and personal failure.
Purpose Behind the Publication
This article aims to highlight the struggles faced by celebrities, particularly in relation to mental health and personal relationships. By sharing Joel's story, the documentary seeks to foster a conversation about the importance of mental health awareness and the impact of personal choices on one's life. The intent may also be to humanize Joel, showcasing that despite his success, he is not immune to profound personal challenges.
Public Perception and Sentiment
The narrative presented in the article is likely designed to evoke sympathy from the audience. By detailing Joel's struggles and the consequences of his affair, the public may view him with greater empathy, recognizing that even successful individuals face significant hardships. This could lead to a broader discussion about the pressures of fame and the need for mental health support.
Hidden Agendas or Information
While the article focuses on Joel's experiences, it could also be interpreted as an attempt to divert attention from other issues within the music industry or celebrity culture. By framing the narrative around personal tragedy, other systemic issues such as the pressures exerted by the entertainment industry might be overlooked.
Manipulative Elements
The article employs emotional language and personal anecdotes to create a narrative that could be seen as manipulative. By focusing on Joel's emotional pain and struggles, it shapes the audience's perception in a way that may lead them to overlook the complexities of the situation, such as the ethical implications of his affair.
Truthfulness and Reliability
The documentary appears to be based on personal accounts and experiences, which lend credibility to the narrative. However, the emotional framing may influence how facts are presented, making it important for readers to consider the broader context of Joel's life and career.
Societal Implications
The revelations about Joel's mental health struggles can resonate with many individuals experiencing similar issues. This could encourage more open discussions about mental health, potentially leading to increased awareness and support systems. In the broader societal context, it may also spark conversations about the impact of personal choices on mental well-being.
Community Support and Target Audience
The piece likely resonates with communities focused on mental health advocacy and those who admire Joel's music and career. It may also appeal to individuals who have faced similar personal struggles, creating a sense of solidarity among them.
Impact on Financial Markets
While the article may not have a direct impact on stock markets, the conversation surrounding mental health and celebrity culture can influence public sentiment towards entertainment industry stocks. Companies that prioritize mental health initiatives may see a positive response from investors.
Global Power Dynamics and Current Events
The documentary and its revelations may not have significant implications on global power dynamics. However, the ongoing discussions surrounding mental health in various sectors highlight a growing awareness that transcends industries, reflecting current societal trends.
In conclusion, the article presents a compelling narrative about Billy Joel's struggles while also raising important questions about mental health, celebrity culture, and personal responsibility. The emotional weight of the story aims to create empathy and understanding, although it may also serve to distract from broader systemic issues.