Billy Joel Suicide Attempts Linked to Affair with Friend’s Wife

In a revealing documentary called “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic “Piano Man” Billy Joel shared a dark chapter from his past. Back in his early 20s, Joel was part of a band called Attila with his then-best friend, Jon Small. However, things took a dramatic turn when Joel fell in love with Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber, leading to a tumultuous affair that drove Joel to attempt suicide not once, but twice.

Opening up about this difficult time in his life, Joel reflected on the pain he was experiencing, saying that he felt like he needed to “end it all.” Despite his attempts, Joel survived and was able to see the humor in it by saying, “You can’t even do yourself in.” This isn’t the first time Joel has spoken about his suicide attempts, but in the documentary, he provided more depth and insight into the situation.

The fallout from the affair and suicide attempts was profound. Attila disbanded, Joel’s friendship with Small suffered, and Joel found himself in a dark and depressive state, wandering between laundromats and battling inner turmoil. His sister, Judy Molinari, who was working as a medical assistant at the time, recalled the harrowing experience of Joel being in a coma for days after taking an overdose of sleeping pills.

After a second suicide attempt involving drinking a bottle of “lemon Pledge,” Small took Joel to the hospital, leading to a reconciliation between the two men. Despite the pain and turmoil, Joel acknowledged that Small ultimately saved his life. The aftermath of these events also reshaped Joel’s personal life, leading to a reunion with Elizabeth Weber, who then became his manager and first wife from 1973 to 1982.

The documentary showcases this tumultuous period in Joel’s life, shedding light on the complex emotions and challenges he faced. Despite the difficulties, Joel found a way to move forward, rebuild relationships, and rebuild his life. It’s a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there can be hope and resilience.