Ex-spouse of Billy Joel speaks out about being labeled a 'homewrecker' following her departure from initial marriage for singer's embrace
In a revealing and candid interview, legendary musician Billy Joel discussed his battles with depression, infidelity, and suicide attempts in the HBO Max documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes."
Joel's struggles began in the early 1970s, marked by experiences of homelessness and mental health issues. However, it was a deeply painful personal crisis that pushed him to the brink. The affair he had with his best friend Jon Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber, not only ended his friendship with Small but also led to the disbandment of their rock duo, Attila.
The emotional fallout was immense. Joel described the situation as unbearable pain and a feeling that life had lost meaning. "I figured that's it. I don't want to live anymore. I was just in a lot of pain," he said. The guilt he carried caused severe emotional turmoil, and he attempted suicide twice during this period of anguish.
The first attempt was by overdosing on sleeping pills, while the second was more dangerous, involving drinking Lemon Pledge furniture polish. Fortunately, both attempts were survived, and Joel voluntarily admitted himself into an observation ward after the incidents.
The loss of his friendship with Jon Small and the guilt he felt about his affair with Elizabeth Weber had a profound impact on Joel. Despite the turmoil, Jon eventually saved Joel’s life after the second suicide attempt and later forgave him, indicating how deeply these personal dynamics affected Joel.
Joel and Elizabeth married in 1973, with Elizabeth stepping in as his manager soon after. However, their marriage ended amid Joel's escalating substance abuse, and she left both as his manager and wife around the time of his 1982 motorcycle accident.
The affair with Elizabeth Weber also fueled Joel's music. His 1971 debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor," including the track "She's Got a Way," was inspired by Elizabeth. In the documentary, Billy and Elizabeth candidly reflect on their affair, with Elizabeth addressing the 'homewrecker' label associated with their relationship, stating that she never saw Billy as a homewrecker.
In June, Billy Joel gave a health update, stating that he feels fine. Despite his health challenges, including a diagnosis of a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which has forced him to cancel his concerts due to the condition affecting his hearing, vision, and balance, Billy Joel has made it clear that he is not dying.
Elizabeth Weber shares a son, Sean, with her ex-husband Jon Small. Sean has since become a successful musician, following in his father's footsteps.
Through his struggles and triumphs, Billy Joel continues to be a beacon of resilience, using his music to express his emotions and share his story with the world. The documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" offers a poignant and intimate look into the life of this iconic musician, revealing the personal struggles that have shaped his music and career.
- Billy Joel's struggles with depression, infidelity, and suicide attempts are detailed in the HBO Max documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," a revealing and candid interview.
- Joel's emotional turmoil began in the early 1970s, which included experiences of homelessness, mental health issues, and a deeply painful personal crisis.
- The infidelity with his best friend Jon Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber, led to the disbandment of their rock duo, Attila, and caused emotional fallout.
- Joel's emotional turmoil caused severe emotional turmoil, leading to suicide attempts, including overdosing on sleeping pills and drinking Lemon Pledge furniture polish.
- The documentary shows Joel and Elizabeth candidly reflecting on their affair, with Elizabeth addressing the 'homewrecker' label and stating that she never saw Billy as a homewrecker.
- Despite his health challenges, including a diagnosis of a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Billy Joel continues to be a beacon of resilience, using his music to express his emotions and share his story with the world.
- Sean, Elizabeth Weber's son with her ex-husband Jon Small, has become a successful musician, following in his father's and Billy Joel's footsteps.
