Billy Joel Confesses Affair Guilt and Health Struggles in New HBO Documentary

Billy Joel, the legendary Piano Man, has opened up about a deeply personal chapter of his early life in the new documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes." In a raw and emotional confession, Joel recounts the torment of falling in love with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his best friend and bandmate, Jon Small, during their days in the duo Attila. Living under the same roof with the couple and their young son, Joel found himself grappling with intense guilt. "I felt like a homewrecker," he admits, revealing how he deserved the punch to the nose he received when he confessed his feelings.

The affair not only shattered his friendship with Small but also marked the end of Attila. Joel's pain drove him to dark places, including two suicide attempts, as he struggled with the fallout of losing both love and camaraderie. Yet, in a remarkable twist, it was Small who saved his life by rushing him to the hospital after the second attempt. Their friendship, though fractured, eventually healed, with Small reflecting on Joel’s anguish as a sign of how much their bond meant to him.

Joel's relationship with Weber, born from shared moments of quiet understanding, eventually led to marriage in 1973, though they parted ways in 1982. His music, inspired by the heartbreak of her initial departure, became a powerful outlet—songs so moving that they drew Weber back to him. Beyond the personal revelations, the documentary also touches on Joel’s recent health challenges. Diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) at 76, Joel has had to cancel concerts due to issues with hearing, vision, and balance. Still, longtime collaborator Steve Cohen holds out hope for a return to the stage, describing every performance as a gift.

Now married to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, and cherishing life with his young daughters, Joel’s story in this two-part documentary—premiering on HBO on July 18 and 25—offers fans a window into the highs and lows of a musical icon. It’s a tale of love, loss, and resilience that hits all the right notes.