Billy Joel lost everything, ended up in a coma...but found the one thing that saved him
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Content warning: This story discusses mental health struggles and suicide, which may be distressing for some readers.
Fame often hides the darker chapters of a person’s life, and even the brightest stars can face unimaginable lows.
A new documentary has peeled back the curtain on one music legend’s early struggles—revealing the heartbreak, guilt, and mental health battles that nearly ended everything.
What unfolded behind the scenes was a deeply personal journey through despair, redemption, and ultimately, survival.
Fame and fortune often cast a long shadow, and behind the spotlight of one of the world’s most celebrated musicians lay a past marked by heartbreak, mental health struggles, and moments of devastating despair.
In the documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the legendary singer opened up about the darkest period of his early life—a time when he was homeless, guilt-ridden, and fighting suicidal thoughts.
But before the fame and sold-out stadiums, Billy Joel was just a young man tangled in a complicated and painful love triangle that would unravel both his personal and professional life.
At the centre of this turmoil was Elizabeth Weber, the wife of Joel’s then-bandmate, Jon Small. At the time, Joel had been living with the couple and their child, and what began as an affair soon spiralled into emotional chaos.
‘I was in love,’ Joel admitted. ‘I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker. 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.’
The fallout was swift. Not only did the confrontation bring an end to Joel and Small’s band, Attila, but it also shattered their friendship. Weber eventually left, and Joel’s emotional state quickly deteriorated.
‘I had no place to live. I was sleeping in laundromats and I was depressed I think to the point of almost being psychotic,’ he recalled. ‘So I figured, “That’s it. I don’t want to live anymore.”’
What followed was a harrowing episode that nearly ended his life. Joel attempted suicide—twice—while in his early twenties. His sister, Judy Molinari, remembered finding him in a hospital after one attempt.
‘He was in a coma for days and days and days,’ she said. ‘I went to go see him in the hospital, and he was laying there white as a sheet.’
After regaining consciousness, Joel took the brave step of checking himself into a psychiatric observation ward. The decision marked a turning point.
‘I got out…and I thought to myself, you can utilise all those emotions to channel that stuff into music.’
Years later, the impact of those moments still lingered. In recent weeks, Joel made headlines once more—not for his music, but for sharing a deeply personal health update.
The singer revealed he had been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up in the skull, pressing on the brain.
The disorder mimics dementia symptoms, such as memory lapses, emotional changes, trouble walking, and urinary issues. He announced the diagnosis on social media and confirmed that all future tour dates had been cancelled.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Support services:
Billy Joel’s story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a chance to turn pain into purpose.
Have you ever faced a tough time that ended up shaping your life in an unexpected way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we covered the surprise announcement that left fans in shock—because sometimes our music icons’ lives can turn on a dime.
For senior Aussies who’ve followed Billy Joel’s journey through the years, understanding both the personal and public sides adds real depth to his legacy.
Read more: Fans shocked after sudden announcement from Billy Joel—what we know so far
Fame often hides the darker chapters of a person’s life, and even the brightest stars can face unimaginable lows.
A new documentary has peeled back the curtain on one music legend’s early struggles—revealing the heartbreak, guilt, and mental health battles that nearly ended everything.
What unfolded behind the scenes was a deeply personal journey through despair, redemption, and ultimately, survival.
Fame and fortune often cast a long shadow, and behind the spotlight of one of the world’s most celebrated musicians lay a past marked by heartbreak, mental health struggles, and moments of devastating despair.
In the documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the legendary singer opened up about the darkest period of his early life—a time when he was homeless, guilt-ridden, and fighting suicidal thoughts.
But before the fame and sold-out stadiums, Billy Joel was just a young man tangled in a complicated and painful love triangle that would unravel both his personal and professional life.
Billy Joel opens up about darkest days. Image source: Instagram/billyjoel
At the centre of this turmoil was Elizabeth Weber, the wife of Joel’s then-bandmate, Jon Small. At the time, Joel had been living with the couple and their child, and what began as an affair soon spiralled into emotional chaos.
‘I was in love,’ Joel admitted. ‘I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker. 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.’
The fallout was swift. Not only did the confrontation bring an end to Joel and Small’s band, Attila, but it also shattered their friendship. Weber eventually left, and Joel’s emotional state quickly deteriorated.
‘I had no place to live. I was sleeping in laundromats and I was depressed I think to the point of almost being psychotic,’ he recalled. ‘So I figured, “That’s it. I don’t want to live anymore.”’
What followed was a harrowing episode that nearly ended his life. Joel attempted suicide—twice—while in his early twenties. His sister, Judy Molinari, remembered finding him in a hospital after one attempt.
‘He was in a coma for days and days and days,’ she said. ‘I went to go see him in the hospital, and he was laying there white as a sheet.’
After regaining consciousness, Joel took the brave step of checking himself into a psychiatric observation ward. The decision marked a turning point.
‘I got out…and I thought to myself, you can utilise all those emotions to channel that stuff into music.’
Years later, the impact of those moments still lingered. In recent weeks, Joel made headlines once more—not for his music, but for sharing a deeply personal health update.
The singer revealed he had been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up in the skull, pressing on the brain.
The disorder mimics dementia symptoms, such as memory lapses, emotional changes, trouble walking, and urinary issues. He announced the diagnosis on social media and confirmed that all future tour dates had been cancelled.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Support services:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or [lifeline.org.au](https://www.lifeline.org.au)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or [beyondblue.org.au](https://www.beyondblue.org.au)
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or [kidshelpline.com.au](https://www.kidshelpline.com.au)
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 or [headspace.org.au](https://www.headspace.org.au)
- 13YARN: 13 92 76 or [13yarn.org.au](https://www.13yarn.org.au)
Billy Joel’s story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a chance to turn pain into purpose.
Have you ever faced a tough time that ended up shaping your life in an unexpected way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we covered the surprise announcement that left fans in shock—because sometimes our music icons’ lives can turn on a dime.
For senior Aussies who’ve followed Billy Joel’s journey through the years, understanding both the personal and public sides adds real depth to his legacy.
Read more: Fans shocked after sudden announcement from Billy Joel—what we know so far
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