Billy Joel recently made headlines with the release of his two-part HBO documentary, “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” which premiered on July 18 and July 25. This revealing documentary offers fans an intimate look into the life of the legendary musician, exploring the love, loss, and personal struggles that have shaped his songwriting career.
At 76 years old, Joel candidly reflects on his journey, stating, “I’m not finished. … I’m still looking. I’m still searching. I may not ever figure it all out. But I’m trying.” The documentary not only showcases his musical achievements but also delves into his personal battles, including a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that has prompted him to take a break from performing. During a recent appearance on the “Club Random” podcast, he shared that he is doing well and believes the diagnosis may be linked to his past struggles with alcohol, a topic he addresses extensively in the documentary.
Here are some of the most significant takeaways from “Billy Joel: And So It Goes”:
DUI Rumors
Joel has been open about his struggles with alcohol but firmly denies ever being arrested for driving under the influence. “I didn’t like the tabloid kind of press. For example, there’s this rumor that I have all these DUIs,” he asserts in the film. “That never happened.” He expresses frustration over the persistent rumors surrounding his life, stating, “People keep repeating the myth. ‘Oh, he’s got so many DUIs.’ I never had a DUI. So f*** you.” Joel highlights the challenges of living under constant scrutiny, acknowledging that the attention can be overwhelming.
Drama with Elton John
The documentary also touches on Joel’s complicated relationship with fellow musician Elton John. The two have been friends and tour partners for decades, but tensions arose in 2011 when John suggested in a Rolling Stone interview that Joel needed to return to rehab. “Elton had made a comment that he thought I needed real rehab,” Joel recalls. “He trucked it up to, ‘Oh, he’s a drunk.’ And that really hurt me. I said, ‘Wait a minute, don’t you know me better than that?’” This comment led to a period of bad blood between the two, highlighting the complexities of their friendship.
Rehabilitation Journey
Joel’s ex-wife, Katie Lee Biegel, also shares her perspective on his alcohol struggles in the documentary. Married from 2004 to 2009, she recalls the difficulties of their relationship during his battles with addiction. “With rehab, you don’t go for somebody else; you go for yourself. You have to want to do it. I didn’t want to do it,” Joel admits. Biegel notes that it was challenging to support him when he was not ready to seek help.
Split from Christie Brinkley
The documentary features insights from Joel’s first wife, Christie Brinkley, with whom he shares a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. The couple was married for nine years before their divorce in 1994. Brinkley reflects on the impact of Joel’s drinking on their marriage, stating, “I don’t think it’s a secret that his drinking got pretty bad. And he couldn’t really remember what he did when he was drinking, and so he didn’t really know how he could hurt people.” She recounts how she would sometimes pretend to be asleep when he came home intoxicated, illustrating the strain his addiction placed on their relationship.
As Joel navigates his health challenges and personal history, he remains a beloved figure in the music industry. “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” is now available for streaming on HBO Max, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.
For those who may be struggling with substance abuse, the documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for anyone in need of support.
In summary, Billy Joel’s documentary not only highlights his musical legacy but also sheds light on the personal battles he has faced throughout his life. With a mix of honesty and vulnerability, Joel invites fans to join him on his journey of self-discovery and growth, proving that even legends continue to evolve.
