music therapy

Billy Joel Opens Up About Past Struggles and Suicide Attempts

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Billy Joel has bravely shared his struggles with mental health and personal turmoil during his early twenties in a recent documentary titled *Billy Joel: And So It Goes*, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York City on June 4, 2025. The documentary offers an intimate look into the life of the iconic musician, revealing some of the darkest moments he faced. In the film, Joel, now 76, recounts a tumultuous period that began with an affair with Elizabeth Weber, the wife of his best friend and bandmate, Jon Small. This complicated love triangle not only strained their friendship but also led to significant emotional distress for Joel. He candidly admits, “I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker.” The affair ultimately resulted in the dissolution of Joel and Small’s band, fracturing their friendship and leaving Joel feeling lost. “I had no place to live. I was sleeping in laundromats and I was depressed to the point of almost being psychotic,” he shared. The weight of his guilt and despair led him to contemplate suicide, stating, “I was just in a lot of pain and thought, why hang out? Tomorrow is going to be just like today, and today sucks.” Joel’s sister, Judy Molinari, provided insight into the severity of his struggles, recalling a harrowing time when he attempted suicide for the first time. “He was in a coma for days,” she revealed, expressing the fear of potentially losing him. During his second attempt, it was Small who rushed Joel to the hospital, highlighting the complexity of their relationship and Small’s eventual forgiveness. Despite the turmoil, Joel found a way to channel his emotions into his music. After checking himself into an observation ward, he realized he could use his experiences to fuel his creativity. “I got out of the observation ward and thought to myself, you can utilize all those emotions to channel that stuff into music,” he explained. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, especially in the high-pressure world of fame. Joel’s journey reflects not only his personal battles but also his resilience and ability to turn pain into art. For fans of Billy Joel, this documentary offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music, showcasing his vulnerability and strength. It also emphasizes the significance of seeking help and support during difficult times. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, resources are available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance. Billy Joel’s story is one of survival, creativity, and ultimately, redemption. As he continues to inspire millions through his music, his willingness to share his past struggles serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.

Taime Downe Speaks Out After Fiancées Tragic Cruise Incident

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Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his fiancée, Kimberly Burch, who was presumed dead after a tragic fall from a cruise ship earlier this year. Downe’s emotional statement came during an interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, where he described his current state of mind as “a roller coaster.” He shared, “I’m hanging in there. I’m just taking it a day at a time.” The couple’s ordeal began during a cruise on Royal Caribbean, which set sail from Miami to the Bahamas in early March. Reports indicate that Burch fell overboard following a heated argument with Downe while aboard The ‘80s Cruise. The U.S. Coast Guard was called to assist in the rescue operation, which ultimately ended without finding her body. Downe revealed that the incident was “alcohol and prescription related,” but he chose to keep the specific details private, emphasizing the importance of discussing grief with close friends rather than the public. In the wake of this tragedy, Downe has decided to embark on a tour, believing that music can be a powerful form of therapy. He expressed optimism that being on the road and connecting with fans and friends would aid in his healing process. “I’m just going out and doing what I love to do with the people I love. I think it can’t be anything but therapeutic,” he said. Burch’s mother, Carnell Burch, confirmed that Downe personally informed her of the tragic news. She noted that while her daughter had been drinking, there were no apparent signs of distress before the incident. A statement from Royal Caribbean acknowledged the incident and confirmed that their crew had launched a search and rescue operation, working closely with local authorities to assist the family during this difficult time. Kimberly Burch had shared her excitement on social media just before the cruise, posting a photo with Downe and expressing her joy about being on The ‘80s Cruise. The cruise featured performances from several iconic acts from the 1980s, including Adam Ant, Tiffany, Squeeze, and Men at Work. The tragic loss has left many in the music community mourning, with former Vixen lead singer Lorraine Lewis paying tribute to Burch, stating, “Devastating news. Taime & Kim are soul mates. RIP beautiful. Sending so much love to both