Billy Joel Reflects on the Heartfelt Turmoil of Dating His Best Friend’s Wife: A ‘Homewrecker’ Experience

Billy Joel recently shared his personal struggles in the HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. The 76-year-old music legend opened up about an affair that shook his world. He fell for Elizabeth Weber, who was married to his best friend, Jon Small, at the time. This decision not only ended their friendship but also led him into a deep depression.

During the documentary, Joel expressed feelings of guilt, knowing he was breaking up a family. He said, “I felt like a homewrecker.” In his own words, he admitted that prioritizing his feelings for Weber over his friendship with Small came with heavy consequences.

The fallout was severe. After the affair started, Weber unexpectedly left, adding to Joel’s despair. He felt lost and regretted his choices. “I had no place to live,” he recounted, describing nights spent in laundromats. His mental state became dire; he even attempted suicide twice. “I was just in a lot of pain,” Joel said, recalling thoughts that life was too painful to continue.

Joel took sleeping pills but survived, waking up in a hospital. Ironically, it was his former friend Small who saved him during another attempt, highlighting a complex mix of love and forgiveness. Small eventually reconciled with Joel, saying, “He thought that it was over for him. And, to me, he didn’t even start living yet.”

After much turmoil, Joel sought help. He spent time in a psychiatric ward where he learned a valuable lesson about channeling his emotions into music. “You can utilize all those emotions,” he said. This period marked a turning point, ultimately helping him to create iconic songs that resonate with many fans.

In today’s society, mental health issues remain prevalent, with over 19% of adults experiencing some form of mental illness each year in the U.S., as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Joel’s story underscores the importance of discussing mental health openly and seeking help when needed.

Having struggled, he found solace and strength in music, a source of healing not just for him but for countless fans.

This documentary sheds light on both the dangers of emotional decisions and the redemptive power of music. You can watch the first part of And So It Goes now on HBO Max, with the next part coming soon.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, support is available. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.

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