Reconciling the Past: Billy Joel's Journey to Sobriety and Friendship with Elton John
Billy Joel, the reformed boozehound, opens up about his strained friendship with Elton John due to his battle with alcoholism in the documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" on HBO Max. The Piano Man reveals how Elton John criticized him for canceling shows on their Face 2 Face tours years ago, attributing it to alcoholism. This led to a period of bad blood between the two music legends.
Despite Elton John's harsh comments, Billy Joel has since addressed his alcohol issues and put a stop to his drinking habits. The two musicians have reconciled, but they have not toured together since the fallout. Billy Joel's health has also been a concern, with recent cancellations of concert dates due to a brain disorder called normal pressure hydrocephalus, which affects cognitive functioning.
In the documentary, Billy Joel appears thinner but maintains his energetic spirit, reflecting on his record-breaking 150 sellout shows at Madison Square Garden. Despite his health challenges, Joel remains committed to his music career and has no plans to retire. He reassures fans that he is doing well and continues to find joy in performing on stage, emphasizing that music will always be a significant part of his life.