Movies

Billy Joel sets record straight over DUI rumors after multiple concerning car accidents

BBG News

Billy Joel is setting the record straight.

In a fresh, two-part HBO documentary titled Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the renowned musician openly discusses the highs and lows of his life under the limelight, addressing persistent speculation about past alleged multiple DUI incidents.

The 76-year-old vocalist, who revealed his struggle with the condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) earlier this year, has clarified that such reports are unfounded.

In the movie, Joel expresses his dislike for gossipy media outlets, using an instance as an illustration: “There’s been talk about me having multiple DUIs,” he says, but “that situation never occurred.

However, the misconception persists, “He’s often accused of multiple DUIs.” But in truth, I’ve never had one. To that, he angrily retorts, “And for the record, I find it disrespectful!” He further explains, “The media can be quite harsh, and receiving this level of scrutiny isn’t a walk in the park.

This heartfelt documentary currently available on HBO delves into a challenging period in Joel’s life around the mid-2000s, a time when he chose to retreat from public view.

At that point, he had been in multiple car crashes, causing some people to wonder if he might have been under the influence of certain substances.

In the month of June 2002, Joel met with an accident involving his 1999 Mercedes-Benz. The next year, while behind the wheel of a 2002 Mercedes, he collided with a tree in Sag Harbor and received treatment for head wounds.

Then in 2004, he lost control of his 1967 Citroen in Bayville, crashing into an empty house.

According to the documentary, the last accident resulted in a small cut on his finger and some cosmetic harm to the vehicle for him.

Still, Joel insists those incidents weren’t alcohol-related.

During an interview with The New York Times Magazine in 2013, he made it clear that there was no instance of a DUI charge against him throughout his lifetime. He emphasized this point by suggesting people check the police records for accuracy, as rumors to the contrary were unfounded.

Instead, he attributed the accidents to emotional struggles.

After the 9/11 attacks, I found myself struggling mentally, unable to concentrate. The events of that day left me in a deep depression from which I’m still not sure I’ve fully recovered. It was a devastating blow to me, and it took a long time for me to find my footing again. To make matters worse, there was also a breakup, and I had to spend some time rebuilding myself before I could move forward.

This version keeps the original meaning intact while using more natural, conversational language that is easier to read. It also adds a bit of extra detail about the speaker’s struggles with depression and their difficulty recovering from both the 9/11 attacks and the breakup.

In “And So It Goes,” directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, not only do they debunk myths but also offer an intimate examination of Joel’s struggles with depression, addiction, and his journey towards healing.

As Joel told People in a recent cover story, it wasn’t easy to revisit some of those moments.

‘Some of the stupid stuff I did, that’s painful to talk about,’ he admitted.

At first, Joel felt apprehensive about the documentary. He expressed, ‘My intention was to complete it as soon as possible… You know how interviews go, people only ask questions about you and after some time, one becomes a bit self-conscious. It can even feel a bit awkward. Discussing personal matters separate from the topic… Well, I guess there’s an element of caution attached.’

The movie additionally provides perspectives from people who are deeply connected with him, such as his sister Judy, his 39-year-old daughter Alexa Ray, along with his long-term friends and associates, like lighting designer Steve Cohen and talent booker Dennis Arfa.

Cohen pondered on Joel’s determination and ability to bounce back: ‘You often make mistakes, but he would always remind me, “Just keep showing up. Strive for your best. Acknowledge when you’re in the wrong and let others praise your accomplishments. Don’t boast about your own abilities.”‘

Ultimately, Cohen aims for fans to gain a more profound insight into the person behind the melodies. In other words, he hopes they leave with a realization of how relatable and human he is. He desires that they revisit these songs with renewed affection, appreciating them more deeply. He wants fans to feel, “Now I understand his humanity. I know why I’m a fan. I can relate to his life experiences and emotions.” This resonates with me because I can identify with his life, and it deepens my connection to his music.

In spite of his initial reluctance, Joel willingly shared intimate details about his past struggles, including his unsuccessful marriages, battles with alcohol, financial hardships, and many other aspects of his life.

The singer also opens up about pre-fame suicide attempts and his mother’s alcoholism.

And So It Goes has already gained glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, Variety, and Newsday.

In May, it was revealed by the artist known as The Piano Man that he had been diagnosed with a condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

According to a social media post, Joel’s ‘ability to hear, see, and maintain balance’ has been affected by the condition.

The representative of the singer stated that his health issues have worsened due to his recent concerts.

Excessive accumulation of fluid inside the ventricles (spaces within the brain and spinal cord) results in increased pressure, leading to a variety of symptoms such as difficulty walking, loss of bladder control, and memory issues.

As a fervent admirer, I’ve come to understand that too much liquid can exert pressure and distort the delicate brain tissue, disrupting the management of muscles and impeding the signaling process among nerve cells.

Early diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) usually allows for effective treatment through a surgical procedure that removes excess brain fluid, reducing pressure and alleviating symptoms. However, it can sometimes be confused with other conditions, particularly dementia, during the early stages.

However, if left untreated, the condition may lead to permanent damage in its later stages.

Joel kickstarted his distinguished music journey right around the mid-1960s, culminating in the launch of his first studio album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” in 1971.

However, it wasn’t until the success of his subsequent release, “Piano Man” (1973), which reached number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary charts, that it started to garner significant popularity.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my profound reverence for the one and only, Billy Joel. Though he had already carved out a niche in the musical world with Streetlife Serenade (1974), it was The Stranger (1977) that truly catapulted him to stardom. This iconic album gave birth to timeless hits like Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just The Way You Are, She’s Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young. Each tune resonates with me on a deeply personal level, making Joel an artist I will forever cherish.

In the spirit of unwavering devotion to my craft, I embarked upon the creation and subsequent release of an extraordinary album titled “Fantasies & Delusions” in 2001, marking a unique milestone in my career by incorporating classical compositions penned by Joel for the first time.

In terms of global music sales, Joel ranks among the world’s top-tier artists, holding the fourth position for highest-selling solo acts within the U.S. market.

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2025-07-27 19:04

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