Latest news with #JusttheWayYouAre
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Billy Joel attempted suicide, overdosed and fell into coma after secret affair with friend's wife: Piano Man's early life unleashed in new doc
Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the documentary revolving around the early life and rise of the Piano Man, premiered at the Tribeca Festival's opening night. Joel, who was recently diagnosed with a brain disorder, forcing him to hit pause on events and promotional activities, remained absent from the night. However, in the new HBO documentary, the legendary singer opens up about the darkest chapter of his life, one that no one had heard about until now. Before the fame, before the sold-out concerts, Joel was a guy in his 20s who played in a band called Attila with his best friend, Jon Small. They lived together under one roof until one incident completely changed their lives forever. Also read: What is normal pressure hydrocephalus? Piano Man Billy Joel diagnosed with rare brain disorder In the first half of the documentary, Joel spoke about how he fell in love with Elizabeth, his best friend's wife. Elizabeth herself admitted in the doc that it wasn't instant, but a slow build. At the time, she and Small also had a kid together. But one day, once Jon sensed something was off, Billy told him the truth straight-up: 'I'm in love with your wife.' Joel admitted, 'I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker.' He further added, 'I was just in love with a woman, and I got punched in the nose, which I deserved. Jon was very upset. I was very upset.' The incident left a mark on Joel's life. He started drinking, was booted from the house, had nowhere to go, and kept spending nights in a laundromat. 'So I figured, 'That's it. I don't want to live anymore.' I was just in a lot of pain, and it was sort of like—why hang out? Tomorrow is going to be just like today, and today sucks. So, I just thought I'd end it all,' he said. Also read: Singer Billy Joel cancels concerts after brain disorder diagnosis Joel's sister, Judy Molinari, was a medical assistant at the time and often used to send him sleeping pills to help him deal with sleepless nights. But the musician revealed he tried taking them all at once and fell into a coma for several days. Judy said she thought she had killed her brother. 'I went to go see him in the hospital, and he was laying there white as a sheet. I thought that I'd killed him.' When Billy finally woke up, he realised he had been selfish, and then decided to try again. This time, he drank a bottle of lemon-scented Pledge. However, Small—the same friend he had betrayed—was the one who rushed him to the hospital. Looking back, Jon said the only reason Billy might have taken it so hard was because he loved him that much. 'Eventually, I forgave him.' Once Joel got out, he decided to pour all that pain and guilt into his music. That led to his first solo album Cold Spring Harbor. For the unversed, Billy Joel and Elizabeth's story didn't end there. They ended up marrying in 1973 and were together until 1982. Elizabeth also took the role of his manager and took the credit for making Just the Way You Are a hit when record execs didn't believe in it. But the fame, stress, and Billy's substance use caught up with them, and she later chose to walk away. The documentary also shed light on how, in his early days, Joel played under a fake name (Bill Martin) in LA bars because of a bad record deal. According to the New York Times, Joel's time at the Executive Room inspired Piano Man, while Elizabeth helped him as the waitress, 'practising politics.' Joel also turned down a deal with Beatles producer George Martin because Martin didn't want to use his band. He later worked with Phil Ramone and rolled out The Stranger, one of his biggest studio albums of all time.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Elizabeth Weber reemerges after decades for Billy Joel's HBO documentary
Elizabeth Weber, Billy Joel's first wife and longtime former manager, made headlines this week by publicly speaking for the first time in 43 years. The 82-year-old appeared at the premiere of And So It Goes, HBO's new two-part documentary on the music icon, during the 2025 Tribeca Festival in New York. Weber, often referred to as Joel's muse and the inspiration behind several of his classic songs, attended the event with her son Sean Small. Reflecting on her eight-year marriage to Joel, she told People, 'It was great then, it's great whenever I think about it, and it's great now.' The documentary dives deep into Billy Joel's early struggles, creative rise, and personal pain — much of which centered around Elizabeth. The two had a controversial beginning, with Elizabeth initially married to Joel's bandmate Jon Small. Despite the rocky start, she and Joel married in 1973, with Weber becoming a strategic force behind his success. She reportedly pushed him to release 'Just the Way You Are' — a decision that won him two Grammys. Weber also inspired iconic songs such as 'She's Always a Woman' and 'The Stranger.' However, their marriage ended in the early 1980s amid Joel's growing substance issues and a near-fatal motorcycle accident. Now, re-entering public life, Weber says she joined the project after encouragement from her granddaughters and co-director Susan Lacy. Notably absent was Joel, 75, who is recovering from normal pressure hydrocephalus. According to Lacy, he is undergoing physical therapy and is expected to recover fully. Weber's return offers rare insight into a pivotal yet misunderstood chapter of Billy Joel's career and personal life.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
20 Heartfelt Father-Daughter Wedding Photos That Will Make You Smile
There's something particularly special about a father-daughter bond. Whether your father was the one who taught you how to drive, throw a ball, or hold a pencil, there were likely a number of important and special moments that you shared with him throughout your childhood—and even into adulthood. Your wedding day is another such moment. And even though this occasion is about celebrating the love between you and your partner, it's also about expressing your gratitude for all of the family members and friends who helped you get to this point, including your father. Regardless of how you choose to include your father (or a father-like figure) in your nuptials, the spectrum of wedding-day moments ranges from the emotional to the unexpected: aisle walks marked by tears or laughter; first dances full of spontaneous twirls or well-practiced steps; first looks filled with emotional hugs or looks of wonder and awe; and impromptu speeches or last-minute tequila shots. An experienced photographer won't just capture the traditional moments: They'll be in the right place at the right time to capture every genuine expression, feeling, and memory. Whether it's a snap of you and your father sharing a smile before entering your ceremony space or giving a hug to each other after you say "I do" to your lifelong partner, these moments will stay with your forever. Here, we've rounded up 20 of our favorite father-daughter photos from real weddings to give you inspiration for your own nuptials—or just to shed a tear or two. Related: The Complete Guide to Father-of-the-Bride Duties Though unexpected rainy weather forced this couple's outdoor wedding inside, it didn't dampen their joy; this and her father beamed as they shared a dance to Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" underneath the tent at their upstate New York celebration. As the first strains of "Moon River" cued this bride and her father to begin their walk down the aisle, they realized she had forgotten one key item: Her bouquet. Luckily, her wedding planner grabbed a few blooms from a nearby cocktail table and thrust them into the bride's hand. "It was so funny, my dad and I laughed the whole way down the aisle," she said. At chic indoor venue The Pool NYC, this bride and her father shared a sweet hug after he walked her down the aisle to Tchaikovcky's Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat Minor. The quick squeeze of good luck before the bride joined her partner at the altar was the perfect heartfelt finale to their entrance. This bride and her father shared a smile before her wedding at the Waverly Country Club in Portland, Oregon. In a sentimental moment of coordination, his boutonnière matched her bouquet of white roses. In a nod to the location, all the florals were inspired by Portland's nickname, Rose City. This couple held their Texas wedding at the bride's grandmother's home, which is located right next door to the bride's father's home, making it an obvious choice for their Father of the Bride-inspired vision. The father of the bride channeled his inner Steve Martin in the classic film as he marveled at his daughter during their first look. While this couple chose to save their first look for the ceremony, the bride and her father set up their own version of the pre-ceremony tradition before walking down the aisle. With her father facing the opposite direction, she tapped him on the shoulder from behind before the two shared a sweet hug. This bride accessorized her ivory lace gown with simple jewelry, including pearl drop earrings and a pendant necklace. Her father helped her with the the latter, which was borrowed from the bride's mother, securing the piece, which featured a round jade during their pre-wedding portraits. This bride took a moment to wipe a tear from her eye during a first look with her father. The two shared some quality time together before her black-and-white winter wedding in White Plains, New York. This couple capped off a multi-day celebration at Chateau Challain in France with a ceremony at a nearby church and a fairy-tale-inspired reception. We love the complete shock and awe displayed on this father of the bride's face upon seeing his daughter's look before walking her down the aisle. For this couple's "modern and ethereal" wedding on the water in Newport, Rhode Island, this bride's father escorted her down the aisle. Even though the two had matching boutonnières, they opted for different suits: Hers featured a velvet jacket and black buttons, while his was an all-black look. Before this bride's springtime wedding in Chicago, she and her father shared an emotional moment together before heading to the ceremony. The bride wiped a few tears away from her face, as her dad placed his hands on his cheeks in a look of awe. Channeling a vintage look for her Little Women- and Legends of the Falls-inspired nuptials, this bride and her father arrived at her outdoor ceremony in a classic Rolls Royce. Prior to their ride the two also shared a first look together "It was such a special moment for us both," she said. Both this bride and her father—who she calls "my best friend and my person"—shed a tear during their first look before her wedding in a California garden. The waterworks flowed again as they prepared to walk down the aisle, but the father of the bride came prepared: In addition to a few words of encouragement, he also gave her a pre-ceremony shot of tequila. At an iconic mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, this bride and her father showed off a few well-practiced steps during their dance to 'Our House' by Madness. All of their loved ones watched on in awe and excitement during the celebratory performance. A string quartet played 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as this bride's father escorted her down the aisle at her Aspen wedding after months of practice. "We were not sure he would be able to walk me down the aisle without the support of a walker and how we would be able to dance," the bride said. "Over the 11 months following our engagement, he worked so hard to get the strength to be able to do both of those things beautifully." This bride said she "felt like a princess" in her embroidered Monique Lhullier gown as her father escorted her down the aisle during her art-inspired wedding in Mexico. Making sure to coordinate with his daughter's look, the father of the bride opted for a maroon velvet jacket for the nuptials. At this couple's all-pink wedding in Palm Springs, the groom posed with the couple's baby daughter, who wore a tulle dress and a floral headband to play the role of flower girl. He made sure to give his daughter a kiss on the cheek before heading to the ceremony. Before exchanging vows with her wife in a grove of soaring trees at an outdoor Minnesota wedding, this bride asked her father to help her secure her black floral bow tie. In addition to helping his daughter with her accessories, he also made sure that her collar was straightened. This couple choose a rooftop wedding spot that provided sweeping views of the New York City skyline during their wedding ceremony. The iconic scenery also served as a backdrop for the bride's first look with her father, who couldn't hide his happiness during the joyful moment. A beach-themed wedding in Texas—donated by Wish Upon a Wedding—featured vibrant tropical florals, sunset-hued decor, and beach-inspired details. After the bride's father's speech, the newlyweds embraced him in a group hug to show their love and appreciation. Up Next: 20 Emotional Mother-Daughter Wedding Photos That Celebrate The Love Between Them Read the original article on Brides
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billy Joel cancels all of his upcoming shows after revealing brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts, revealing he has been diagnosed with a brain disorder that causes physical and mental issues. Joel, 76, has normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, according to a statement posted Friday on the piano man's social media. "This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance," the statement said. Read more: Billy Joel postpones tour due to undisclosed medical condition: 'My health must come first' "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period." Symptoms of NPH — in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain but pressure doesn't increase — include difficulty walking, according to the Alzheimer's Assn. Sufferers walk with a wide stance and their bodies leaning forward, as if they were trying to maintain balance on a boat. The association's website says that another symptom is cognitive decline, including slowed thinking, loss of interest in daily activities, forgetfulness, short-term memory loss and difficulty completing ordinary tasks. Later in the disease, bladder control can become an issue. NPH is one of the few causes of dementia or cognitive decline that can be controlled or reversed with treatment, the association's website says. Surgical treatment usually involves placement of a shunt. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Read more: Danny Bonaduce will have brain surgery for a neurological disorder: ' I can't walk' Danny Bonaduce of "The Partridge Family," radio and wrestling fame was diagnosed with NPH in 2023. The 65-year-old said in a 2024 interview that he initially thought he'd had a stroke, while doctors thought it was early-onset dementia or Alzheimer's. It took "the better part of a year" for him to get a correct diagnosis, he said. Bonaduce's memory loss appears to have been serious: He showed the interviewer a photo of himself in a wheelchair checking out the house where he and his wife now live. He said he has no memory of visiting the place multiple times before moving there. Billy Joel's message Friday follows his mid-March announcement that he would postpone his upcoming tour to manage his health after surgery for an unspecified condition. At the time, the singer expected a full recovery after physical therapy. Now, the statement said, Joel is "thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health" and "looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage." Read more: Billy Joel on his L.A. years: I felt like 'an exiled writer living in Paris' "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Joel said in Friday's statement. In late February, the "Just the Way You Are" singer fell after performing "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" in Connecticut. He quickly recovered; it's unclear whether that incident was a symptom of the disease or simply coincidental. Times staff writer Alexandra Del Rosario contributed to this report. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Billy Joel cancels all of his upcoming shows after revealing brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts, revealing he has been diagnosed with a brain disorder that causes physical and mental issues. Joel, 76, has normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, according to a statement posted Friday on the piano man's social media. 'This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,' the statement said. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.' Symptoms of NPH — in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain but pressure doesn't increase — include difficulty walking, according to the Alzheimer's Assn. Sufferers walk with a wide stance and their bodies leaning forward, as if they were trying to maintain balance on a boat. The association's website says that another symptom is cognitive decline, including slowed thinking, loss of interest in daily activities, forgetfulness, short-term memory loss and difficulty completing ordinary tasks. Later in the disease, bladder control can become an issue. NPH is one of the few causes of dementia or cognitive decline that can be controlled or reversed with treatment, the association's website says. Surgical treatment usually involves placement of a shunt. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Danny Bonaduce of 'The Partridge Family,' radio and wrestling fame was diagnosed with NPH in 2023. The 65-year-old said in a 2024 interview that he initially thought he'd had a stroke, while doctors thought it was early-onset dementia or Alzheimer's. It took 'the better part of a year' for him to get a correct diagnosis, he said. Bonaduce's memory loss appears to have been serious: He showed the interviewer a photo of himself in a wheelchair checking out the house where he and his wife now live. He said he has no memory of visiting the place multiple times before moving there. Billy Joel's message Friday follows his mid-March announcement that he would postpone his upcoming tour to manage his health after surgery for an unspecified condition. At the time, the singer expected a full recovery after physical therapy. Now, the statement said, Joel is 'thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health' and 'looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.' 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,' Joel said in Friday's statement. In late February, the 'Just the Way You Are' singer fell after performing 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me' in Connecticut. He quickly recovered; it's unclear whether that incident was a symptom of the disease or simply coincidental. Times staff writer Alexandra Del Rosario contributed to this report.
