July 27, 2025


Billy Joel: Revelations of Love, Loss, and Redemption in HBO's Latest Doc

Billy Joel's introspective journey unfolds in HBO’s two-part documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes", where the music legend sits alone at his piano, reflecting on a tumultuous life filled with both spectacular highs and painful lows. In Part 2, viewers delve deeper into Joel's personal battles and the music that often served as his salvation.

The documentary resumes in 1982, with a motorcycle accident that nearly ended his career. What follows is a candid exploration of Joel's struggles with heartbreak, bankruptcy, and addiction, presenting a man not just as a musician but as a survivor. Unlike a typical retrospective of hits, this is a raw reckoning of his life's challenges.

From his early days overshadowed by his father’s departure to his turbulent relationships, including his marriage to supermodel Christie Brinkley and subsequent marriages, Joel’s personal life is laid bare. His relationship with Brinkley, immortalized in the hit "Uptown Girl," is depicted not just as a public fairy tale but as a genuine connection fraught with its own set of challenges.

The film doesn’t shy away from Joel’s darker times, notably his battle with alcoholism, which he discusses with poignant candor. Despite these struggles, Joel's resilience shines through, particularly in his later life with his current wife Alexis Roderick, suggesting a peace perhaps finally found.

Musically, Joel's journey is also highlighted, from the iconic 12-12-12 benefit concert post-Hurricane Sandy to his historic monthly residency at Madison Square Garden, underscoring his enduring appeal and the therapeutic power of his performances. Each concert, culminating with the crowd favorite "Piano Man," underscores a career marked by persistence and reinvention.

Critics and peers alike, including Bruce Springsteen, echo the sentiment of Joel's significant impact on music and culture, painting a picture of a man who continuously evolves yet remains deeply rooted in his New York soul.

In closing moments, Joel admits, “Music saved my life,” a statement that resonates deeply with anyone aware of his journey. At 76, he's not done yet. As he poignantly notes, seated at his piano, “I’m not finished.”

This documentary is more than just a chronicle of a musician's life; it is a story of overcoming, a testament to the human spirit's capacity to find renewal through art and love. As Joel's saga continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: his music and his resilience continue to inspire.