Billy Joel’s fans won’t have to wait long for the next installment of the singer’s documentary.
HBO debuted Part 1 of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” on July 18. The two-part special follows the musician’s career and features interviews with Joel, his friends, family members and colleagues.
With Part 2 set to premiere this week, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before tuning in.
When Does Part 2 of Billy Joel’s Documentary Come Out?
Just one week after the first installment debuted, Part 2 of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” will premiere on Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
How to Watch Part 2 of Billy Joel’s Documentary
The documentary will air live on HBO and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
What Will Happen in Part 2 of ‘And So it Goes’?
According to a press release, Part 2 of the documentary will explore a range of topics, including the following themes:
- How Joel’s album “The Nylon Curtain” “changed his musical focus by reflecting the grit and aspirations of the Everyman”
- Joel’s reunion with his “long absent father”
- How Joel’s Jewish grandparents’ experience in Nazi Germany led to the song “Vienna”
- Joel’s relationship with supermodel Christie Brinkley, who inspired his song “Uptown Girl”
A synopsis from HBO offers following glimpse into Part 2.
“Dedicated to his craft, but uneasy with fame and the spotlight, Joel persevered through romantic and professional setbacks, choosing to reinvent himself time and time again,” the press release reads.
“With the support of wife Alexis Roderick Joel and their children, and through his collaboration with Elton John, a return to his classical roots, and his historic residency at Madison Square Garden, he continues to find a safe space in his music.”
What happened in Part 1?
The first part of Joel’s documentary explored his childhood in Long Island, including his father’s decision to leave home when his son was just 8 years old. It also highlighted the musician’s foray into the entertainment industry and the highs and lows he encountered along the way.
One standout moment from Part 1 occurred when Joel discussed his affair with Elizabeth Weber, who was married to Jon Small, his bandmate at the time.
When Weber left both men, Joel started drinking heavily.
“I was depressed, I think to the point of almost being psychotic,” he said in the documentary. “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 is, and today sucks.’ So, I just thought I’d end it all.”
Joel went on to attempt suicide twice but later sought psychiatric assistance.
Joel and Weber would later reunite and marry in 1973 then divorce nine years later.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
