Behind The Music: Billy Joel's Battle with Alcohol, Money, and Health

GET READY FOR THE MOST TELL-ALL DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR - BILLY JOEL'S RACY LIFE REVEALED!

In a shocking twist, HBO's latest docuseries, "And So It Goes," has left fans and critics alike reeling with its unflinching portrayal of Billy Joel's life, from his meteoric rise to fame to his darkest struggles. And the Piano Man isn't holding back - at all.

The two-part documentary premiered on HBO last Friday, and trust us when we say it's a wild ride. According to Variety, Joel was initially hesitant about doing the doc, but his management convinced him that "it was the right time." Little did they know just how much dirt Billy was willing to dish out...

From failed marriages to financial woes, Billy opens up about it all in the documentary. And let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. The 76-year-old icon dishes about his battle with booze, his struggles with money, and even his pre-fame suicide attempts.

But that's not all - Billy also gets real about his mother's addiction problems, which he says had a profound impact on his life. And if you think you're prepared for the drama, just wait until you hear about his marriages. Let's just say Billy has been around the block a few times...

Despite his willingness to bare it all, some might be surprised to learn that Joel wasn't always so forthcoming with his struggles. In fact, he's been forgetting lyrics to his hit songs for over a decade - and only recently admitted to struggling with memory problems.

In an interview in 2023, Billy hinted at the struggles, saying, "Sometimes I'm watching people sing along, hoping they'll guide me." And fans might recall that infamous incident in Toronto back in 2014 when Billy forgot the words to his hit song "We Didn't Start The Fire" mid-performance. Talk about a train wreck!

But don't worry, Billy's got a plan - and it involves a little help from his friends. In an effort to keep those lyrics straight, he relies on the audience to guide him through the songs.

So what's behind Billy's memory woes? Well, that would be his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) back in May. The condition causes fluid buildup in the brain, leading to symptoms like hearing and vision loss, balance issues, and memory problems.

But don't worry, fans - Billy's got a supportive network behind him. And judging by the outpouring of love on social media, it seems he's not alone in this fight.

With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Billy Joel is one of the world's best-selling musical artists. And his illustrious career, which began back in the mid-1960s, has seen him release an impressive 13 albums - including his debut studio album Cold Spring Harbor (1971) and the iconic Piano Man (1973).

So grab some popcorn, get cozy, and get ready to devour the juiciest tell-all documentary of the year. And don't forget to check out thescholarlynote.com for all your news and updates on Billy Joel's life and career!