Billy Joel's Motorcycle Crash and Its Impact on His Marriage
Spouse of Billy Joel Abandons Him in Hospital Following Near-Fatal Motorcycle Accident
In the recently released documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," the legendary musician, 76, recounts the turbulent period following his near-fatal motorcycle crash in 1982 and how it significantly affected his marriage to Elizabeth Weber, his first wife.
The accident occurred on April 15, 1982, leaving Joel with severe injuries, including a broken leg, arm, and wrist[4]. Despite the gravity of the crash, Joel marveled at the astonishing fact that he survived[1].
Elizabeth Weber, who stood by Joel's side during his career as his business manager, decided not to return to him after his recovery[1][5]. In an interview, Weber expressed that she was unable to watch Joel engage in self-destructive behaviors, ultimately feeling it was best to end their nearly decade-long marriage.
Reflecting on this challenging period in his life, Joel acknowledges the strain that his frantic career exerted on their relationship. His thoughts on the subject are delved into in the documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes"[1]. This poignant episode in Joel's life serves as a powerful testament to the personal trials he endured during this time.
Enrichment Data:
- General Overview: Billy Joel's near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1982 had a profound impact on his marriage to Elizabeth Weber, his first wife and former business manager. The accident, which occurred on April 15, 1982, left Joel severely injured with a broken leg, arm, and wrist[4].
- The Accident and Its Aftermath: Joel was involved in a serious motorcycle accident when he crashed into a car while wearing a helmet. The impact was severe enough to dislocate his wrist, crush his thumb, and leave him with significant injuries[1][3]. Despite the severity of the crash, Joel was astonished to have survived[1].
- Impact on the Marriage: During his recovery, Elizabeth Weber announced that she would not return to him after his release from the hospital. In an interview, Weber explained that she could not continue the marriage due to her inability to watch Joel engage in self-destructive behavior, which she felt was heading towards a tragic end[1]. This decision marked the end of their nearly decade-long marriage.
- Reflections and Legacy: Billy Joel has reflected on this period in his life, acknowledging the challenges his busy career posed for their marriage. His comments were featured in the documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," which explores his life and career[1]. The accident and its aftermath serve as a poignant reminder of the personal challenges Joel faced during this period.
In the documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," entertainment intertwines with personal struggles as the musician candidly discusses his marriage, which was impacted by his near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1982. This event, significant in politics due to its influence on the musician's life, also shed light on the health issues Joel faced, as he suffered severe injuries. Furthermore, the public would later learn that his recovery period and the self-destructive behaviors he exhibited during this time led his wife, a celebrity herself, to end their marriage.
