Billy Joel's Depression, Drinking Due to 9/11? Piano Man Talks About Elton John, New Music, Car Accidents in Interview

Legendary performer Billy Joel sat down for an interview with the New York Times and he made some interesting comments. Among the revelations from the "Piano Man" were that he used alcohol to treat his depression, he still drinks now and again, and he suffered from depression after the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. The 64-year-old also gave his side to his feud with Sir Elton John along with opening up about his music career.

In the New York Times interview, Joel said he started getting depressed after 9/11 and, as a result, started drinking. "I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11," Joel explained.  "9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don't know even now if I've recovered from it. It really, really hurt that man could do that to man. And then there was a breakup with somebody, and it took me a while to get me back on my feet again." The "You May Be Right" singer said he then started to use alcohol as medication for his depression.  Joel also revealed that he still drinks to this day. "I have a glass of wine once in a while, and I don't hide it," Joel said. "I have a glass of wine with a meal."

Joel was very open about his supposed feud with Elton John. When asked what he thought of about John's comments regarding Joel not coming up with any new music the singer dismissed them. "He tends to shoot off his mouth - he shoots from the hip," Joel said. "I think his heart is in the right place. Maybe he's trying to motivate me, to get me mad or something. He's kind of like a mom."

Joel also explained that John's suspected anger towards him for not doing more shows together was just a misunderstanding. "There was a misunderstanding - this is my theory, and I haven't spoken to him directly about it yet," the legendary singer explained. "I think his booking agent told Elton that I was going to continue touring with him, and they were already counting the money to do the stadiums. But I never agreed to do it. I finished every date that I had agreed to do."

To read the entire Bill Joel interview with the New York Times you can go here.