Legendary musician Billy Joel has confirmed the passing of his early bandmate Jon Small. The two shared a complex history of musical collaboration and deep personal conflict.
- Legendary artist Billy Joel announced the passing of former bandmate Jon Small.
- The duo collaborated in 'The Hassles' and the hard rock duo 'Attila'.
- Their relationship was marked by a famous personal scandal and eventual reconciliation.
Renowned American singer-songwriter Billy Joel has shared the somber news of the passing of his early bandmate and longtime friend, Jon Small. In a touching tribute on social media, Joel honored Small's memory, though specific details regarding his age and cause of death have not yet been publicly released.
The bond between Joel and Small dates back to the 1960s when they performed together in the band The Hassles. They later transitioned into the hard rock duo Attila. However, their professional partnership was famously complicated by intense personal circumstances that threatened to sever their friendship forever.
A Legacy of Conflict and Forgiveness
As detailed in the recent documentary 'And So It Goes', the relationship faced a massive crisis in the early 1970s. While living with Small and his wife, Elizabeth Weber, Joel fell in love with Weber. This revelation led to the breakup of Attila and a period of intense estrangement.
Small recalled the devastation in the documentary, noting that losing both his best friend and his wife at once was a profound blow. Joel, too, expressed deep remorse, describing himself as feeling like a "homewrecker" during that turbulent era.
The intersection of personal turmoil and creative output often defines the most enduring legacies in rock history.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the reconciliation between Joel and Small is a significant narrative in music history. Despite the profound betrayal, the two eventually found their way back to mutual respect. Small went on to become a successful director, working on concert films like Live From Long Island and music videos for global stars like Enrique Iglesias.
Historical Background: The fallout from the Joel-Small-Weber triangle shaped much of Joel's early personal narrative. While Joel and Weber eventually married in 1973, the emotional scars of the era remained a part of the musical lore of the 1970s rock scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What bands did Billy Joel and Jon Small play in together?
Answer: They were members of The Hassles and the hard rock duo Attila.
Question 2: Did Billy Joel and Jon Small reconcile?
Answer: Yes, after years of distance, they reconciled, and Small worked on several of Joel's major concert films and music videos.
