Billy Joel Blames Depression, Not Alcohol, For 3 Car Accidents In Early 2000's

Billy Joel blames his battle with depression, not alcohol, for his series of car accidents early in the decade during a May 24 New York Times interview.

"I was kind of in a mental fog, and it had nothing to do with the booze," said the 64-year-old balladeer.

"I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11. 9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don't know, even now, if I've recovered from it."

According to Today, Billy's Joel's first accident involved smashing into a tree along a highway in Long Island, forcing Joel to be hospitalized.

His second accident was caused by "black ice" in a place called Dead Man's Curve, said the musician and songwriter.

But Joel's most extreme slip-up came in on April 25, 2004, when he slammed into the side of a house in Long Island. And while no one was injured, the topic of "3 accidents in two years" became attached to his name.

Nine years later, the "Piano Man" affirms that alcohol was never a problem during the trying period, even though he went to rehab in 2002 and 2005 for the issue.

"People made a connection like, 'Oh, he went there because he was in a car accident from drinking'," he said.

"I used booze as medication [for depression]."

What followed was a series of headlines and interviews that put the spotlight on his vehicular record rather than his talent.

"I was very uncomfortable. I was in shock. I didn't realize behind me there were these screens of, like, auto accidents and things about drinking and divorce," said Joel of an Oprah interview he did in 2008.

"I thought I was going to come talk about music."

According to Softpedia, Joel attempted to commit suicide by drinking furniture polish due to an affair with his drummer's wife.

In a stroke of irony, not only did his drummer save his life by rushing him to the hospital, the suicide note he left behind became the lyrics to "Tomorrow Is Today."

During the ordeal, Joel was put on suicide watch and was treated for depression.

Now, several car accidents later, the singer continues to manage his depression with some alcoholic input.

"I have a glass of wine once in a while, and I don't hide it. I have a glass of wine with a meal."