Before Billy Joel became synonymous with the piano-driven ballads that defined his career, he took a detour into the world of heavy metal with a band called Attila. This unexpected chapter in Joel’s life is explored in the new HBO Original documentary, ‘Billy Joel: And So it Goes,’ which premiered on July 18, 2025.
The seeds of Attila were sown in 1969, sparked by the massive influence of Led Zeppelin’s debut album. Joel, alongside his collaborator Jon Small, found themselves yearning for a heavier sound, though they were perhaps ill-equipped for the task. “I wanted to be a heavy metal band, but I’m not a guitar player,” Joel confessed in the documentary. Instead, he experimented with wiring his organ through amplifiers to capture that thunderous sound.
The band’s moniker, inspired by Attila the Hun, signified their ambition to “destroy the world with amplification.” Yet, the reality of their musical endeavors fell short. Critics and fans alike largely rejected their eponymous 1970 album, labeling it one of the worst in rock history. In the words of AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine, “Attila is undoubtedly the worst album released in the history of rock & roll.” Nevertheless, listening with contemporary ears, Attila’s music shares psychedelic and organ-driven elements with bands like Deep Purple and Iron Butterfly.
Attila’s downfall was swift, marred by both professional and personal turmoil. Joel’s affair with Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber, added a layer of complexity to the already strained band dynamics. This marked the end of Attila, but it also paved the way for Joel’s solo career. His debut album, ‘Cold Spring Harbor,’ though plagued by a mastering error, contained seeds of his future success with tracks like “She’s Got a Way.”
Despite early struggles, Joel eventually found his footing with ‘The Stranger’ in 1977, thanks in part to the relentless efforts of his first wife and manager, Elizabeth. The documentary highlights the uphill battle Joel faced in the music industry, contrasting his journey with contemporaries like Bruce Springsteen, who often received more favorable critiques.
Today, Billy Joel’s legacy is cemented by classic hits like “Piano Man” and “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” beloved by audiences worldwide. ‘Billy Joel: And So it Goes’ offers a candid look at the musician’s evolution, showcasing his resilience and the enduring appeal of his music. As fans fill stadiums, singing along to songs that have become anthems, Joel’s brief, heavy metal escapade with Attila serves as a fascinating footnote in the storied career of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
