Billy Joel Mourns Loss of Former Attila Bandmate Jon Small
Jon Small, who played with Billy Joel in the Hassles and the hard rock duo Attila, has died. Joel revealed the news with a social media tribute, though Small's age and cause of death were not disclosed. Their friendship was strained after Joel fell in love with Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber, a situation later explored in the documentary And So It Goes.
Small and Joel first performed together in the Hassles during the 1960s before forming the hard rock duo Attila, which released a debut album in 1970. That project dissolved shortly after Joel confessed his feelings for Weber while living with the couple.
The fallout included a physical altercation, Joel's eviction, and a temporary rupture in their friendship. Small eventually forgave Joel, and their complicated history was revisited in the documentary *And So It Goes*, where both men reflected on the painful episode.
The passing of an early collaborator may prompt fans to revisit the formative years of Billy Joel's career, potentially sparking renewed interest in the obscure Attila album and the documentary *And So It Goes*. It could also highlight how deeply personal conflicts shaped the trajectory of iconic musicians, offering a more nuanced understanding of their artistic legacies. For the music community, such losses serve as reminders of the fragile bonds behind celebrated careers.