By Sarah Hall

The Piano Man is going in for a tune-up.

In the wake of his hospitalization for stomach problems last month, the Billy Joel (news) has signed on for a stint in rehab to deal with a drinking problem.


"Following a recent bout of severe gastro-intestinal distress, Billy Joel has checked himself into an undisclosed rehabilitation facility for treatment of alcohol abuse," his rep said in a statement. "Mr. Joel has asked that his privacy be respected."


Last month, the rep denied reports that Joel was suffering from pancreatitis, which is typically brought on by heavy alcohol consumption.


It's not the first time Joel has ended up in rehab. In June 2002, he checked into the Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut for treatment of a substance-abuse problem, just days after crashing his Mercedes on Long Island and suffering minor injuries.


That car crash marked the first in a string of auto accidents for the entertainer. In January 2003, Joel totaled his Mercedes after driving off the road and crashing into a tree on Long Island. The singer had to be pulled from the wreckage of the car by firefighters and spent the night in the hospital recovering from his injuries.


Then, last April, Joel was on his way to pick up a pizza when he lost control of his 1967 vintage Citron on a slick road and wound up parked in the home of a 94-year-old woman. No one was injured in the crash.


While Joel may be an unlucky motorist, he's proven to be luckier in love. He swapped vows with third wife, 23-year-old television correspondent Katie Lee (news - web sites), last October.


Of late, the singer has been in a writing state of mind. Last year, he penned the children's book Good Night, My Angel: A Lullabye and his upcoming oeuvre, A New York State of Mind, is due out later this year.

Anxiety said:

Christie Brinkley told me that last night.

VoicesCarry said:

hell, DAVID Brinkley told me that at a damn seance last halloween.

Anxiety said:

Yeah, but Christie had much more graphic detail available.

Anxiety said:

Yeah, but Christie had much more graphic detail available.

VoicesCarry said:

She seem pretty happy here...



...but eventually "She’ll understand what kind of guy I’ve been"


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

theAudience said:

God, he looks sooooo alcoholic.