Artie is not in today
I missed the segment (sleeping, ironic?) but from the messages I got I twitter it seems management stepped in and either ask him to take time off or made him.
Some people think Howard made the call and management delivered the message.
If Howard didn’t make the decision, then why would management finally do something now. After all these years, only now they step in? Perhaps this is actually about Howard. Howard hasn’t spoken too kindly about management lately and contract decisions aren’t going over too well. Another case of radio management trying to tame the talent (howard) ?
UPDATE
After hearing the replay. I think its clear, unless Howard is being untruthful, that it was management’s decision.
Howard said that he didn’t know what was going on. Many people had commented that Artie didn’t look well last week and no one heard from him over the weekend. Between last week and the weekend, management stepped in and told Artie to stay at home and take a break to rest, concentrate on his health. Howard said he thought Artie would be out all week.
Howard really declined to give any solid details and finally resorted to his usual cop-out, “I don’t want to offend Artie” and “I like it when Artie tells the story”.
I am sure it was Howards call, but I have a feeling he had heard from ‘Management’ a few weeks ago about Arties absences. I remember Howard saying ’something was going on’ that he couldnt comment about, but it was pissing him off. I think he was alluding to Artie being out so much. I think some things where said, thats why Artie has been so quiet lately on the mic.
If I have to bet, or if I have to start an internet rumor, my guess is management was getting upset about Artie getting a free ride to be a bum on Sirius’s dime. Instead of doing it themselves, they met with Howard and put the burden on him to straighten Artie out. Im sure this was weighing on Howie and no doubt this was making him mad at having to put the Baby Gorilla on punishment.
Thats my guess…
Howard said Artie is ‘taking some personal time’. That could mean anything. Its obvious from the show over the past few weeks, something is going on. Artie is eating his arm, Howard and Robin commented that he looks ‘horrible’. Artie’s contract with Sirius could state that he is allowed a certain number of missed days. Perhaps he exceeded them and management took an intervention. Howard is Sirius’ cash cow. In spite of whatever heated contract negotiations are going on, you wouldnt piss off your money making star. Maybe Howard ‘allowed’ Sirius to take action that way the burden of responsibility is off of him. It’s all speculation though. Didn’t Artie pull a vanishing act the week before the Christmas break last year?
All good analysis… I really don’t know what to think myself. Again, Howard leaves us hanging on Artie shit – which pisses me off.
@Richard – He was in studio last december and doing a lot of book promotion but then it was during vacation that he went to a rehab place in florida and then came back a few days late to the show after vacation
Hmm, book promotion, now CD/DVD promotion. Triggers?
Anyone find on the net the Howard TV 50 cent interview? I want to see what everyone is describing about Artie looking horrible..now Artiefan is putting it on Howard saying he is making it about himself and putting down the management as well?!?! even if they are doing whats best for them on the business side, isn’t it in Artie’s best interest as well? sounds like Artie could kill someone in studio and Artiefan would say it was Howards fault
You got me all wrong Hack..
It is nobody’s fault but Artie’s….
My point is that for Howard to step in now, its kind of ingenuous. And if it was management stepping in now, it doesn’t add up because they waited too long — its the final year of the show!
At the end of the day, it’s definitely Howard’s call. If Howard says it’s out of his hands, he’s uh, he’s being deceitful.
Artie does look bad though, I mean, look at that question time interview with him. He looks brutal there. The dude needs to get himself right.
Get better soon, Artie!
Stern show rules!
If Howard does re-sign his contract at Sirius, any chance Artie will either: a.) decide to leave the show due to his ongoing health/drug/emotional issues, or b.) not be asked to return by Sirius. I’m thinking either option is unlikely. At this point though, maybe even Howard won’t be returning to Sirius.
this sucks, and now this week will suck because problems or not, the show isn’t the same without Artie.
also, if no one has said it (i have to run and get ready for work) my theory is it was Artie’s idea and request to take this tome off, and if it wasn’t, i bet he was relieved when they told him.
*time off…stupid typos @ 5am…
Howard will resign a contract but it will probably be slightly altered (less days, afternoons, etc). I’ve listened for 20 years. Whenever its time for a new contract Howard starts with the “Im leaving in x months”. Management also flexes its muscle by pullings its shennanigans. Its a dance that talent and management does. Bottom line, Sirius is barely staying afloat. If Howard leaves, they will lose too many subscribers to stay solvent. Howard knows Sirius cant survive without him. They’ll come to some kind of agreement.
As for Artie he is in a bad position. He is an emotional wreck who cant deal with the stress of the daily show yet cant maintain his lifestyle without it. No one is going to pay him a small fortune for a stand up gig without his daily presence on the show (ask Jackie). Whether he re-signs or leaves the show I cant see how it will end well for him. Would any other promoter, tv show, or movie director put up with all this nonsense that Howard and Sirius has endured all this time? You pay talent to show up and do their jobs and you want it to happen with a minimum of bullshit.
Real good points about Artie there…
As for Howard. Yea he does do this song and dance everytime. However, I think its the opposite with Sirius. I don’t think they want Howard (at least for big bucks) … I think 5 years later, Howard doesn’t fit their business model. Getting rid of Howard, means getting rid of a ton of overhead expenses. Think about Howard’s contract and everyone they employ because of the show. Getting rid of Howard lowers their overhead. Remember this is a company mostly run by computers. Im sure they also assume there is a large part of the audience that will keep subscription because Sirius XM believes their product is good enough
and p.s. – it’s obvious Artie has transferred all of his codependent feelings from mom and sis to girlfriend – he takes her everywhere for more reasons than love…
You don’t think that was the same with Dana?
oh totally AF. ugh, the only thing that gets me through my commute is the show, and mostly Artie.
@ Artiefan, saving on overhead means little if you lose millions of subscribers (ask NBC with their Leno debacle). Mel Karmezin isn’t in his position by being stupid. Sirius is right on the edge of going under. Even if they only lost one million subscribers they would be finished. I would have never gotten Sirius if it wasnt for Howard. Yes there are other music and news benefits that I now enjoy, but without Howard its not worth the hassle. I can get music on my ipod, cable news is on 24/7 and talk radio is all over terrestrial. The only thing that was unique and drew millions of people to Sirius is Howard. Both Howard and Management know this. They’ll make a deal.
Stern is not coming back after his current contract expires. Primarily because Sirius is not going to pay him or anyone else $100 Mil a year. It’s too much. Secondly, he has been at this for 30 years and it is quite evident that his heart is no longer in it. He has his millions and is quite content to spend his remaining years in the Hamptons.
As for that over paid unfunny guinea Lange, I hope you got a big advance on your new book because with out a daily show to promote it, that book will be in the bargain bin in two weeks. Merry Christmas fatso!
I don’t think Howard is coming back to a full time radio show. Like, Clemenza said – they aren’t gonna pay him $100 million a year for one guy. That’s a lot of cash to put out. Think about all the listeners you could lose and stay afloat when you get rid of paying that money.
Don’t forget that Robin, Gary, Fred and Artie do pretty well too. Howard’s office takes up 1/3 of the floor at Sirius. He staff is huge as well. And each of them is a Sirius employee, separate from Howard’s contract. Thats a lot of dough.
Ok, let’s put the cards on the table.
Howard will sign a series of 2 year contracts until SiriusXM has better footing. Remember, a bunch of the “500 million dollar” contract was stocks that were $15ish when they gave it to him. So Howard has a vested interest to make sure this company stays afloat a bit longer until it gets it’s legs and he’ll sign for 2 years and if things start to look up, they’ll finally call it quits…..2 maybe 3 years. But honestly, I don’t see him going on past his 60th birthday.
As for Artie, they aren’t going to “fire” him but they’ll do what happens at the White House…..You don’t get “fired” you resign for personal reasons. Artie will be forced to resign and not get a new contract when the resign comes up. Artie’s an albatross. His loud fat guy constantly steps on people. His wheezing while stuffing his bloated face is distracting to hear, I can just imagine how the HowardTV guys laugh watching it.
I get amazed that I hear Robin sometimes come in when her voice isn’t the best and I can’t remember the last time Fred was out. But this lazy fat fuck can’t come in….
FUCK HIM!!!
He’s going to get what he deserves and he has no one to blame but himself.
PS: he’s still so hung up on Dana it ain’t funny, when she marries this dude, Artie’s going to suck on the hot end of a .44 for sure!!!
We can only hope!!
I still believe Howard’s identity is tied to the radio show. In spite of his complaining, I dont think he WANTS to leave just yet. He may work less days, do shorter shows, go on afternoons,etc, but he isn’t done yet. Howard is a narcisist and if he isn’t on the radio, he is nobody.
As for Sirius, I dont care how much money they save by getting rid of Howard, its basic Business 101. ‘What service can we provide that people cant get anywhere else?” The only thing they got is Howard.
Artie is probably finished at Sirius. He either wont resign or they wont ask him. This nonsense has been going on for years. While Howard hasn’t gotten his horns twisted on the air over Artie’s antics, lately he seems less inclined to even speculate on air about whats going on. So he isn’t even getting mileage by using it for the show. If Sirius comes to him and says Artie is a liability and we dont want to resign him, Howard may be less inclined to go to bat for him and just let them fire him. Then he doesn’t feel like he pushed him out the door. It was a ‘management’ decision.
I just think it simply a case of everyone else getting fed up over Arties bs. He has to be a medical liability to the Company at the very least. He was looking good during the summer but the last few weeks has that “puffed” up look again. I don’t think he is healthy at all. It’s wise to try and get him to focus on his issues and health as I don’t think he long for this world at the rate he’s going.
It’s a self fulfilling prophecy… he can’t handle his success and he hasn’t come to terms with his Dads death yet. No one can help Artie, but Artie.
I love the guy but it doesn’t help until he loves himself. I hope he uses this time wisely and starts to heal himself* Life can be very very good*
be well*
I think that the last few weeks artie has been so quiet, it sounds like he was falling asleep again – I think he is back on H. After he quit – remember how hyper he was for a while? He wouldn’t shut up and he would interrupt all the time. Now he’s been so quiet, slurring his words again. I think he’s self medicating again against all his anxiety.
I don’t understand why they don’t put him on methadone. It would help him so much, he could work, function, have a life and truly get over the heroin. I feel so badly for him. He’s really hurting.
im just pissed coming back from my honeymoon to find my stiletto having issues finding a signal and missing this.
To me I either think Howard will do one of three things: one is to resign with sirius and make money on a lesser basis that isnt full of stock. I think Howard was given 100 mil to play with and that included his staff. IE if Robin is paid 8 million, Howards pay ends up with 92 million and goes down to the final employee.
2: He retires and unretires in a couple of years due to boredom. Signs with someone relevant at that time
3. Howardstern.com is a product and hires people to start streaming his show from the site. We all know phones now play stuff streaming, and the internet has tons of pandoraEsque sites that play music. Well this would be similar to that and he charges 15 bucks a month to do so which keeps overhead for himself higher since it wont all go to one company.
My guess is that on the christmas party he announces one of these things. I think example 2 is more unlikely because of people like JD, where Howard has a guilty conscience and wants people to work.
In regards to Artie, I cant comment since i dont have the show working but I would guess from the past shows that Artie was suspended for all the absences, which any large company would do the same. Im sure Howard isnt used to this since it never really happened. There is a Boston radio station that suspends its members all the time for calling out sick due to hangovers and such, so im sure the management are tired of arties absences as well.
Just one thing Hooker, Howard has said repeatedly said that everyone has their own contract with Sirius and that they are Sirius employees not Howard.
The $100 million a year does not include stock. At $100 million, that is about $600K per show. Wow…
“Save the Baby Gorilla’s life by hiring Dave Attel!”
First off guys, can we all agree that “resign” (pr. re-zine)means to quit something and that “re-sign” (pr. re-sine)means to sign a new contract? Using these improperly changes the entire point of many of these comments!
Second, to all those who say the show is better with Artie, the show had a very strong 20 plus year run before Artie ate cupcake one on the air. It’s different, better or worse is debatable.
3rd, I think Artie leaving for good is the best thing that could happen for all parties involved. I hate hate hate that a junkie has taken over the best radio show ever.
Maybe this even allows Artie to get healthier, and maybe he can guest host again in the future, but fact is, his time is up NOW.
And while I have been anti-Artie for a long while, mainly show related anger, I do hope for his and his family’s sake that he cleans up and survives this. However another hurdle for him is the fact that his entire comedy persona revolves around him being a degenerate drug, alcohol, gambling, and food addict. He’ll have figure that one out, among other things. Good luck fat man.
yeah I just think that contract is an at will contract that goes with what howard does. I believe they do it that way for insurance and certain perks that Howard and main crew get vs the other crew.
I would like to personally nominate myself to replace Artie. I am the most talented man in the world. I dare you to find a better singer/basketball player/guitar player/rapper/script writer/ping pong player/poet/golfer/comedian than myself.
Sincerely,
Johnny “Mud” Mudman
aka
Talent Man
Can Sal, Richard and their endlessly repetitive “Fun with Sound Clips” prank calls take some personal time as well? Maybe JD can step in here…
@miter. Yeah, I keep thinking of when Sam K would come on the show sober and Howard would comment how much funnier he was when he was drunk. It must be quite difficult for artie to get clean when his entire career is pretty much due to his drunk, fat, junkie persona. Its part of who he is and is responsible for much of his success. Maybe he thinks he cant be ‘funny’ if he gets clean. What would he do, jokes about bad airline food??
Regardless, I feel bad for the staff that has to work on this show. Poor JD has a serious problem and Robin and Howard pretty much told him if he cant show up for work he will be fired. That sucks to work in that kind of atmosphere when Artie has gotten away with murder for years with zero penalties. That isn’t good for morale. And yes, I recognize the difference between Artie and JD on the food chain of the show but it still smacks of a double standard. From the shows perspective, Artie can do whatever he wants without consequences. I have enjoyed his presence on the show and think he is funny. But I would rather try another comedian in that spot who will show up every day, than see Artie self destruct. Watching this just isn’t funny anymore.
It’s enough already… I’m just really sick of it and the BS arite puts everyone through. I initally got sick of artie when he started bragging about how much money he made but this just does it over for me. The repeated jokes, the wheezing, the ass kissing of howard…it’s done, move on. 4 shows a week with 20 weeks of vacation a year, the show sucks now and artie is bringing it down even more.
i dont think this is howards doing. hes never been involved before, it’d be weird for him to start now, unless he was able to sense something going on that he didnt talk about. artie hasnt quite been himself the last couple weeks, and the rate at which hes missing days, who the hell knows what’s going on. life is cyclical in nature, and it doesnt sound like arties ever gonna get out his loop.
i dont think artie has gone over his allotted amount of days off (sick days), so something is definitely up.
who the hell knows whats going on, but seems like theres shit stirring somewhere.
I wonder if Sirius/XM reads these sites to get a feel for what the fans think. I posted last week how the Dec 17th gig for Artie was a big FU to Sirius because it’s Arties essentially saying “I can do gigs, not go to work, still get paid, fiyah!”
And WHO the hell thinks psycho-analyzing a guy who has serious issues publicly at a comedy club is a good idea? How the hell is that funny?Since AF says this is for HTV, does that make it OK? Why? Whoever green lighted this gig/show is either using Artie, or doesn’t care about him, or both. Sadly, that person may be Artie himself!
My guess with Artie is that he is in rehab. I would bet he slipped up on heroin again and that is why he was out the last few times. I think this might be the kind of rehab that is in-patient and 30-45 days. We’ll see…. if he doesnt come in for at least 2wks, this is probably what is up. He needs it…but I think he may be so hopeless and dark that no rehab is really going to help him. He needs to figure out all his daddy issues before this will all go away. If he comes back sooner than that, he will probably have another dramatic story about how he has changed, etc, etc, but it will not last…just like this recent sobriety did not last.
Howard Stern is a brand name and Artie is hurting that brand. The show is designed to work in concert with Howard. When a player is gone this often, it ultimately hurts the show and tarnishes the brand. If I was a Sirius exec I would demand that Artie go to rehab otherwise his contract will be terminated or threaten not to re-sign him next year?
If you go to Artie’s live shows or look at his book sales, I don’t think you would say he is hurting the brand. Howard’s brand has always been controversial and that’s what Artie provides.
Artie is in Rehab I think. Howard said something a while back about Artie not being around to attend Howard’s party.
If Artie is in Rehab then Thursday’s night show will be cancelled.
i for one DO feel bad for the guy….when Artie first got on the show, i was like most of you, especially after Jackie was gone, and we were all used to jackie, and like Jackie or not, it was a weird change at first….i remember he kept doing that redneck voice far too much, but he definitely eased into his role after a year or so…..that said, and like some of you have noted, does Artie not remember what happened to Jackie and how his career dropped off accordingly when he quit? Without that kind of daily promotion, I think Artie drops back to a working comedian, and some-time film roles, but like he says in his book, his past and history will certainly travel with him…….i hope he can get it together, cuz he HAS given us some funny stuff over the years…….
@artiefan. Artie is hurting the brand by not showing up for work. The show is designed to have Howard riff off of Robin Fred and Artie. Artie’s absence throws off the rhythm of the show. Do they ‘get by’ without him? Sure. But it isn’t ideal. Howard’s formula for the show works. Artie’s absence throws that off.
So are you saying the Artie is good on the show?
One could say that by Artie not being there drives up the controversy?
Hey Artiefan, how are your health issues?
Thank you for asking Fink. I’m doing much better. I’m still fighting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and some mystery autoimmune disorder but overall I feel im living a semi-normal existence these days. Wish I could go back to the gym and play video games… some day. Hope you are well!
@Artiefan. It only drives up the controversy if Howard talks about it. Its just being ignored now. Howard drops a few cryptic lines and then its forgotten and the show moves forward. Its not making people want to listen because the issue isn’t being discussed. In order to satisfy the formula that Howard has used for over 20 years, it requires all the pieces to be in place. Artie’s absence screws that all up. There is no upside to it.
ARTIE WE LOVE YOU. Get better. Take care of yourself. Your life is too important to waste it for a radio show. But we are curious. Release something for your fans.
Good point. But I don’t think Howard’s brand is dependent on anyone except Howard.
It’s over Johnny! It’s over!
http://deadspin.com/5425546/2009-shoty-time-for-voting
everyone please vote for artie.
just who is this “JC’s buddy?” friend of the bodyguard? where are you getting your info?
Its been a while since I’ve been here. Work had tagged the sight. For what ever reason they’ve pulled the blocker. So here I go:
Die you Fat Fisherman, Die!! I need a job that has consistent hours and a consistent pay check. Even if its for only one year.
WOOOOOOOOOOOWHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
It always sickens me to death when in the past artie would miss shows during the week due to “illness” but some how make it to EVERY single gig on the weekends. I have a feeling he’ll go to every single gig this week to. Fuck him, he offically lost me as a fan.
I named my dog Artie six years ago, because of Lange. I thought he was the greatest addition to the show. Now I could care less. I actually hopes he doesn’t come back. t is the end of the Artie era. If i was in sirius’s position I would get rid of him. I was Arties biggest fan, now I realize he is just a hack comic, drug addict loser, the pride of Union, is now the shame of Union. God Bless his mother and sister, for they must be saints.
I just called Comix NYC and asked if the show was still on for Thursday Dec 17 with Artie. They said that the show was still on, but that they cannot sell tickets right now due to a “technical difficulty”. They will have an answer tomorrow. It almost sounded like they were going to find a replacement for Artie and have the show anyway. He was very careful not to say that Artie would be there, just that there would be a show. Hmmmm
Thanks Kamie,
It was still on as of yesterday. I was speaking with comic Joe Matarese because he is the producer of Thursday’s show.
I hope he doesn’t have the show simply because if he isn’t there perhaps he is in rehab.
Look, a lot of people lose parents, relatives and such. For fucks sake my mom survived WWII as a kid, had relatives blown up in Africa and had relatives and freinds blown up by buzz bombs as they dropped on her hometown. Fucking Buzz Bombs! Holy shit!
Jesus, she turned out to be the nicest, most positive person even I ever met. Even after watching her father die a slow death from cancer, same with her mom. She never ended up taking heroin, missed work (in those days they sent you to work when you were 13 years old as well) because she was distraught or depressed. Fuck Artie and his boo-hoo bullshit about his dad.
Get over it fatso, you ate enough hamburgers and booze to compensate for it already. You cant drag your fat fucking lazy pill filled ass into work for 4 hours? All you do is sit there and eat and crack-wise for the day anyway. Sad lump of shit.
BUZZ BOMBS PEOPLE!!!!
Just curious if anyone has considre that HR stepped in to address Artie’s conduct/demeanor/condition but since he has repeatedly indicated that he is suffering from mutiple psychiatric disabikities that he is entitled to 12 weeks FMLA protected [although unpaid] leave as well as a reasonable period of extended leave [also unpaid] to deal will a qualified disability protected nder the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Of course there are some exceptions (a) no protection for drug use [have to be in treatment] (b) if he is a Key Employee it is possible to get an exception under the FMLA though not the ADA. And of course no law protects inappropriate conduct.
But still Artie seems protected – and Howard could violate the law by complaining that he should not take off protected time.
Predection………… We ‘ve seen the last of that fat piece of shit, now hire meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee,back, oh oh
The best way to finish Howards career is with the people who started it off. It just so happens that Jackie is available so bring him back and drop that fat loser! WoohooAHAHAHAWoooHoo!
@miter benesdurty-Your 10:30am post is dead on.Great post!Could not sum it up any better than that.
@ Tommy G – Thanks man, much appreciated. And actually, I listened to Jack and Coke on Napster this past weekend. It’s actually ok. But like I mentioned in my 1030 comment, like 95% of his act is drug and alcohol related stories. Artie revels in his extensive experience and knowledge of drugs and night life debacles. He seems PROUD of his sordid past. Then, add the fact that he is NOT exaggerating, and many of those stories become more sad than funny.
@ FeeFi – Agree 100%. Lots of people get the short end of the stick in life, some repeatedly. Not all of them end up heroin addicts. I guess that’s what has annoyed me so much about this whole situation – in addition to the fact that Howard/Sirius have dragged their feet – is Artie’s failure to appreciate the unique position he found himself in on the HSS and watch him shit all over it. How many comics wouldn’t kill for that job? How many of us wouldn’t devote ourselves 110% to a 4 day, 20-25 hour a week, 6-figure salary job?
I know a lot of people will say “But you don’t understand addiction”, and frankly that is a fucking cop out. So how long does an addict get to disrespect everyone in their lives? When does the addiction become their own responsibility? Artie went from being a funny, likable common-man to an obnoxious bloated jerk who seemingly doesn’t care about anything or anyone, including himself. Whose fault is that?
I think Artie is doing the Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew show. He had previously declined to be on the show- it airs in January. This is the only time of the year they could potentially get Artie to film, however. They can shoot an abbreviated rehab stint with Artie only missing a week of work and still get enough footage with time for editing. When he makes the big announcement when the show resumes in the new year, Sirius gets publicity, the show gets publicity, and everyone wins. I think this has been planned the whole time.
Lots of great posts.
I really hope he’s in rehab but I don’t think so otherwise Howard would have provided some details (with Artie’s consent). I am not normally the least bit sympathetic to drug excuses but I do have a soft spot for Artie and I hear myself making excuses for him. Why else would he want to f)(* up a dream job and big pay cheque? I don’t think he is consciously taking advantage of Sirius but I just think he’s hit rock bottom and doesn’t care at this very moment. Whether its the drugs and/or depression, he has to get his poop together and I just hope he uses this time off wisely.
Yes he will have a tough time modifying his act but I think at this point he should just worry about straightening out this life. In the meantime, I will definately miss him on my commute.
y’alll i just kind of remembered something – last week, didn’t he trip, or he did something that kind of shocked robin and I just can’t remember exactly what happened, but he denied it and said he was ok, but howard asked him if he was ok. what was that???? I wish I could remember. the dr. just put him on klonapin – which is a strong drug, he could have been having a reaction OROROR he could be back on H and using the klonapin as an excuse? does anyone remember what he did last week – maybe it was Thursday? he stumbled or tripped or fell asleep. something. but that could have been the incidence that alerted everyone that something was not right. I think he’s been nodding again at work. i feel so bad for him. he must have terrible anxiety. someone should put him on methadone. i know i said that earlier, but it would help him so much – he could function, but his brain would still get the benefits of the H – without all the bad effects. hard to explain, but he needs to get on methadone.
ok, i went back and read the recap – i think it might be where he was breathing really weird and howard had to turn his mike down.. that might be what i am thinking of. i don’t know though. but think about it – he was only on the show two days last week and howard says he looked really bad. he must be in a terrible way right now. terrible. two days. and i hate him being gone. i just think its too quiet on the air when he’s not there. and i think artie’s problems are pushing howard to think about retiring. he knows it sounds strange without artie there and he just thinks, wtf, get me out of here, i’m done. so, in effect – artie is causing the end of the show. great. just great. what a mess.
ya know im sittin here listening and ya cant help but feel bad. but at the same time i cant understand why howard surrounds himself with self-destructive people…. idk i dont think its all for entertainment value. think its just a sad reality that seeps into the show. hell i’d go on celebrity rehab if i could share a room w/ amber : )
I already turned the show off after listening for about an hour…As soon as Howard started in with that ‘anti-semite’ comment analysis I bailed. That show is so left wing and to hear Fred chiming in with venom in his voice was just too much. Making a mountain out of a mole-hill about that stupid tinsel comment. I dont think I will make it for the ‘last gasp’ year. This really sucks ass.
Funny how they all had Fox and Friends penned as nazis then they played the audio and everyone wound up agreeing that they didn’t make an anti-semitic statement but then Howard went on anyways with the whole anti-semite talk.
Artie’s in detox locked away for the week and then he’ll be going outpatient after that and he’ll be back 1/4/10, haha I can’t believe some of the shit on here like it’s been planned that he’s going on celebrity rehab the whole time lol some peoplehave too much time on their hands….Butt there u have it folks, sorry if I ruined the suspense
Happy Holidays
I pray and hope he gets it together, Howard loves him and seems to give Art an endless rope sooooo he;s got the angels on his side. He’s great for the show , I had a friend whowas deeply addicted to heroin 15 years ago and kicked it and is able to drink now( I know rare) but I think realistically if he can deal with getting over the H,tussinex,roxis, and oxys he would be able to again REALISTICALLY drink if he can stay away from the opies
Go listen to Rush, toolbag.
@JC”s buddy-was waiting for the inside scoop.Thanks! So…same old December story line.Fat guy goes to rehab-says he is clean-kisses Howards ass-comes to work for 3 months & then we do it all over again.Old,boring & far from funny. I listen to the show for laughs & to lighten up my day.I don’t want to hear a fat drug addict slowly kill himself.At some point even a drug addict has to take responsibility for his actions.
I’ve become tired of Howard taking the PC / NYT times perspective myself. Whatever happened to made for radio movies like “Throw Your Momma from the Bus.”
Now he’s just kissing the ass of every minority / left wing cause.
What a cry baby douch bag. Fire this Ahole already….
Four days a week for 5-6 hours a day, if you can’t handle that put a gun in your mouth and end it…
Even a person who is in good physical condition would have a hard time keeping up with the schedule that Artie does – cross country gigs on weekends, doing the show everyday at 6:00 AM – this is gruelling for anyone, especially someone as unhealthy with an addictive personality as Artie. Cmon guys, he always did a good show, where he was. He’s got issues – don’t we all. I hope he comes back. I luv him.
Even Howard said that he doesn’t even want to work 4 days a week anymore… I think with Artie’s books, cds, and standups – you can argue he has been working more hours than Howard… maybe?
I was an Artie fan and maybe I still am, but I read his book and the biggest thing I came away with was that Artie Lange is classless and really just a bad person. I am coming to agree with the caller earlier this week that said the show is better without Lange. Lange was at his best when he would spout off with witty one liners or very short commentary about whatever was going on at the time. That is his job. His job is not to constantly come in after unschedule absenses and talk about anxiety and fuckin OCD. It whining, it’s boring, it’s unentertaining.
They need to replace him with someone that won’t dominate the show or take away from the show. If they don’t replace him, when he comes back, Stern should not spend 1 second of time getting a recap about Lange’s stupid bullshit.
Here’s my theory Howard wouldn’t redo his apt if he wasn’t going to be there. I thought he wants to be in the Hamptons full time?
I just wanted to chime in and say Artie is the best. I wish he had some close friends that could help him over this hump. First thing an addict loses is his close friends. Makes it easier to use and not disappoint those one cares about. I don’t have much faith in therapy.. I think Artie feels the same… but regardless, he DOES need to talk to someone and get his issues dealt with. He’s just in such a self destructive spiral at this point that he’s going to probably have to bottom out again before he wakes up. I just hope hope hope that he doesn’t bottom out like he did in his book. He might not be so lucky this time.
The show isn’t the same without him. I could care less if he’s sleeping or not. 30 minutes of Artie not talking is all made better by him laughing or throwing a joke over the wall. That empty chair NEEDS his ass in it. Best wishes Artie.. wish you and I could hang out and talk. Life’s a real bitch and we all need friends. (no, I don’t think he’ll read this… that fat bastard can barely use a cell phone)
Artie if you get wind of some of these comments.
Your the beswt and hope you are there to the end of 2010
The show has been much better without Artie. He takes up air time that could be dedicated to to the actual talent or guests. If they need someone to fill that chair, there are several people that are able to do it better.
It’s sad to think of the show without Artie, but I agree it’s time to give another comedienne the job. There are a lot of talented people out there. I’d love to hear Norm Mcdonald on the show everyday.Good luck Artie. It’s time to pass the baton.
I vote to replace the miserable gorilla with Dave Attell
Where can I watch Artie Lange on Joe Buck live last night? Its all i keep hearing about today.