Pittsburgh Pete called in this morning to tell Howard that Artie should be off the show and that he is no longer funny. Despite the fact I obviously disagree, I’m thankful Pete called in because it got Howard to open up a bit about Artie.
Howard began to reminisce about the old days and how it was such a struggle to get where they are today. He said that some people came into the show later and weren’t really privy to that history but unlike most, Jackie for one, Artie respected it. (Artie has been with the show for 9 years now and was a super fan before joining)
“The show is better with Artie. He’s a great guy and he’s someone I’ll always fight for. I worry about Artie and hope he is okay.”
Howard said that Artie is not making his own schedule, he needs help right now, so he needs some time.
“It’s not funny, that’s why I’m not keeping it on the air.” Pete thought Artie’s disappearing acts showed Howard to be weak but Howard responded,” it is not weakness to show some compassion.”
“I would never be pushed around if I thought the show was suffering. If i thought anyone was bad for the show they’d be gone”, Howard stated.
He then went on to explain how Jackie and KC were both strong for the show but when things came to a head, it was time for them to go. Pete mentioned that some think Jackie should have been let go earlier but Howard said Jackie was strong on the show and he fought for him, just like he is doing with Artie now.
Well it’s official….the show almost sucks without Artie:(
Right now i’m listening to Stern fawning over that old bat, Lisa G, and just had to bail for Hate Man, who’s probably the only legitimate replacement for Artie?
I gotta say artie is very funny but the show is much better without him. The show suffers greatly because artie doesn’t allow people to goof on him and everyone walks around on eggshells when speaking about him. No one can give their true feelings. Howard would NEVER go after lange the way he did Jackie or Stuttering John and its KILLING the stern show. He’ll come back one day and howard will do an hour on what happened and how artie is okay now and all will be forgotten.
The show is great with Artie, the show is great without Artie. Whatever happens, I will listen every single day until Howard retires.
Yeah, good point Dance. The special treatment Artie gets when it comes to on-air ball busting, howard will deny forever. Never understood why or how that developed, but if you’re gonna’ be on the show, you better have a thick skin and be willing to take your lumps. I’m pretty sure the show will be FINE without the chunky junkie. Hopefully the next person won’t be a hyper sensitive, drug addict, man-child!
I miss Artie on the show, but lately his whole mess of a life has dragged the show into the Artie vortex. It would be great to have a younger, more hip person in his place who has more control over his/her life. Someone who is part of the modern entertainment world somehow. Someone said it recently, and I agree, the show is turning into a geriatric bitch-fest. And Artie’s issues are old now, there is little to no entertainment value in watching him fall apart.
The show seems almost quiet without Artie. I miss him, hope hes doing better and do hope he returns HEALTHIER!! Id rather not listen/watch him self implode! But he has to figure it out for himself*
It’s laziness – The guy is taking advantage as usual. Howard should start having Greg Fitzsimmons or Colin Quinn, etc filling in for him. That should cure his ‘issues’ quickly – Howard is letting it runs his course because it’s good radio at the moment. Artie’s material is old and stale. He’s an old hack who does “0.0″ to prepare for the show. I love the b.s stories when he returns ” I literally couldn’t stop shaking my leg” “I couldn’t physically get out of bed due to panic” If he has been lying about going to the shrink, he really should be fired. He has taken his success for granted and his whole world is months away from collapsing. It should be a business decision for a strugging company – Sirius would lose no subscribers if Artie never stepped into the studio again and would save the $1mn a year, Most comedians would sit there for free to help launch their career or just promote their gigs. Go back to living with mama
Man, between this arite bullshit and the excessive vacation time howard takes its making it very difficult to be a hardcore fan anymore. From Beth and North Shore Animal League to howard being a uptight hamptons celeb i dont even know what to think about the show anymore. he doesn’t even sound recognizeable to the man he use to be on the radio. i love the show but its just sad what its become….
Well, I hated it when Artie was cackling like a banshee, and I hate his stupid gay jokes (e.g. Mets, Mike Walker, none of them are even funny), and I hate when he hijacks an interview. With all that being said, you’d think I’d hate him on the show. But I think Artie’s at his best on the fly, discussing topics as they arise and arguing with the others and even telling stories about himself (new stories, not the old wornout stories).
Clearly Artie’s mood and depression goes in cycles. When he’s in a down cycle, it’s probably just about impossible to keep him away from destructive habits.
I Dont Dance says:
December 15, 2009 at 10:03 am
. . . . . i love the show but its just sad what its become….
I have been saying that for years. From the incessant left wing politics to the lack of effort put into the show and the “B” level guests. Very hard to tolerate any more. Don’t worry, next year is the last.
I can’t wait to hear the Jackie laugh behind the Artie suicide announcement. Radio Gold
So I guess in Howard’s fucked up thinking, Artie respected the “history” of the show (whatever that means) ? If they ain’t the biggest steaming pile of horse shit I’ve ever heard, I dunno’ what is. That’s delusional!
So Artie’s a good guy because he was a long time listener first? That would make me a fucking saint by comparison.
Think I’ll go puke now…
Artie is my favorite person on the show and I really miss his presence. Whatever is going on I hope he can get better soon, or take the time he needs to get better.
I thought Howard was very thoughtful and real when speaking about Artie today. I’m also glad that he addressed the issue of “being taken advantage of” in regards to Artie. Howard knows what he’s doing. He’s been doing it successfully for 25+ years.
I hope Artie gets better, I really do.
Well how do you like that? Fa-fa-fatty will not be doing the meet the shrink thing on 12/17. They have replaced him with Jim Florentine.
Tracy Mogan would be perfect.
If they don’t put jackie in the chair i dont think they should put anyone there. just let it be howard robin and fred and hopefully some of the old magic will come back. im just begging for something to put some energy back into the show.
I have never seen anyone get by with the s–t that this guy has gotten by with..If he had talent, it would be different, but he is nothing..a fat, drug addict that sucks off anyone that will let him, primarily Stern..He is a top notch loser..will never be anything but a whiner…that is all the show does anymore….even STERN….whine, whine, whine…No one cares about this guy-if he comes back or not…let him rot in hell..He is a big boy..he needs to stop sucking off his little girlfriend, him mommy..oh, by the way, would his girlfriend be there if he didnt have a few dollars..? HELL NO..ADMIT IT , ARTIE..YOUR FREE RIDE IS OVER…..
Artie is great, but if he can’t get it together then he shouldn’t be on the show. When he’s funny, he’s hilarious, but when he’s a trainwreck he drags it down.
Howard is the best with or without Artie. But when Artie is on, the show is better, period.
fuck Artie, bring back Billy and Jackie……!!!!!!!!
artie is like red’s!! bring’s everyone down instantly! as Pat Cooper wpould say.. G bye! G Bye!
howard, Robin, and Fred!!! the 3 Amigos! ripping on BaBaFloly!
artie drop dead!
I agree totally with many of you and especially “johnny” who said that if you got Colin or Fitzdog in there you’d just how fast Art’s nonsense would stop. I’m convinced that all of this is because he can and he is enabled and coddled and gets away with more than anyone on the show ever could.
Reminds me of how a grandmother is with her grandkids like they can’t do anything wrong in her eyes is like the relationship from Howard to Artie.
Artie isn’t dumb, he knows this, hence why he has been living the life on Howie’s dime.
To me that’s not really about being a drug addict and more about being a bad person and now it looks like the “good hearted” Artie was simply a facade until he got his teeth sunken in enough to feel comfortable to let his true colors out i.e, MADTV,any other job he’s had…….
Dane Cook said he would like to be a friend of the show.Let him sit in for a week or two.That would stick it to the chunky junkie!(miter lol)
I’m so over Artie. He’s made so much money off of this show and disrespects Howard and the fans by pulling this shit. I wish they would bag him for the final year and bring back Jackie for the last year, if that’s what it is.
Artie brings nothing to the show.
Artie is only occasionaly funny at best. He takes advantage of Howard like no one has EVER done. Where would he be with out Howard? Not anywhere near where he is today. He is a user of people, drugs, booze, cigarettes and food. He should quit the show, get his life in order then maybe come back if Howard is still on. Everyone has vises and some more than others but come on Artie! I forgot gambeling.
Yes bring back Billy! Artie should listen to Dean Wormer, Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
“it is not weakness to show some compassion”, really how much compassion is enough? Artie has pissed all over the show at least 5 times off the top of my head. I don’t remember KC getting the “Compassion” that fat boy is getting and KC has serious mental problems. Just because the it’s entertainment doesn’t mean people should live without accountability. Howard, Robin, Fred all built this show out of hardwork and perseverance against huge odds, this ungratfull jackass comes in here makes a boat load of money out of howards good graces and how does he repay him and the fans? By being a weak crybaby pussy. How many chances is enough how much compassion and forgiveness should this guy get? Artie is a liar and a drug addict fuck him. I have worked with the mentally ill and drug addicted for over 10 years the sad “fact of the matter is” that the show is enabling Artie plain and simple.
The show is arguably better with Artie. He’s quicker witted than Howard and Robin, and he’s not afraid to talk like some of the lower level guys. The show really is an ass kissing fest between Howard and Robin without someone like Artie to inject a little balls and actual humor. If I have any complaint about Artie its that he takes it too easy on Howard and Robin, they are both such huge targets with all their stupid hangups and misguided ideas…and they really are both kind of dumb.
You guys who say its better are just weird. Seriously, if Artie goes and they dont replace him with someone as substantial, it will be unlistenable.
I thought the show suffered the past couple days, either that or Howard just wasnt on. Today was good though. Personally, I could do without Robin but I understand her place. Hearing Fred more would be great.
As dnix says, it would be unlistenable with the wrong person as a replacement. Remember when Artie first came to the show. He was winning polls on who fans liked the most on the show.
unlistenable? try listening to regular radio. I always felt Artie sucked from the start. I enjoyed his made up exaggerated stories, but his background comments for the most part go over like a lead balloon. Howards whole act was predicated on his first marriage when he got divorced his credibility in my eyes was shot. Now with his marriage to Beth him deifying her he’s become everything he was against. his recent interview of the Kardashians and how he placated to them is juts another example of what a hypocrite he’s become. But the show is still heads and shoulders better then anything out there…
On the first day of christmas Artie gave to me…
A fat slob whose is a biy pussy
On the second day of Christmas Artie gave to me…
2 loads on the chest and a fat slob who is a pussy….
On the third day of Christmas Artie gave to me..
Three lame excuses
2 loads on the chest and a fat slob who is a big pussy…
On the fourth day of christmas Artie gave to me..
four call girls
Three lame excuses
2 loads on the chest and a fat slob who is a big pussy….
On the fifth day of christams Artie gave to me…
five grams of H…
Artie is a fat loser and he isnt funny. he brings the show down and so does his belly
artie is not and has never been funny! he is a slob. he is Jabba the hunt
THe show is 10 times better without the Mamma’s Boy weezing on mike….
I am sick of Artie’s shit as well but I like him as he plays everyman but he is no big talent and his jokes are old and predictable the best was when he went off on Teddy and threw shit at him. However, I would rather see Sour Shoes or even Riley take over for him and even Greg Fitz….
I remember when Jackie was on he was mainly a writer. That position is gone. Artie replaced him and has become a “personality.” What they need is to eliminate Artie’s position and just have people fill in in Artie’s seat. Lisa Lampinelli would be one, Fitz, Gilbert (anyone notice it’s been a long time since Gilbert’s been on since he and Artie had there “shining” moment) I’m sick of Artie too. His jokes suck, how many times can we hear his stuff about hookers, coke and his weight.
its old. its stale. give Dave Atell the job. far funnier.
^^^^ He’s right!!!!
artie is ok, but i want jackie back in the chair
I Dont Dance says: Howard would NEVER go after lange the way he did Jackie or Stuttering John and its KILLING the stern show.
True (to a point), but Howard has also morphed into everything that he used to make fun of. Nobody on the show calls him on it, and all calls that don’t ring his praises are screened out. Jackie used to bust Howard’s balls daily, and it was an integral part of the show. The fact is, the ‘new’ Howard (Hapmtons Howie) can’t do the show on his own, and Robin is practically useless. Fred doesn’t speak at all anymore. Benji is a hack, and rather boring. Artie brought some valid, necessary new blood to the show.
i’ve been a “full-time” listener since the late 90’s. i truly love the show. in my opinion, everyone–from howard to medicated pete to elegant eliott offen–has their good moments and bad moments. having said that, howard’s handling of the whole artie ordeal(s) is disappointing. here are a few reason why: 1) it makes howard look like an idiot and a pu$$y. howard’s supposed to expose the lies and excuses. howard’s too smart to believe artie’s bull$hit. he’s knows exactly what’s going on, and yet, he allows artie to lie (w/o repercussion) to him and his loyal audience. 2) artie’s a spoiled phony. he’s always saying stuff like, “if it wasn’t for madtv, i’d be working on docks…”–BULL$HIT!!! artie wouldn’t last a week on the docks. he was an 18 year old part-time worker and he acts (and believes) like some a working-class hero. you know why he gets upset when he thinks abut his father?–b/c he knows his father would have no respect for him. he’d slap him and yell: “YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN!!!” 3) that’s enough for now. but i could go on and on and on about artie’s abuse, abuse of the show, abuse of howard’s newly found charity, abuse of a situation working-class guy would kill for.
ps: i’m a recovering heroin addict. so, please, spare me the “have some sympathy for artie” responses. i had some sympathy, a lot of sympathy. this get-out-of-jail-free-card is downright insulting to those of us who don’t have the luxury of acting like spoiled sympathy-case.
Currently Artie’s performance is pretty bad, replacing him with someone else may be better for the quality of the show, but…
Artie’s a big contribution to the show, he’s doing a lot of promo, he’s the most discussed stern show member. Every talk show appearance, relapse, legal troubles, his book etc. that’s all great promo and raises the market value of the Howard Stern Show… Artie getting fired would be best for the Sirius management… Howard Stern Show without Artie => Less market value of Stern Show => Less money for Howard (better for Sirius)
best thing for management would be kick Artie out until new contract with Howard is signed, then get Artie back to cause some trouble because “any press is good press”
I love Artie. He’s the best. The show is just not as funny without him. I used to feel that way when KC and Jackie left. But I got over them pretty quick. The only reason i’m listening to the full show everyday is i’m hoping to hear some Artie news. Lisa G is a bore and Sal is an idoit. Thank you
*Idiot. Ahem, sorry. Maybe i’m the idiot.
While the Howard Stern Show cast debated the merits of any kind of psychotherapeutic medications, Artie Lange took the healm of the U.S.S. Self-Deprecator by saying “I feel like a pussy. I should be able to say no to myself. I feel like I need a smack.”
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11279-Howard-Stern-Examiner~y2009m12d8-Artie-Lange-taking-Klonopin-feels-like-a-pussy-poll
yeah he needs a smack but he not going to get it from pussboy howard.
Fire Artie and replace him with Jim Florentine!
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE that Artie has been gone all week! The show is so much better without his stupid fucking inane babbling. He’s a fucking trainwreck… I’m sick of hearing about his issues.
He needs to get tossed to the curb. Enough already.
I don’t know that it’s better or worse without Artie, only that it is definitely different. The show seems to lack the comic element, but frankly that’s been the case since the late summer as far as I’m concerned. He is off his game big time, and most of the time can only manage to shoehorn in one liners about being a heroine addict.
Sirius pays him well and then they drag Bubba across the coals crying poverty. It has got to be making Sabien’s job ridiculously impossible to manage contract negotiations when he gets away with murder.
Hate to say it cause I do enjoy him, but he flat out needs to be gone – permanently. I think Fitzsimmons is quick witted, clever and even funnier. They ought to try and negotiate some kind of a part time deal (living LA is the killer part of it), but without a commitment that the show will even be around next year it’s highly doubtful
Fitz is an angry man. He has arguably as many problems as Artie does. He is liable to fight with someone in studio just as Artie attacked Sal and Teddy. I think Greg would actually make contact tho
In general, the show has declined precipitously since it was on terrestrial. Howard may not miss Arbitron ratings, but the show sure does. The show crackled on terrestrial. On satellite not so much.
On Artie, I agree with the comments above. His presence is destroying the show. So much material has to be skipped over to so as not to offend Lange.
Imagine if the following occurred with Jackie Martling back on terrestrial with Howard breezing right past them.
1. Gets dui at 2 pm and claims it was from a single sleeping pill the night before.
2. The cop who arrested him calls in to the show offerring to disclose what else was found in urine sample.
3. Goes to a spa for “rehab”
4. Hires “Helicopter” MIke as life in sobriety coach
5. Misses Comedy Central roast, checks into intensive out patient rehab
6. Sudden and rapid loss of weigh attributed to riding jet ski.
I could go on and on!
I’m sorry but I think the Howard Stern Show has jumped the shark. I loved in the old days when Howard would bash celebrities like Rosie and Chevy. now they are good friends of his. Howard showed what a celebrity ass kisser he was when he invited Chevy to his wedding instead of Jackie. God Howard, Jackie helped make your show in the early days. It’s hard to take Howard’s judgements of people seriously when he goes to therapy several days a week. Howard is very hypocritical. He throws AJ Benza off the show for slapping Stuttering John, but keeps Artie on the show after several violent outburst. He tells Sal not to talk to any of the celebrities but has no problem with Ralph associating and mooching off celebrities that he has obviously met through the show. Howard still loves to talk about the great job he did on his own movie “Private Parts”, when did that come out again, 1997? I also hate he and the rest of the crew justifies all the vacation days they take in a year. They are worst than the French.