Where is Artie Lange? Not on the Stern show
The Howard Stern Show returned after a two-week vacation without comedian Artie Lange yet again.
Monday morning's show opened with the crew mentioning the vacant seat in the New York City studio. Stern spent 17 minutes discussing various things before informing his listeners of the situation, including his parents -- a popular topic.
Show producer Gary Dell'Abate informed Stern last week that Lange was checked in to an "intensive rehab" by his sister and friends.
Stern said Lange left him a message over the weekend saying he never felt better in his life and has been sober nearly two weeks and lost 20 pounds -- Lange had swelled up to over 300 pounds. After the two spoke on the phone, Stern called Dell'Abate and was told the experience wasn't quite intensive rehab.
Dell'Abate said he would classify the actual experience as a detox, not rehab. The crew surmised Lange is in Miami and likened the experience to a luxury spa.
Stern said he expects Lange back on the show Wednesday.
Lange is the author of "Too Fat to Fish," a recent New York Times best seller. Stern, who wrote a foreword, gave high praise for Lange's book that is a collection of memories from the comedian's past. Quivers said she has yet to read the book.
Fred Norris said the book should have been called "Ticking Time Bomb," making reference to the book's many dark, low experiences in Lange's life.
Stern said he honestly did not realize the severity of Lange's issues until reading the book.
Update: Lange called in just after 10 a.m. EST to give his side of the story.
Lange said he is dealing with a "bunch of things" and is seeing a psychotherapist and is receiving medical treatment for liver and stomach issues. He again claimed he hasn't felt this good in 20 years and is working out on a daily basis. He again said he's lost 20 pounds.
He admitted he was using heroine up until very recently, when he had sworn on the show repeatedly he was clean.
Lange said he would be back on the show on Wednesday
--Abramson
Comments (45)
I guess heroin use caught up to the big guy.
What I don't understand is how Stern even allows the guy to even come in! Even the greatest radio i've ever heard is not worth a human life! I cringe and laugh every time Artie "falls asleep" (crashes) in the middle of a show.
thanks for the update. that was really quick.
this fat pig still has a job.
I love that chunky junkie, but enough is enough. Howard needs to give him an ultimatum - clean up or get out. He is facilitating his bad behavior that will ultimately lead to an early death. Very sad.
I love that chunky junkie, but enough is enough. Howard needs to give him an ultimatum - clean up or get out. He is facilitating his bad behavior that will ultimately lead to an early death. Very sad.
At least Artie didn't use the"bad Chinese food" excuse. I liked Artie when he would come on the show as Norm McDonald's sidekick, but once he became a regular, he ruined the show.
you people realize this dude is probably going to die like real soon
out of shape, still abusing hardcore drugs, drinking
breathing in the air at strip clubs, his days are numbered.
Sorry Artie Fans
Stern wants him to die on the show. Why else would he enable him like this?
this is no surprise. I could hear the junk in his voice. Addiction is defined by relapse. The dud is not all that funny. the thow 'jumped the shark' when Howard grew a vagina.
peace kids.
this is no surprise. I could hear the junk in his voice. Addiction is defined by relapse. The dud is not all that funny. the thow 'jumped the shark' when Howard grew a vagina.
peace kids.
this is no surprise. I could hear the junk in his voice. Addiction is defined by relapse. The dude is not all that funny. the show 'jumped the shark' when Howard grew a vagina.
peace kids.
this is no surprise. I could hear the junk in his voice. Addiction is defined by relapse. The dude is not all that funny. the show 'jumped the shark' when Howard grew a vagina.
peace kids.
this is no surprise. I could hear the junk in his voice. Addiction is defined by relapse. The dude is not all that funny. the show 'jumped the shark' when Howard grew a vagina.
peace kids.
Junk in....junk out.
Enough said.
For those that wonder why Howard doesn't fire him... don't you realize that this is the ultimate in "Reality Radio"? We are all listening to this play out and even those who think he should be fired listen in to see what h will do next.
For that very reason,Howard will never get rid of him.
I'm in rehab, Waaaaa!
Thanks for Howard updates.
Artie certainly sets a great example for all his co-workers.
If I pulled these stunts constantly at work like he does - guess what?
I would be terminated!! Nothing is going to make this guy see whats
he's doing wrong because there are never any consequences for his
actions. Ultimately, the consequence will be his early demise.
Too bad - talented guy gone to pot - literally!! :-(
Artie certainly sets a great example for all his co-workers.
If I pulled these stunts constantly at work like he does - guess what?
I would be terminated!! Nothing is going to make this guy see whats
he's doing wrong because there are never any consequences for his
actions. Ultimately, the consequence will be his early demise.
Too bad - talented guy gone to pot - literally!! :-(
You said it best Paula - no penalties for his actions so he will
keep doing what he's doing. I guess his new years show being
cancelled put him over the edge too. But he's getting to big
for his britches. $300.00 for a comedy show? NOT!!
He should learn to give back to the fans who put him where he
is. Cmon Artie - no one is going to pay that in this economy.
Give us a break!!
This is a shame! I've very surprised that Howard has not let the guy go! Robin knows better, why has she not straightened Howard out. Howard is an ENABLER! Won't it be awful if he does die, knowing that people on the show did not do the right thing.
This is a shame! I've very surprised that Howard has not let the guy go! Robin knows better, why has she not straightened Howard out. Howard is an ENABLER! Won't it be awful if he does die, knowing that people on the show did not do the right thing.
I am a huge Howard and Artie fan....but sometimes feel guilty that I am watching/listening to a slow death day after day.
How may of us would get this many chances to get our act straight?
I am a huge fan of the show an a huge fan of Artie's. Although I have never touched the H - I know exactly what he faces on a day to day basis. Overcoming an addiction is one of life's toughest challenges, but shame on those that say throw him off the show. The Howard Stern Show is the only reason Art is still alive. Yes his NYE show was way overpriced - but waking up at 4am 4 days a week for the last 8 years has been unparalleled payment to his fans. The off-the-air Howard knows exactly how deep Artie is in and the consequences of what he does. Howard has to play his protagonist character on the show or it wouldn't be the show. Battle on Arties and KEEP GOING TO WORK. You can overcome this.
Artie is a master manipulator and a pathological liar who's used to getting away with things.
And that's exactly what happened today, and the most amazing part is listening to Artie calling in with more BS.
I have little doubt that Artie got off the phone and went right back to doing whatever drugs he's doing down in Miami.
HS better wake up & stop enabling Artie or he will have another DEATH on his hands. Stern has to let him go and CLEAN up his act or he is going to DIE!!!!
Artie is the last funny thing left on this show and you want him to go away? Boo-yah howie, I invented rehab.
Artie is NOT funny at all!! Howard has been his fool long enough...the show jumped the shark with Artie.
Artie is NOT funny at all!! Howard has been his fool long enough...the show jumped the shark with Artie.
Those that suggest their employer wouldn't put up with drug use / tardiness are stating what is true for 99% of us. But you know nothing of Howard or Artie's world. I'd recommend standing in their shoes before passing judgement; however you'll never get to since you will never achieve a fraction of that level of success. Live out your anonymous tiny little life and speak to what you actually know.
I know Artie is really at a detox center because I was there last week, too. Give him a break - he's trying.
Good Lord, where have all the journalism majors gone? It's heroin, not heroine. A heroine might save Artie, but heroin will kill him.
This bloated, liar, hack is destroying Howard's swan song.
He needs a dose of reality.
Back to the docks with this fat moron.
While listening to the Howard this morning on my way into work I realized something. The show just simply isnt funny without ARTIE!!
It was dull, boring, and monotonous. It seemed that they were just grabbing at straws in trying to fill up the time. No one had anything
interesting or funny to say. Artie really does keep the show funny. Maybe its ultimately nothing to kid about when someone is addicted to drugs, but hey, it works
on the HS show. Cmon back Artie. I'm ready to start listening to music in the morning - Howard NEEDS you!!
You people are disgusting,
Artie has been honest about his personal life and you
Hippocrates want to crucify him! I wish your bosses at your jobs
treat you with such intolerance.
Me and Howard love Artie so who cares what you think!
I wish Artie the very best. His dishonesty has been extremely hurtful to his coworkers but I am sure some listeners will learn and benefit from the insights gained watching a manipulative addict in action.
We had tickets to the show at Foxwoods which Artie cancelled pretty much at the last minute the last time he was in "rehab". His behavior definitely effects his fans directly which isn't fair. However, Howard chooses to keep him employed for his own reasons and he knows Artie much better than we do. Not only does Artie add a great deal of comedy to the show, he is a good soul despite his weakness to drugs. I have faith in you Artie- stay strong and get back to work!
Artie should be fired at once. This fat pig doesn't deserve a job. I was ten times funnier when I was on the freakin' show. When is that stupid jew gonna figure out his show is nothing without me.
Artie is the best thing that ever happened to the stern show I love artie it's hard being famous so be messed up again they should not kick him off the show then they have nutting to talk about artie drug use is good comedy
Artie is the best thing that ever happened to the stern show I love artie it's hard being famous so be messed up again they should not kick him off the show then they have nutting to talk about artie drug use is good comedy
Artie is the best thing that ever happened to the stern show I love artie it's hard being famous so be messed up again they should not kick him off the show then they have nutting to talk about artie drug use is good comedy
Why do you fools keep making duplicate posts. Be patient. Sheesh...
#1 when you say Stern get it right HOWARD STERN!! He is the king if not the story would not be here as far as the comments if you do not like thweshow don't pay to hear it thats why this is great no cencorship believe me i would curse but my comment would not show porn, sexy naked people man or woman will show whether you like it or not and Howard Stern will be the man to bring it to you f the fcc censor me I dont care buy our ads
Who cares I have forgot about artie and howard after two weeks on not being on the air. and tuned in on monday to see if it would be better upon returnning but only to here hours of talk about Robins ass.
Sorry but I have had it,tunning in to bubba show from now on. We need him in th eAM
Xsternfan
This dude goes to rehab every 6 months