end-of-radio

On January 2, 2010 TMZ reported that Artie Lange was rushed to the hospital.

A rep for Lange tells TMZ:

“I can confirm that Artie is in the hospital. Artie has chosen to keep all information on this matter between him and his doctor. There will be no further comment.”

I did not want to comment on the situation to see if any more news would be released. The Howard Stern Show returns from vacation tomorrow, Monday January 4, 2010. Artie last went into work around December 7 or 8 2009 in which there was some speculation about wether or not he was in rehab or gone on a bender like he has in the past. Howard refused to comment and would just say “It’s Artie’s story to tell.”

Being a fan of the show I do like having Artie there in studio, but Artie himself has always been a dark character in that he is troubled deeply with drugs.

There are many speculations about his recent headline making event of being admitted into the hospital, not sure what to believe or even if Howard Stern will make a statement on Monday’s show…only time will tell.

Some say Artie is in the hospital due to a drug related incident, others say he couldn’t had a panic attack. Some call BS on the entire incident and say it’s hype for the show…a cliff hanger so to speak while there is also talk that Artie has left the Howard Stern Show completely.

I would like to believe that Artie missing work along with this recent hospitalization is all hype for the show but it just doesn’t make sense. Not sure if Artie missing work is legit in that he calls out or if he has some sort of deal in which he has extra days off and they just turn it into a bit. If Artie in fact does call out as often as he does than it’s a slap in the face to Howard and to the company. Artie himself always comments about growing up listening to Howard and how much he respects him and owes everything to the show…but he doesn’t show it.

I’m sure Artie Lange gets a generous paycheck and it’s the reason he has stayed with the show for the amount of time he has already put in. In the past he’s had several outbreaks and has even fought with several staffers including having words with Howard Stern.

Has Artie Lange quit the show? He probably quit mentally a long time ago. Again not sure if the hospitalization is good timing for the start of 2010 for the Howard Stern Show or if Artie is in serious condition but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was given an ultimatum by Sirius to clean up or to get out. There are many that would beg to get airtime in the chair that Artie sits in, yet it usually seems that Artie takes it for granted.

Artie being rushed to the hospital doesn’t answer questions about wether or not Artie is still working for the Howard Stern Show but it does bring up the question as to wether or not he will appear on the show come Monday morning.

Artie if you are truly sick and in trouble we wish you well.