Howard Spoke to Artie Over the Weekend

King of All Media recounts the admittedly difficult conversation

January 19, 2010
Photo: The Howard Stern Show

Howard said he’d finally spoken with Artie over the weekend: “I kept trying to get through to him. It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world.”

Their talk was difficult: “I can’t tell ya it was an easy conversation, that’s for sure…Artie sounded down. He did. I tried to talk, but you end up not really talking about what happened.”

Howard still had questions when he hung up: “I don’t know what kinda shape he’s in. You don’t know what to say…I said everybody’s pulling for ya. Something cliche. Something stupid.”

Gary came in to say that he and Fred had visited Artie as well: “I don’t think he wants to see people but it’s better that he does.”

Howard lamented the formality of his relationship with Artie: “When we’re off the air it’s kinda awkward. We never talk or anything…there’s nothing that’s substantial that’s ever said.”