Show Rundown: November 13, 2019
Rachael Ray on How Oprah Changed Her Life, How She Almost Killed Tony Bennett, and How She Threw a Better First Pitch Than Gary Dell’Abate
Song Parody Extraordinaire Psych Discusses Late-Stage Cancer Diagnosis With Howard and Robin Quivers
Song Parody Extraordinaire Psych Discusses Late-Stage Cancer Diagnosis With Howard and Robin Quivers
“We’re gonna remain positive,” the longtime Stern Show contributor says
Song parody virtuoso Psych called into the show on Wednesday and opened up to Howard, co-host Robin Quivers, and their listeners about his increasingly tumultuous battle with cancer. The longtime Stern Show contributor revealed he’s currently hospitalized and unable to walk due to complications from leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects muscle tissue.
“Howard, believe it or not, I’m in the most amount of pain you could ever have in your lifetime. I’m just trying to remain upbeat and positive but I can barely walk at this point,” he explained.
Psych said the cancer was discovered after a CAT scan revealed a 4-pound tumor wrapped around many of his vital organs. At the time, doctors suggested he might have anywhere from 15 months to 5 years to live, but his condition worsened after surgery was ruled out and he chose to pursue alternative healing methods rather than endure immediate chemotherapy. He is undergoing chemotherapy now, but the cancer has already metastasized.
“Had I started this chemo in July, I probably would be about 10 times better than where I am now,” Psych said.
Howard wondered about Psych’s prognosis going forward.
“I’m sorry to say, buddy, it’s getting worse. It’s not getting better,” Psych told him. “So, I’m a bit somber at the fact that we are at what they call terminal end-stage right now.”
Howard and Robin were devastated to hear the news. “I want to thank you for all the years of song parodies and all the work … you brought a lot of laughs to this show,” Howard said, adding, “I’m appreciative that you chose my show to lend your talents to.”
And what talents he has lent.
Psych has contributed song parodies to the Stern Show for nearly a decade now. He’s skewered every staffer from Benjy Bronk and Gary Dell’Abate to JD Harmeyer and Sal Governale, but his specialty has always been explicit song parodies about Robin Quivers. Howard played a montage of some of his most beloved Robin songs on Wednesday, including riffs on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Nookie,” “On the Road Again,” and a full reworking of the classic Beatles album “Revolver.”
“His songs often sound as good as the original, if not better,” Howard declared.
“I love your songs,” Robin added at one point.
In 2014, Psych memorably performed live at Howard’s Birthday Bash (above), serenading Robin in-person with a scantily clad dancer and a parody of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” To this day, Psych believes it’s his best contribution to the show.
“What a performance,” Howard recalled on Wednesday.
Even after getting diagnosed with late-stage cancer, Psych plans to continue to write material for the Stern Show. Howard was amazed Psych has managed to stay so upbeat and driven, considering not only what he is currently battling but what he went through as an infant when doctors found cancer in his eyes and removed them, leaving him blind at a very early age.
Psych credited his parents and a “normal” upbringing for his sunny disposition. He also revealed he draws inspiration from Robin, who herself battled and overcame cancer.
“We’re gonna remain positive,” Psych told Howard.
Psych went on to talk about his childhood, his one regret (pursuing women at the expense of his career in his 20s), and his thoughts on the afterlife. Howard also took some calls from fans who praised Psych’s many years of contributions and wished him well. Howard ended the call by wishing Psych well in his ongoing battle and offering him the show’s eternal support.
“Oh, I can’t even say goodbye,” Robin said, growing emotional.
“Thank you, Robin. I love you,” Psych told his longtime muse.
“I love you, too,” she told him, fighting through tears.
Psych’s numerous Stern Show song parodies are all available on his website. Check them out here.