Artie Lange and Howard Stern’s relationship is one of the most complex and turbulent in modern radio history.

For nearly a decade, Lange was a key sidekick on *The Howard Stern Show*, contributing his sharp wit and raw humor to the legendary program.

But behind the laughs and camaraderie was a deeper, more painful story — one marked by Lange’s long battle with drug addiction, a strained friendship, and a fallout that left both men emotionally scarred.

This article explores why Artie Lange harbors such strong animosity toward Howard Stern, the challenges they faced, and whether reconciliation is possible.

 

Artie Lange joined *The Howard Stern Show* in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite.

His candid, often self-deprecating humor, combined with his chemistry alongside Stern and other cast members, helped define the show’s edgy style during the 2000s.

Lange’s presence brought a new energy, and his background as a stand-up comedian added layers of authenticity and unpredictability.

 

However, Lange’s time on the show coincided with a worsening struggle with drug addiction and depression.

His substance abuse issues began to affect his performance, leading to moments of unreliability and even falling asleep on air.

By 2009, his addiction had reached a critical point, forcing him to take an indefinite hiatus to enter rehab.

In his 2013 memoir *Crash and Burn*, Lange candidly admitted his performance had “slid into s–t” after eight solid years on the show.

His addiction not only threatened his career but also strained his relationship with Stern, who was faced with a difficult decision.

Stern later told *Rolling Stone* that he did not feel strong enough to bring Lange back on air, fearing it might do more harm than good.

“I just want Artie to stay alive,” Stern said, emphasizing his concern for Lange’s well-being over ratings or entertainment.

 

Despite this, Lange has expressed that Stern never fully understood the depth of his addiction.

“He didn’t know the extent of it,” Lange said, acknowledging the hidden battles he fought during those years.

While Stern supported Lange’s sobriety efforts, the emotional distance between them grew.

 

Following his departure from the show, Lange became an outspoken critic of Howard Stern’s evolving style.

On his *Artie Quitter* podcast in 2016, Lange accused Stern of “abandoning” his longtime fans in favor of a more politically correct, mainstream approach.

He lamented the loss of the raw, unfiltered edge that originally defined the show.

 

Stern, for his part, responded with dry humor, acknowledging the accusations of political correctness but refusing to engage in a full-blown feud.

“I hear that all the time, that I’m PC,” Stern said on air.

“Oh, that’s what they said? Yeah, I’m politically correct. All right, so I’m politically correct, what can I tell you?”

This divergence in perspective highlighted a growing rift between the two, with Lange feeling that Stern had changed fundamentally, while Stern seemed to distance himself from Lange’s criticisms and personal struggles.

 

One of the more puzzling aspects of their fractured relationship is Stern’s near silence about Lange since his departure.

Lange has claimed on his podcast that Stern is “obsessed” with him but deliberately avoids mentioning his name.

“He doesn’t bring up my name and I was there for 10 years, that’s calculated,” Lange said, interpreting Stern’s silence as a form of emotional punishment.

 

On the other hand, Stern’s avoidance might stem from the pain and complexity of the situation.

The difficult decision to cut Lange loose, despite years of friendship and collaboration, likely left wounds on both sides.

Stern’s silence could be a protective measure rather than indifference.

 

Since leaving *The Howard Stern Show*, Lange has repeatedly tried to reach out to Stern, seeking closure and reconciliation.

He has left multiple voicemails and made phone calls that went unanswered.

Lange expressed a deep desire for a final conversation — to say “I’m sorry,” to hear Stern out, and to share a hug goodbye.

 

“I think, just, all that, just, maybe I earned ten minutes off the air to just let me say in person ‘I’m sorry’ and hear him out and hug and say goodbye,” Lange said.

The lack of response has left Lange feeling rejected and hurt, fueling the bitterness that colors much of his commentary about Stern.

 

Their fraught relationship spilled into public view in 2018 when Lange threatened to post Stern’s personal phone number on social media if he didn’t send him $2,500.

The threat was startling and raised eyebrows, though insiders later suggested it was more of a joke than a serious demand.

 

A source told *Radar Online*, “He’s joking! He has a soft spot for Stern. It’s like a love-hate relationship, but Artie will always love Stern.”

 

This complicated dynamic of affection mixed with resentment underscores the emotional complexity of their bond.

 

Lange has often described his relationship with Stern as somewhat paternal.

“He did think of me, I think, a little bit like a son type of thing,” Lange said.

This father-son dynamic made their falling out even more painful.

Lange likened the loss of their friendship to losing a family member.

 

“We hate each other’s guts. It had a terrible ending. And that’s what happens — then you go into rehab and, you know, they tell you, you lose friends,” Lange remarked in an interview.

Stern’s decision to cut Lange out of his life completely left Lange feeling abandoned.

 

Despite everything, Lange acknowledges how much Stern influenced him professionally.

“I feel his moves all the time, especially in interviewing.

And without him, there would be nothing right now without Howard,” Lange admitted, showing the lasting imprint Stern left on his career.

 

Though their relationship remains strained, there have been moments of reconciliation.

The last time Lange and Stern saw each other in person was in 2012 when they visited their longtime colleague Robin Quivers in the hospital during her cancer battle.

 

“It was as if I saw him two minutes ago. He said, you know, ‘Hey, we gotta make Robin laugh.’ That’s what he said to me.

So, we put everything aside for that, and we spoke as if we were on the air for an hour, just laughed like crazy,” Lange recalled.

That rare moment of connection demonstrated that beneath the bitterness, there remains a bond forged by years of shared experiences.

 

Fans and observers continue to wonder if Artie Lange and Howard Stern will ever fully bury the hatchet.

Both men have moved on in their careers, with Lange staging a comeback in stand-up comedy, acting on HBO’s *Crashing*, and writing bestselling memoirs.

Stern has evolved into a more reflective figure, focusing on family and personal growth.

Whether they can reconcile remains uncertain.

Lange’s desire for closure and Stern’s silence suggest unresolved emotions on both sides.

Their story is a poignant reminder of how fame, addiction, and personal struggles can complicate even the strongest friendships.

 

Artie Lange’s hatred toward Howard Stern is rooted in a complex mix of personal pain, addiction, unmet expectations, and lost friendship.

What began as a powerful comedic partnership ended in emotional estrangement, fueled by the harsh realities of addiction and the pressures of fame.

While Lange’s criticisms and public outbursts highlight his frustration, they also reveal a deep longing for understanding and forgiveness.

Stern’s cautious distance reflects the difficulty of navigating such a fraught relationship.

 

Ultimately, their story is not just about animosity but about the human cost of celebrity, the challenges of recovery, and the hope for redemption.

Whether they find peace with each other remains to be seen, but their shared history continues to captivate fans and reminds us of the fragile bonds behind the spotlight.

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