When Fred Norris misses a live episode of the Howard Stern Show, you know it's not for nothing.
Norris has been Howard Stern's soundboard man for decades and, unlike certain other HSS employees, (Benjy Bronk, Sal Governale), he has a tried and true record of showing up on time and getting in the groove long before 'American Nightmare' starts spinning every morning.
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Last Wednesday, though, HSS fans got their morning infusion of comedy without the benefit of Norris, who skipped out on work due to a death in the family.
Monday, Norris returned and revealed that his brother-in-law had died suddenly on Tuesday night, and he needed Wednesdya to help his wife's family pick up the pieces and make funeral arrangements.
Norris said his brother-in-law Andrew was a healthy 45-year-old who died from a heart attack while he was on his daily bike ride. The death was particularly traumatic for Norris' wife and sister-in-law. Their father also died from a heart attack while cycling when he was 59.
"One of life's cruel jokes," remarked Norris.
Norris' absence spawned an extensive on air discussion between Stern, co-host Robin Quivers and other HSS cast members about just how close you have to be to someone who dies to justify skipping out on a radio show listened to by millions of people.
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