RIP Toucher and Rich Show ... It was fun while it lasted

TheWizard

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Oct 31, 2013
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80% anti Semitic number is way off. I believe his point is though, there seems to be no repercussions when rappers/celebs/athletes make an anti Semitic comment but if one even hints at racism b/c of non white skin they get nailed agains the wall and lose jobs, sponsorships, fines etc. For context Fred's wife is Jewish, so obviously struck a nerve with him.
 

JCizzle

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Dec 11, 2006
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The thing is, I agree with him about there seems to be a lot of anti-semitism lately and people being more vocal about it. I just think he did his point a huge disservice by unnecessarily calling 80% of BLM people anti-semites. He shouldn't stop railing on athletes and other celebs who are anti-semites because it is wrong. It's a shame with things like Q-Anon picking up in popularity because one of their central points is the Hathaway's own the banks (which he mentioned) and George Soros is secretly funding the deep state. Both are hugely anti-Semitic things and are awful.
80% anti Semitic number is way off. I believe his point is though, there seems to be no repercussions when rappers/celebs/athletes make an anti Semitic comment but if one even hints at racism b/c of non white skin they get nailed agains the wall and lose jobs, sponsorships, fines etc. For context Fred's wife is Jewish, so obviously struck a nerve with him.
Absolutely, I think it's great to use a prominent platform to highlight anti-semitism when it happens. It's fucking awful and disgusting. You just don't want to lose that message by over-generalizing BLM, which is going after an equally important message. I don't think he meant the comment as it came across, it was just poorly worded.
 

dirtynine

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I kind of want to hear this, but if it doesn’t show up in the podcast feed, I’ll understand.

Fred, if you’re reading, you make life better for a ton of people. A bunch of us are going through tough stuff with you. Best to you, man.
 

Pablo's TB Lover

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3 - It's been clear on the air that Fred is really having a hard time with the COVID and his home life. It's made the show not great at times and he needs some time off. I don't think it has anything to do with booze or him taking drugs especially when on air. I think mentally it seems like he needs a break and has for awhile. I can't imagine going on the air day after day going through this. I feel bad for him and want him to get better.
I think that's mainly why he has been minimizing Covid: in one way he WANTS it to be a big hoax because there is enough crap on his plate at home, but second he probably feels the lockdown helped caused or accelerate the family strife and the risk of being free in the world seems a lot better in retrospect.
 

Scoots McBoots

nothing Sinista here
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Jul 16, 2005
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Maybe it's just me, but I just can't imagine sitting next to someone you consider a friend and minimizing a pandemic when you know what they've gone through in the past WRT a loved one being immunocompromised.
 

NickEsasky

Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em
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I haven't listened to the show much in the last couple of years as I don't have a car commute anymore, but I always enjoyed T&R from back in their BCN days. I really hope Fred gets a chance to decompress and get any help he might need. He brought plenty of joy to my commutes for years and I hope he can find joy in his own life.
 

Andy Merchant

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I missed most of this today, but am saddened to hear that Fred's going through this. Hopefully he'll be able to hang in there and work his way through it. I'm with you, man.
 

Sir Lancelotti

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Jul 31, 2006
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I only caught a few minutes after 7AM which sounded like the worst of it, tough to hear Fred in this shape. Wallach and Rich were in a no win situation, but i think they could have ran interference a bit better than allowing all that dead air and for Fred to ramble. I'm actually somewhat surprised it didn't mushroom into anything worse, although i'll admit I didn't hear the BLM comment or broader discussion.

I'll join the chorus in hoping Fred gets a reset and hopefully a handle on his home life. He's the driving force of the show and has certainly made my mornings a hell of alot more bearable over the past 15 years. I'm hoping the station gives him a wide rope and lets him come back strong.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Nov 16, 2004
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That we're being mean to him and accusing him of being drunk on the air and slurring words etc. I wasn't listening from 6:40-8 so I have no idea what happened in-between him getting there late and the blow up at 8am.

I don't think anyone here was accusing him of being drunk specifically, one poster said he was slurring which was pretty consistent with what I was reading on Twitch. I'm sure reading on the Internet about what people think of you must be really fucking tough to handle. I've been pretty harsh on his COVID takes and how he's out and around constantly and not even bothering to quarantine, which is 100% based on what he has said himself on the air or on IG.

He also mentioned during that rant that people were going after his kids soon after mentioning this thread. I don't see anyone here doing that and it sucks.

If people in this thread all hated Fred and wanted the worst for him there wouldn't be a 10 year thread with 5,000 posts in it. There's some criticism in the thread naturally but there's plenty of posts about great bits, parts of the show etc. If Fred took my post last night about him needing time of as me accusing him of being drunk that's unfortunate. If I thought he was sitting around reading it I would have been put more detailed thought into it or not posted at all. Not knowing Fred, my point was that it sounded like he's in a really bad place, it's hurting the show, he's going after Rich and needed a break since this whole COVID thing has been extremely hard on him. That was before knowing about the divorce stuff being back again, which makes it all 10x worse. So sorry Fred if you're reading this! Hope you get better man and get through all this.

Single Freddy T on Tinder is going to be something else.
 
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Riconway3155

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If Fred took my post last night about him needing time of as me accusing him of being drunk that's unfortunate. If I thought he was sitting around reading it I would have been put more detailed thought into it or not posted at all. Not knowing Fred, my point was that it sounded like he's in a really bad place, it's hurting the show, he's going after Rich and needed a break since this whole COVID thing has been extremely hard on him. That was before knowing about the divorce stuff being back again, which makes it all 10x worse. So sorry Fred if you're reading this! Hope you get better man and get through all this.
If Fred has been reading this thread for a while (and I believe he has; I remember way back in the BCN days of him saying that he has a google alert set up about himself), I would have to think he knows that this is a mostly positive thread with a ton of fans of his. I didn't hear any of today's show, but he is clearly in a bad way right now and we all wish the best for him and want him to succeed.

I personally at least owe him that from the amount of times I have cried laughing because the show is so funny. From the Chilli guy, to the effen champ, to shootin' the breeze.
 

Rusty13

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Nov 3, 2007
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I don't think anyone here was accusing him of being drunk specifically, one poster said he was slurring which was pretty consistent with what I was reading on Twitch.
Yes, that was me that posted about the slurring. I'm not sure how else to fairly describe it, but he obviously was upset reading that so I feel bad. But like you allude to, I saw a ton of people on Twitter describing it the same way (and using FAR harsher language.)

I personally at least owe him that from the amount of times I have cried laughing because the show is so funny. From the Chilli guy, to the effen champ, to shootin' the breeze.
Agreed! Fred is one of the very few reasons I even bother tuning on terrestrial radio these days. I've been a big fan since the very end of the 'BCN days. Maybe with a little time away and some actual sports to talk about, he can come back and entertain us like he always has.
 

thestardawg

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Jul 30, 2005
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Section 38, Row 13
That's what the divorce will cost him
Is the divorce back on?

I feel very badly for Fred. As someone who went through a divorce last year and dealt with mental health issues as a result, I can't imagine going through during a pandemic and having to be broadcasting at the same time. I love listening to the show but he needs to get help soon.
 

Sanjuro

New Member
Jun 19, 2010
3
Boston, MA
I hated Fred and Rich back during the WBCN days. They used to be on always when I was leaving work and just didn't understand them.

Once they entered the sports arena, I still kept them aside. Once I realized how batshit insane WEEI morning hosts had gotten, I started giving them a shot and realized how enjoyable they were. In a Boston radio landscape where none of the morning hosts are "sports experts", the blend of comedy bits and sports just kind of stuck with me and enjoyed listening since.

Once Fred mentioned people were comparing him to Artie Lange, I kind of understood where he was coming from.
 

BlackJack

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Oct 11, 2007
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If Fred has been reading this thread for a while (and I believe he has; I remember way back in the BCN days of him saying that he has a google alert set up about himself), I would have to think he knows that this is a mostly positive thread with a ton of fans of his.

It’s much easier to dismiss praise than it is to ignore criticism. Especially if you’re having a tough time. T&R has been my default listen on my morning commute since they have been on the sports hub. I enjoy the show. I hope things get better for Fred.
 

JCizzle

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Good, hope the rest of the week and the weekend he can get back in a better place and get some of his life settled. I have to say, I do love having Joe Murray in and the energy and fun he brings.
Doesn't he do these fill-ins and then go work his "real" 40 hr/week job? I can't imagine. I agree he's a good host, he fits in well with the show.
 

NortheasternPJ

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He's part time somewhere I think. I think he got furloughed from his full time job from what he said awhile back.
 

Patriot_Reign

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Joe's great, easily able to have fun at his expense
He and Arcand are definitely the go to guys for covering people's time off
 

Sille Skrub

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Mar 3, 2004
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Just adding to the chorus of support for Fred. The dude has improved many of my morning commutes and I hope he can get the help he needs and find some peace.
 

TheWizard

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Oct 31, 2013
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Per Fred's Instagram:
Fredtoucher: First of all thank you to the listeners that have my back. For some reason I want you guys to know I have never been drunk on the air [management has never accused me of such} I am going to a mental institution next week. I am sometimes too forthcoming on the air. I’m used to just being honest about my life but when you are a fuckup that isn’t such a good idea.

 

PC Drunken Friar

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Per Fred's Instagram:
Fredtoucher: First of all thank you to the listeners that have my back. For some reason I want you guys to know I have never been drunk on the air [management has never accused me of such} I am going to a mental institution next week. I am sometimes too forthcoming on the air. I’m used to just being honest about my life but when you are a fuckup that isn’t such a good idea.

Good for him. Get well.

Haha but, he has to be talking about being drunk on air while employed by Beasley. T & R interviewing Incubus while Fred was shitfaced is one of their classics.
 

dirtynine

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On BCN they did whole show where they got wasted at somebody’s house (including Crash I think). But I think he means on the sly drunk, not “part of a bit” drunk. I get what he’s saying.

Sounds like he may be gone for longer than a couple days.

Best to you, Fred.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Wow, I wonder how long he's out for. If he's going inpatient it's got to be pretty serious. Hope Fred comes out of this better than ever.
 

shaggydog2000

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Good for him. Get well.

Haha but, he has to be talking about being drunk on air while employed by Beasley. T & R interviewing Incubus while Fred was shitfaced is one of their classics.
They used to broadcast from events, or do pre-recorded nights out together where the whole point was them being drunk. But I think those were all during the BCN days. But I know what he's getting at as well. It could be from medication issues, him just not sleeping, or a whole bunch of other things.

Also, from what I remember from those days, it's stunning that Crash is still alive and holding down a job.
 

Rusty13

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Nov 3, 2007
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Wow, well I hope he's getting the help he needs. Come back soon and better than ever, Fred!
 

JCizzle

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Freddy T is going to influence the fuck out of that institution. I hope he takes all the time he needs. I've always appreciated Fred being open about talking with someone, I probably (definitely) wouldn't have the strength to do that myself and have a lot of respect for him.
 

HomeBrew1901

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Per Fred's Instagram:
Fredtoucher: First of all thank you to the listeners that have my back. For some reason I want you guys to know I have never been drunk on the air [management has never accused me of such} I am going to a mental institution next week. I am sometimes too forthcoming on the air. I’m used to just being honest about my life but when you are a fuckup that isn’t such a good idea.
Get well Fred and take all the time you need.

We'll all be listening when you get back.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Chad Finn with a quick write up:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/22/sports/sports-hub-host-fred-toucher-off-air-after-outburst-tuesdays-toucher-rich-show/?event=event25
Management at the Sports Hub did not provide specifics on Toucher’s status, but passed along a statement from its corporate parent, Beasley Media Group.

“As a responsible company committed to the Boston Community," the statement read, “we take this matter very seriously. Fred will be off the air while we continue to review the situation.”
 

JCizzle

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Maybe I'm being overly cynical and misreading it, but that's a pretty shitty corporate response IMO. What is there to review? Just express support and give him the time he needs.
 

NortheasternPJ

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I think it's pretty clear that Fred and Beasley Management have been sparring a bit lately based upon Fred's travel, not quarantining, docking him vacation time, giving it back, Fred calling them out on the air.

That said, I do think it's a shitty response and it should be a supportive statement. Fred had a really rough show and tapped out maybe 10 min after he should have. He's clearly got a lot going on and they should be supportive but we've all had corporate overlords who don't do the right thing at times.
 

Gambler7

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To add to the chorus I am glad Fred is reaching out for help and getting what he needs. He makes the show go and there will be a big void while he is gone. I can't wait to hear him back on the air once he is ready.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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Is Fred a member here or does he read the stuff everyone can read as a guest?

I wish him well and seriously hope he gets the help he needs.
 

bigq

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Jul 15, 2005
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I hope Fred gets the help he needs and I’m glad to hear that he is trying to do so. Not just because I want to hear him back on the air again but also for the sake of his kids. He clearly loves them and being a father to them is far more important that any radio show. I haven’t listened much in the past four months as I’m now full time WFH but prior to that he was a staple of my morning commute. He carries the morning show and I hope he is back soon. As a result of listening to him for the past several years I have come to the conclusion that he seems to be a good guy despite inserting his foot in his mouth from time to time which I suppose anyone who talks as much as he does will eventually do. Get well, Fred.
 

8slim

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I came to T&R much later than most of you, but over the past few years I’ve come to thoroughly love the show. The best radio shows, and podcasts, are when the topic hardly matters, you just like hanging out and listening to people talk. Fred is the epitome of that. I hope he takes all the time he needs to get better.
 

PedroKsBambino

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I’ve been listening since BCN days and while the lack of a regular commute reduces my engagement right now I appreciate all they do and Fred gets the help he needs. They are great at what they do and stood by each other when Rich’s wife was ill and want them to continue to succeed once fang is back together. Sad times
 

Riconway3155

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I’ve been listening since BCN days and while the lack of a regular commute reduces my engagement right now I appreciate all they do and Fred gets the help he needs. They are great at what they do and stood by each other when Rich’s wife was ill and want them to continue to succeed once fang is back together. Sad times
I'll never forget that announcement about Rich's wife and the emotion that came with it from Fred. It was SO raw and came from such a loving place. I remember him trying not to cry and then just giving in (he said something like "wow I'm about to cry on the radio") and then took the next few minutes to talk about how amazing both Rich and Mary were. It was absolutely devastating and warm-hearted at the same time. I couldn't get out of my car because I was so invested.

I also remember Rich calling in a couple of days later and them talking about everything. It was also awesome because you could tell it was two friends that needed to catch up and they didn't care that they were on air.

Fred is who he is, and to me, 95 percent of the time he is fun, entertaining, and engaging. I can't wait for him to come back and I hope he is feeling better about everything. He has a lot of people in his corner.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Wallach touched on it briefly this morning and said Joe Murray would have plenty of hours for awhile with “where Fred has gone”. Doesn’t sound like this is a quick break. Hope he gets his life turned around and gets back on the air.
 

JCizzle

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Wallach touched on it briefly this morning and said Joe Murray would have plenty of hours for awhile with “where Fred has gone”. Doesn’t sound like this is a quick break. Hope he gets his life turned around and gets back on the air.
Big Dick Wallach is going to be strutting for weeks after getting the main chair today haha
 

NDame616

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Jul 31, 2006
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Which is a shame. Murray should absolutely run the show. I thought he should've been the 3rd on that show for awhile, and with Fred and Rich out Murray should steer the ship
 

Riconway3155

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From Fred's Instragram last night:

"Here is a non sarcastic post. I can't sleep tonight because I'm going to rehab for my alcohol addiction tomorrow. I don't think I've ever been this scared in my life. I have read all of your posts and they have meant the world to me. You made me feel a lot better about my struggle. I am looking forward to get back to the radio but I need to get well. I hope I can make those of you that like the show still tune in. Once again I have been overwhelmed with your support. Thank you so much."

Best of luck to Freddie No Pockets! I'm glad he is making the right moves to get himself better and can't wait for him to come back.
 

Rusty13

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From Fred's Instragram last night:

"Here is a non sarcastic post. I can't sleep tonight because I'm going to rehab for my alcohol addiction tomorrow. I don't think I've ever been this scared in my life. I have read all of your posts and they have meant the world to me. You made me feel a lot better about my struggle. I am looking forward to get back to the radio but I need to get well. I hope I can make those of you that like the show still tune in. Once again I have been overwhelmed with your support. Thank you so much."

Best of luck to Freddie No Pockets! I'm glad he is making the right moves to get himself better and can't wait for him to come back.
That's great. It must have been VERY tough for him to openly admit this problem. I'm already looking forward to his comeback.