Gene Burns, battling a series of medical problems and off the air for almost two months, made a much-anticipated call into his own KGO Radio program Friday night, (hosted by Pat Thurston.)
Burns voice sounded noticeably slurred, (probably due to medication) but his mind was succinct and he managed to update listeners on his condition with several moments of humor and irreverance.
He spelled out the specifics of his health issues and said he's ready to come back to work...maybe, if things work out, from a make-shift home studio at the start, ("I'll have to talk to Jack Swanson, (KGO Opps Mgr) about that."
While it was encouraging to hear that Burns is feeling better and that he seems to be on the mend, its highly doubtful, based on Friday's night's conversation, that Burns will be back on KGO's airwaves anytime soon.
We wish him well and a speedy recovery.
Rich or a reader. Can you please tell me what are Gene's illnesses. I heard a part of the interview and until Pat mentioned his name, I didn't even know it was Gene. He sounded like he could have had a stroke, but he also sounded like he was on drugs. He was trying awfully hard to seem to be with it. I like Gene a whole lot, and hope he comes back
ReplyDeleteKGO is lucky to have people like Gene Burns. San Francisco is lucky. And now, at last, finally, they've come to their senses and have taken back Karel. Between KGO and Green960 we have some pretty decent opinion radio. And today the sun is shining. All the best, Gene Burns.
ReplyDeleteApparently Pat Thurston has said that Gene has had some falls and fractures which have required ongoing treatment. His slurring may be from pain medication.
ReplyDeleteI dont of Gene Burns,never heard his show even once...but your photos of an older man and the descriptions of a man struggling that hard to even stay upright..well,maybe the man should think of retiring rather than stressing on keeping a job he's desperate to hold on to. Even if it kills him...
ReplyDeleteIt was distressing to hear Gene with the slurred speech. Given the brain-bleed he experienced and the meds he's probably taking, I understood, and sympathized, but it was, nonetheless, very distressing. Even so, he still possessed several thousand times the wattage of the screeching dim-wit Thurston in that 10 minute appearance.
ReplyDeleteI wish KGO would rotate some more talent during the 7-10 pm slot since Gene is going to be away for a while yet. If they don't, Thurston's voice is going to drive away human listeners, and any proximate dogs and rodents.
I really miss Gene Burns. He is very smart and always had good topics (unlike Pat Thurston). Pat is way too left winger for my taste and she doesn't listen to any other opinions. Please put someone else on the air until Gene comes back.
ReplyDeleteI wish Gene the best and was glad to hear him Friday night. But he obviously still has some recuperating to do. I think he's 70, and he's been through a lot. In addition to the slurred speech, which may be due to pain meds as others have mentioned, Gene's voice sounded weak to me. He mentioned that weight loss on top of his prior intentional weight drop from a medically supervised protein diet has him at 180. That's low for a guy as big as Gene and might contribute to the weakness. But Gene was as articulate as ever, with his sense of humor intact.
ReplyDeleteI thought I was the only one who could not stand thurston's voice! I have no idea what her opinions are cause I've never heard her, can't get past that voice.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston, although listenable, is a monotone leftist. Christine Craft, who, when she's not shouting down listeners who disagree with her, is more unpredictable in her opinions. I like Rothmann, and am thrilled that Karel is returning -- his opinions mix left, right and center. I once heard Bernie fart on-air, and although he screwed up big time and went to prison (a ridiculous sentence), I recently dreamed Bernie was released and was returning to KGO. Funny, I don't really miss his show, like I do Karel's.
ReplyDeleteWhether in a couple weeks, or a month, Gene will come back mostly because he enjoys it.
ReplyDeleteHe is superior to anyone KGO has to replace him.
I look forward to his work. Keeps me running to my dictionary.
Citadel's merger with Cumulus can only help the gutted KGO. To say the we listners miss Gene is an understatement. Craft should replace Thurston - in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteIf there is a radio god, she would heal Gene's body as his mind and heart are just fine.
When is Uncle Bernie getting out?
ReplyDeleteI love Gene Burns-simply one of the best.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others that Pat Thurston drives me nuts and believe Christine Craft as a better choice. Glad to hear Karel is back
haha, another Pat Thurston fan i see...
ReplyDeleteI, too, felt distress at hearing Gene's voice. It wasn't the strong, forceful "boom" I know and admire. I'm sure his injuries and medications have weakened him, which only saddens me. I hope to hear him back on the airwaves, if only for one night a week, or for the Dining Around show.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and well wishes to Mr Burns. He is loved and missed.
I appreciate the logic and listening Gene Burns allows for his callers-it is interesting to listen and think. Thurston, OMG, she is so so far to the left it is a joke. She is not very intelligent, cuts people off that do not agree with her, and does not communicate with people. PLEASE dump her!
ReplyDeleteGene mentioned on Friday three problems he has had to deal with, op top of his previous medical issues. 1) He had another fall, which caused various injuries. 2) He had bleeding on / in the brain, which they have had to deal with, which included having him take opiates (?). 3) He also has had some heart issues. And, on top of these, he had already lost desired weight... so during this period, he lost another 30-35 pounds? And apparemntly has lost his appetite.
ReplyDeleteYes to other postyers request for OTHER substitute hosts on the 7-10 time slot. Brian Copeland, Dr. Bill? (There have to be a LOT of nuclear questions out theire after what is going on in Japan.)
Lastly, I listened to Gene and Pat Friday night with a friend who had never heard either one of them before. She remarked, "How many times did this woman say that 'We love you, Gene, and we want you back soon'. ?? I find that hard to believe. I didn't believe it."
Rich,those idiots who post about the bottom line,making money,and thats business-are like the American car makers who built for profit only-flashy crappy made cars that used old technology for maximum profits..Then the Japanese came and built quality cars,gave what people wanted. And then they took over.
ReplyDeleteAmerican business never learns. Thats what their goal is-always merger and swallow the comp.rather than compete with quality. And in the end, they and listeners lose.
Wish Gene the very best, but KGO desperately needs to regularize it's talk show host rotation. It's a big jumble right now, which is undoubtedly hurting the numbers.
ReplyDeleteI Love Pat Thurston. I think she is provocative and has a beautiful voice. I rarely notice her cutting off guests.. Dr Bill, on the other hand, with his shtick of inviting listeners from all over the great West coast to call in, frequently shuts them up or belittles them. He has no patience unless the questioner is 11.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston is a great addition to KGO and I am so glad she has been subbing for Gene B.
Re: anonymous at 8:35 am. Pat Thurston, stop writing notes about yourself. You're not qualified to pick up Gene's socks and you know it!
ReplyDeleteRich's anonymous sources (probably limited to a single source) within the KGO family turned out to be a NON-CREDIBLE source. There was NO BASIS for speculating that Gene Burns was highly unlikely to return to the microphone,and was imminently announcing his retirement from radio.
ReplyDeleteI wish your blog would be more informational (about how the industry works, what the economic trends are, etc.) than speckled throughout with sensational hype and adolescent gossip about people.
You clearly have a chip on your shoulder against several stations and specific people, and your sardonic venom against them is distressing, mean-spirited, and repetitive.
I LOVE Pat Thurston. It's been great not having to wake myself up in the middle of the night on weekends to listen to her! I wish Gene a speedy recovery, but meanwhile, I'm enjoying Pat nightly!
ReplyDeleteI way miss Gene Burns and hope he is able to return to KGO but think that all the fine food and alcohol may have taken a toll! It would be miserable for him to do "Dining Around" if he can no longer enjoy a rich diet and great wine. I agree with many that Pat Thurston is a bore - not very cerebral and doesn't engage persons with differing opinions. DON'T GIVE "DR. BILL" ANY MORE AIR TIME - get rid of him altogether - he is a FOSSIL.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston is not Gene Burns - Gene, please come back!
ReplyDeleteI wish Gene Burns was back. Pat Thurston is too reactionary and emotional. he's no Gene Burns, that's for sure. I wish KGO would post Gene's health status each week. is he getting better? Did he have a stroke?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Karel will be back, but sure hope he won't overdo with his Gay issues!
dr Bill Wattenburg does turn off callers who he does not agree with... And yes, he'll give time to the very young callers... Sometimes, too much time!
I am saddened to hear of Gene Burns illness.When he was in Boston and a Libertarian at the time, I listened to him daily.
ReplyDeleteHe is truly the master of talk radio.
Get well Gene.Boston will never forget you.
i miss gene something terrible. on the other hand, i refuse to listen to that witch pat thurston. what hot mess she is. boring. no thought skills whatsoever, and a complete and utter waste. go away pat.
ReplyDeleteI worked with Gene at WKIS in Orlando back in 1974-75. He is one of the best people I have ever worked with in radio and had a huge following here in Central Florida.
ReplyDelete