Is Tom Alive Friday
From OAPedia.com
Is Tom Alive Friday was an Opie and Anthony theme day where O&A would check in with Tom from White Plains, a listener with lung problems and who was expected to die soon. If Tom failed to call in, then it would be assumed that he died, either from his condition or from killing himself - something he indicated he would do if he couldn't handle his lung problems anymore.
For a time, the bit became so boring that it was going to be done every other week, but Tom's poor condition made it a weekly bit again. Currently, the bit has fallen by the wayside, but Tom still called in from time to time. It was obvious from his calls that his condition was getting worse and worse.
On June 12, 2008, Tom called O&A and indicated that he was ready to end his life. O&A and Jimmy talked him out of it and asked him to come in the next day, but lawyers for the terrestrial portion of the show indicated they didn't want him on during that part of the show (there was no indication that he was banned from the XM-only part of the show, however). O&A and Jimmy went off on the lawyers, saying they're more interested in saving their own asses from liability than in Tom's well-being. Following the call, Tom was brought to a hospital.
The next day, the New York Daily News website had an article by Richard Huff about the call, where Opie seemed to be given sole credit for saving Tom's life, even though Jimmy seemed to give Tom most of the advice and support during the call. The article even showed a picture of Opie by himself, and the Opie and Anthony sign behind him only showed his name. It also incorrectly referred to Steve C as "program director".
Tom called in on Friday June 20, 2008 a bit after 6:30 and stated that he had spent six days in a psychiatric ward, and was feeling better. He also thanked the boys for cheering him up over the years. He also credited Anthony for making comments that inspired him. Jimmy suggested that perhaps a picture of Jill Nicolini in a low cut blouse may have given him a new thirst for life. The call ended with Tom saying good bye and sounding more upbeat than he had in past calls.
On February 23rd, 2012, during After Opie and Anthony Live, Tom called in surprising everyone including Opie, who was in studio for Sam's show. Tom said that he actually died in cardiac arrest after a Traveling Virus show. He was revived quickly from what he says, and says he seen nothing but darkness in death. He also gave an update on what happened after his suicidal phone call. The update was that 8 to 9 police officers knocked at his door with shields and riot gear after his gun discharged. He was taken away after the incident. As for his health, Tom was told he would have 10 years to live, even though he died technically after he was told this, and says his health is not good, but he sounds better than the day he almost killed himself. Oh, and he never got his MacBook.
As of February 23rd, 2012, Tom is still alive.
External Links
- http://www.istomalive.com/ - Updates on Tom's well-being (link no longer works)
- http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/audio-suicidal-caller-on-opie-anthony-show.html - Story and audio of Tom's June 12 call.
- http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/06/12/2008-06-12_radio_hosts_opie__anthony_talk_listener_.html - Daily News article about Tom's call
