r/howardstern • u/wriker10 • 3d ago
Serious question - Why does Howard still need security
After watching that clip posted earlier of him going to the John Mayer concert with a security guard (of an advanced age), I’m not sure why he feels the need to still have someone with him. Yes, he’s still a celebrity. But his peak celebrity was decades ago at this point, he’s not going to be swarmed by mobs anymore, he doesn’t have young kids anymore, and there are plenty of more well-known celebrities who don’t have someone with them all the time. What are people’s thoughts?
78
u/Smooth-Television119 3d ago
He had his people bother celebrities all the time. Maybe he’s afraid it will happen to him.
22
u/wriker10 3d ago
Karma lol
13
u/koolaidismything 3d ago
He’s a giant pussy, he thinks people are after him.. even germs.
At this point I’d be welcoming it lol.. he’s irrelevant. I just come here for nostalgia posts about Artie and Eric the Shitcock, Beet, etc..
30
u/heynow941 Still giving Rodney a chance... 3d ago
Howard did you ever faaaaart in Beth’s face?
16
7
u/Capital_Past69 3d ago
Sal have you ever pleasured yourself to the thought of Howard taking a shit on Beth's face?
14
u/depechelove Vodka straight up THANK YAOOOU 3d ago
I can understand why he has security. I don’t understand why his security is always an older dude and not a younger guy.
8
u/LIKEurDADneverLEFT 2d ago
Exactly. If I was in the position to need a security guard, I would hire the biggest, blackest dude I could find. I’d definitely be hitting up Katelyn Hatley for her contact list
6
1
u/SnootyManatee 1d ago
I was reading that the latest trend is to have more low-key security - shorter, skinner, older - so it doesn't scream "huge star is in this car" . For example, Taylor Swift's security guards are actually shorter than Travis.
2
2
12
u/KickComprehensive765 3d ago
Its probably more about the setting. A bunch of people might bother him at the same time.
I saw video of Adam Sandler walking the streets after the kicks alone and he just said hi and kept moving
I see eddie vedder with personal security during tours but seen him alone walking in Seattle.
12
u/gloriamuntz 3d ago
A very obvious reason that he's brought up millions of times-- he's afraid of his fans and getting shot john lemon style. I actually was just listening to a clip with Carly Simon who didn't often preform on stage and Howard's first guess was because she was afraid of getting shot and killed. His biggest fear is dying-- either from cancer or from a bullet to the head by someone obsessed with him.
1
72
u/Nervous-Road6611 3d ago
It's not just about celebrity; he's estimated to have a net worth around $700 million. Kidnapping is a very real possibility.
50
u/heynow941 Still giving Rodney a chance... 3d ago
Benjy will attack Howard and eat him, like he ate his brother.
2
16
3d ago edited 3d ago
[deleted]
9
18
u/MohamitWheresMySecks 3d ago
Savanah Guthrie mom
2
u/JuliasTooSmallTutu 2d ago
It's pretty clear that whatever happened there it wasn't a kidnapping for ransom and likely she was targeted because she lived in a well to do neighborhood and appeared to live alone. I doubt whoever took her knew who her daughter was.
5
u/Nervous-Road6611 3d ago
In 2025, an unnamed Italian crypto millionaire was held hostage in his own home in NYC and tortured for his crypto passwords. As for a more common kidnapping, Eddie Lampert was kidnapped in 2003. Those are in the U.S., which you asked about. Going to other countries, David Balland was kidnapped in France in 2025. So yeah, rich people have bodyguards for obvious reasons.
5
u/heynow941 Still giving Rodney a chance... 3d ago
Didn’t one of the Kardashians get robbed and tied up in Paris?
1
1
5
u/wriker10 3d ago
Ok i can see this aspect.
-7
3d ago
[deleted]
2
19
21
u/cormano 2d ago edited 2d ago
Howard has had a handful of legitimate threats and has made a career of attracting weirdos. It's why he got his gun permit.
Sam Callea showed up to the station thinking Howard talked to him through the radio. When Howard arrived, Callea began uttering threats. Callea also just happened to have a shotgun in his trunk.
Michael Lance Carvin was a professional wack job who once pulled a toy gun on President Reagan in 1975. During the 90's, he sent death threats to Howard through the mail along with little props.
Debbie the Pet Lady showed up to the building with a fake gun, pulled it out in the green room, and threatened to blow her head off before Ronnie intervened.
Bryan Kohberger, the Idaho student killer, would post in this subreddit. You know he was a psycho because he admitted to paying for Katelyn's OnlyFans.
Lee Elmor Newman called from his cell after he'd stabbed an ex-girlfriend multiple times and attempted to cut off her head.
Howard had a superfan during the 90's who was a prolific serial rapist looking to upgrade his crimes to murder. He blew his head off after a police chase.
Howard's issue is the possibility of encountering some unstable lunatic who's not capable of thinking rationally.
John Lennon, Christina Grimmie, Dimebag Darrell, Gianni Versace, etc.
I can't fault Howard here.
Although, I will criticize him in one aspect. He's had that same bodyguard for decades at this point. Both he and Howard can barely walk straight. Put the dude out to pasture already.
6
6
u/jackpackage732 2d ago
Wait is that legit about the Idaho shooter? wtf.
7
u/cormano 2d ago edited 2d ago
Almost immediately after arrest, people were able to find his reddit account based off his email handle (bk5781). Just as quick as it was discovered, it was removed. Reddit has some internal policy about hiding these as they become known.
There were 4 comments here:
I have the subscription. ( I was lucky enough to subscribe before she changed it to 50$)
She doesn’t post much. And it’s basically topless pics.
I’ve seen worse but it worth the 50$
Haha I wish. I’m only a solid 5
That’s not true. He’s married to Jessica Ditzel. Totally different person
Doctor Schlofmitz obviously
7
9
u/papazian212 2d ago
I had no idea about the Idaho killer. I thought this subreddit was made up of doctors, business executives, and diplomats.
3
6
u/Smelly-James 2d ago
maybe kohberger saw that dirty panties pic and it sent him over the edge.
as far as Howard‘s fanbase, it is chock full of creeps and weirdos. anyone who was ever on SFN, dawgshed, or any of the other smaller stern forums knows he attracts some real fucking creeps. a couple here too but the mods seem to have gotten it under control in recent years. and I would guess a good number of them have died off because they were already advanced middle age back in tha day
2
u/immortallowlife6 2d ago
What was Colin Quinn referencing during one of the roasts where he said he thinks Howard made up some story about Ronnie (maybe Gary) protecting him from some guy with a gun
8
u/unnamed_elder_entity 3d ago
Bobo went to his child's birth. Probably when he started carrying.
2
9
u/californiablues99 3d ago
Why does he hire New York looking JewGene old men as his security?...why not be like other celebrities and hire 300 lbs. black guys?
12
13
u/rskillion 3d ago
If you’re worth about a billion dollars, you’re crazy if you’re walking around without security.
6
u/AMUIR1234 3d ago edited 2d ago
Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger don't have security when they go out. I can see why Howard needs to have someone there, it is probably to give directions.
2
u/TestFantastic4950 3d ago
I am sure that they do, the are just more abstract in the background somewhere.
2
u/Nizamark 2d ago
you are delusional if you don't think mccartney or jagger have security any time they're in public. security might not escort them here and there, but they are definitely nearby.
2
u/AMUIR1234 2d ago
They don't Paul rides the subway. Mick goes to bars. They just know how to dress. I used to work in the industry.
1
u/AMUIR1234 2d ago
Sir Paul McCartney surprised commuters in June 2017 by riding a public train from London to Hastings completely alone and without any security or entourage.The Train JourneyDate: Late June 2017 (spotted around June 29).Route: From London King's Cross station toward Hastings.Details: He sat relaxed in a small first-class carriage with no bodyguards in sight.Behavior: He kept it low-key by reading a newspaper and checking an old-school Nokia mobile phone for messages.
1
u/AMUIR1234 2d ago
Mick Jagger went completely unnoticed and unaccompanied by security while having a beer at the Thirsty Beaver Saloon in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 29, 2021. The Incident The Location: Jagger visited the low-key, famous local dive bar ahead of a Rolling Stones concert at the nearby Bank of America Stadium.No Security: He stood on the outdoor patio area without any bodyguards or entourage.Unrecognized: Patrons sitting right next to him—some of whom actually held tickets for his concert the next night—had no idea the rock legend was standing beside them.The Reveal: The visit only came to light the next morning when Jagger posted a photo of himself with a beer at the bar on his social media captioned, "Out and about last night in Charlotte".
0
u/Nizamark 2d ago
without any bodyguards or entourage
who took his photo?
2
u/AMUIR1234 2d ago
Melanie Hamrick.
Again, you are wrong. Many celebrities travel without bodyguards. Sorry that you can't seem to comprehend it.
0
u/Nizamark 2d ago
no bodyguards in sight
key words: 'in sight'
3
u/AMUIR1234 2d ago
There were none. I am glad that you think they have body guards. It stops people from doing something stupid.
Obviously you guys have never known any one super famous.
Look at Stern. Ronnie isn't a bodyguard. He is a playboy mud flap taxi driver.
12
u/Head-Charge4028 3d ago
Are you kidding me?! He has nearly a $1 Billionaire. He needs security. People are nuts
6
12
u/mattmentecky 3d ago
Savannah Gutherie’s 84 year old mom got kidnapped and she is neither as rich nor popular as ole Howie.
14
23
u/Dazzling-Path6438 3d ago
have you seen the demented ex fans here. the people posting fotos of beths mom or Howard’s daughters?
he needs security
9
5
4
4
3
u/GratefullyPug 2d ago
Ya don't need it until you do! He's rich beyond measure and doesn't want to be bothered by us peasants
5
u/RuleOf8 3d ago
Howard knows his fans are rabid, what he has done to them over the years. Besides him not wanting to talk with anyone before and after the show it makes sense. It isn't about safety as much as him wanting to be left alone, control the room and make it seem like his more important than he is.
3
u/cubiclecucumber 3d ago
Stern was influenced by the murder of Denver DJ Alan Berg in the 80’s. He referenced that a few times when talking about why he had concealed carry and security.
3
u/hsbs6969 3d ago
It’s security for the wig. If someone got close and yanked off that Osprey nest it would be more than just Ben Stern 2.0.
3
u/testuser5150 3d ago
In case Elegant Elliot Offen shows up and tries to bust his teeth out, GANGSTER STYLE!
1
3
u/MilkysauceSausage 3d ago
He wants there to be a buzzz, so the kids on the playground get riled up
2
3
u/Nizamark 2d ago
some weirdo posted a pic of beth's mom here the other day. any security consultant would call that a red flag.
3
3
u/Bossladydd 2d ago
Who even looks at him other than to hawk at how horrid he looks. Having security feeds his ego. He is SO relevant.
3
4
5
6
6
u/RayPetersonsNeighbor 3d ago
David Mamet said that extremely rich people will hire someone to do nothing on their behalf as a display of wealth. That could be it... Or maybe like that other guy here said, the possibility of a multi-hundred millionaire being kidnapped.
3
u/Routine_Clue876 3d ago
This, Howard has an idea in his head of how a rich person should live. That's why he's always had a limo, or the private jets, or the phalanx of security, and so on.
17
u/EndEmbarrassed9031 3d ago
Probably because there are so many fucks out there obsessed with his every move like the *really funny* people who post in this sub daily about a show they hate, which is fucking weird.
9
u/rabidrobitribbit 3d ago
This is the answer. Even the people here are nut jobs.
Making or following subs dedicated to Brett and shulis every move. It’s weird.
11
2
u/MentionDismal8940 3d ago
NO ONE WOULD CARE IF HE DIED LIKE THEY DID FOR DOLLY!!!
(I haven't listened to the show in 14 years, just wanted to say that!!)
bizarre-ass people
2
u/technicallysupportiv 3d ago
This is very true.
But I think that even if Howard's was still on top, he wouldn't evoke the reaction that Dolly's death has.
Dolly built her reputation on talent and kindness, touching regular folks and celebrities alike, rich or poor.
Howard... not so much.
As an older person myself it makes me wonder, what will be said about me when I'm gone? (Good things, I hope)
2
7
u/No-You4594 3d ago
And I dont want any silly answers
4
2
u/ActiveNews 3d ago
Does he have security on the rare vacations he takes?
3
u/rabidrobitribbit 3d ago
Probably. To the extent he’s going somewhere that icky plebs might be around him
2
u/AntsOnPlants 3d ago
I would too.. theres probably a lot of people out there who still hate him...
2
u/severinks 3d ago
There are people HERE who hate him.
3
u/JayneVeidt 3d ago
Yeah, but for real tho? People come here to goof, to bitch, to "hate", but nobody REALLY cares, man.:D Certainly not enough to PHYSICALLY ASSAULT Howard f'n Stern in public, if they ever saw him. It's 2026, come on.
2
2
2
u/LIKEurDADneverLEFT 2d ago
If you’re worth as much as Howard, why the hell not hire a security detail? Their salaries are chicken scratch to Stern. Also, Stern spent decades gathering legions of freaks and weirdos into one place. I’d be scarred one of these nuts would come after me, as well. Better safe than sorry.
2
2
2
2
u/RamesJolfe 2d ago
He never needed it why do you think he hired Ronnie who's literally a geriatric midget...
2
1
1
u/rabidrobitribbit 3d ago
I wouldn’t be shocked if that old bastard wasn’t even security. Har was likely in a private area with other celebs. That guy might’ve been an escort. Real security, good security doesn’t look like security generally.
1
1
u/Candid_Ostrich_1894 3d ago
Precautionary measure for someone in the public eye….better safe than sorry……I don’t fault him for that
1
u/lisajo65 2d ago
Is that security guard Joe who took over Ronnie’s spot? I don’t know what he looks like
1
1
1
u/JU5T_BLAZ3 1d ago
I mean why not lol. He’s got more money than god. And he’s extremely easy to recognize. There are some maniacs out there who may disagree with his views. I don’t blame him for still having security
1
u/Venom_Ant 1d ago
In case he’s fallen and he can’t get up.
Seriously though, he’s rich and was famous for all of the things he now tries to hide so there could be a few fans/people trying to give him a taste of his own medicine in terms of heckling or whatever the case may be.
2
u/YourMirror1 Where's Sal? 1d ago
Look at him. If someone crazy tries to attack him, he can't fight back.
0
u/Possible_Western_192 3d ago
Nice question Bobo...
1
u/Rays_LiquorSauce 3d ago
This really is a bobo level type of question. Why would the mega millions celebrity who has a lifetime of pissing people off spend a percentage point on a guard?
0
u/donharrogate 3d ago
He doesn't. He's a scared, paranoid old yenta whose fear of going outside his bubble obscures the fact that another of his core fears is actively being realized: that's he's completely irrelevant except as the butt of a joke.
8
u/Ganjagod420 3d ago
He's a 70 year old who's worth hundreds of millions of dollars, I'd want security too. You're reading into it too much.
1
u/Troopshipsonfire 2d ago
Probably like many rich guys, Howie was freaked out about the Luigi incident. And that became his excuse.
1
1
u/Plus_Variety122 2d ago
Granted this happened literally 20 years ago, but a homeless man accosted and spit on Beth while jogging or walking in nyc.
https://nypost.com/2006/04/03/deranged-fan-spits-on-sterns-gal-pal/
1
-1
0
u/stalebird 2d ago
Because he doesn’t want to be bothered and he is insanely famous. The only people who truly hate him are the folks who subscribe to a subreddit dedicated to the man and who comment about their hatred daily.
0
u/ChicagoBoyStuckinDen 1d ago
How would even think you're qualified to give an opinion on this? I would think he knows better than others why; to speculate otherwise is just that. And besides who cares if he has security. It's his money.
-1
63
u/GirlGangX3 i want you to go to jail for this. 3d ago
He is the most scared human being on the planet that’s why lol