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February 11, 2012
 
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Is it time for Dick Clark to hang up the microphone?

by Joel Keller, posted Jan 1st 2007 5:46PM

Ryan Seacrest and Dick ClarkI know this almost seems like a yearly event now, but let's just get it out of the way: how many of you watched New Year's Rockin' Eve 2007 out of sheer morbid curiosity over how much Dick Clark has improved since last year's broadcast? Remember, the only public appearance he made in between the two New Year's Eve broadcasts was when he was honored at the Grammys Emmys, and he only seemed in slightly better shape then.

So, how'd he fare this year? A little better: his voice was a little more understandable and he didn't lose his breath as much. He seemed to be able to move, albeit deliberately. But, like last year, the more he spoke, the less you could understand him, and the more it seemed like he was behind the action that was going on in Times Square (especially on the countdown to midnight).

This begs the question, then: Is it time for ol' Dick to finally hang up the microphone?

Don't get me wrong; I applaud his efforts in getting in front of the camera both last year and this year. He's purposely stayed out of the public eye for the most part just so he had the strength to do what I would imagine is his favorite show of the year, even if its only for a symbolic few minutes. At this point, Ryan Seacrest is doing all the hosting dirty work that Dick did for so many years, including standing outside with those gigantic headphones on, interviewing the mayor of New York, introducing bands, etc.

But for a guy whose on-air trademark, as Alan Sepinwall put it, was his "smoothness," hearing him struggle on the air like that was really painful. And, I'd imagine that, given what we know about how stroke victims improve, his speech and movement isn't going to get remarkably better than what it is now (think about Kirk Douglas, and you'll get what I'm saying).

So, what do you think Dick should do? This is his party, his favorite show, and he is a comforting presence every New Year's Eve. Even if he's diminished, he seems to be enjoying himself, so why the hell not have him there? Or is his presence hampering the show? Should he just turn things over to Seacrest at this point and just produce the show? Like Sepinwall, I'm torn. How 'bout you? Let me know in the comments.

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31 Comments

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OddsMkr711

I've said this once, and I'll say it again: I respect Dick Clark for putting himself out there in spite of his physical handicap more than anything he did the past 40/50 years. MBesides(no disrespect toward anybody, I just wanted to ask), I was wondering how many of you complained when Jerry Lewis hosted the last couple of MDA telethons in the bloated shape he was in during those times? That was a tougher job than ringing in the New Year, but what do I know?

January 04 2007 at 3:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rick

Dick should be allowed to continue for as long as he can! But yes, it should be a cameo for the countdown . . someone just needs to keep him "in check" with the clock!

January 03 2007 at 6:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Fran

Dick Clark did more for the music industry than anyone else in the business. If he wants to do the New Year's special, God bless him for making the effort. He has more talent in his little pinky than all the young people today. He is a pioneer, and American Bandstand was a one-of-a-kind show that can never be replaced. MTV and VH1 would not exist, if it weren't for the likes of Dick Clark. God bless you, Dick, and thanks for the memories.

January 02 2007 at 3:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
D. Mac Farlane

Someone above said that Dick should retire gracefully, and I would gladly 2nd the motion. It seems to me that the station just can't seem to be able to find anybody else willing to make a fool out of themselves on New Years Eve. My gracious, there are thousands of people standing out in the cold in Times Square doing it. My parents did it once back in the 30s and my mother never forgave my dad for ruining THAT particular New Years Eve. She remembered every detail, the traffic, the parking, the restroom facilities (or lack of), the ride home, the stop by the cop - - yeah all that. And that was back in the 30's when I'm sure it wasn't as bad as it is today.

Like I said, she never missed making him remember their "WORST" New Years Eve. All they really need to do is put a clock on the tv screen, give you a five minute bell, so you can get a drink, and then show the ball drop at Midnight. I think the rest of us can find some other way to entertain ourselves before and after that. After all, Guy Lombardo finally gave it up.

January 02 2007 at 3:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
J-Sim

The problem is that the story has become Dick Clark and not New Year's Eve. Just like a news reporter should report the news and not be the news, Dick needs to hang it up or I'm switching channels.

January 02 2007 at 3:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dtt

With Dick or no Dick it would be hard to get into the show with all of the commercials. It seemed like we got 2 or 3 minutes of what was going on in NYC, and then 5 minutes of commercials.

January 02 2007 at 12:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lizbeth

I admit I was a bit uncomfortable watching Dick Clark in his present condition. But I got over it. The man still looks great and I bet his mind is still sharp. We can't just sweep people with disabilities into closets. Maybe with more exposure, these things wouldn't make us cringe so much. I for one hope Dick keeps rockin New Years until the next millennium.

January 02 2007 at 10:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mixnmatch4

Carson was an absolute BORE! Like watching, and listening, to paint dry. I don't see what talent got him that job. His late night show is just as bad. Ryan is a preppy. Dick spoke too fast. I guess he gets excited, and his slurring get away from him.
I hope Dick stays with it. He's a smart enough man to see what his problem is and fix what's possible. He made the show what it is, he should keep the faith, the rest of his days. But send Carson and Ryan packing...

January 02 2007 at 9:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Suz

I look forward to seeing Mr. Clark yearly. He and New Years go hand in hand in my book. As for Seacrest...the jury is still out. I do not see how it would hurt the show but Mr. Clark will know when it is time to just do a cameo. He has my admiration...I do not know if I would be strong enough to perform in his altered condition. God Bless.

January 02 2007 at 8:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cathy

i say, if he still enjoys doing it, more power to him! i admire him for making the effort. as for all of you who won't watch because it's 'too painful' for you...isn't that kind of a selfish attitude? if you've enjoyed his work in the past, isn't that all the more reason to give him the respect he deserves now, and continue to watch him? i'll watch dick clark as long as he wants to do the show, even if it does mean putting up with ryan-the-douche...hmmm...that seems to be the one point everbody agrees on-lol!

January 02 2007 at 6:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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