Howard Stern Reacts to Joey Boots’ Death, Promises Tribute in New Year

Friends, colleagues and fans of Boots, 49, took to social media to share thoughts and memories, with fellow Wack Packers like Beetlejuice and celebrities such as Michael Rapaport participating in the outpouring of support.

RIP Joey Boots, thanks for the years of laughs…thoughts go out to the homey @HighPitchEric_…

Boots, whose legal name was Joseph Bassolino, was best known for his catchphrase “Baba Booey,” often shouted during live news broadcasts to the delight of Stern’s loyal fans.

Boots’ body was discovered when fellow Wack Packer High Pitch Erik went to Boots’ apartment when he failed to show up for a podcast, and according to audio of the show obtained by TMZ, persuaded the building manager to let him in when Boots’ didn’t answer the door.