Mike & the Mad Dog Reunite For Benefit

Fans have been clamoring for a Mike Francesa and Chris Russo reunion almost since the day they broke up seven years ago. On March 30, they finally will get their wish.

Francesa and Russo announced during a joint, commercial-free, 40-minute appearance on WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM and SiriusXM Satellite Radio Thursday that “Mike and the Mad Dog” will reunite for a one-time-only fundraising show at Radio City Music Hall.


Proceeds will go to The Garden of Dreams Foundation, which benefits programs and charities that help children facing various obstacles, including physical and financial.

Francesa and Russo, who were partners on WFAN for 19 years before breaking up when Russo left for SiriusXM, said they were approached by Madison Square Garden officials, including executive chairman James Dolan, and agreed to do the show together.


Francesa said the tickets would start at $50 and include more expensive options with perks such as a meet-and-greet with the stars. Although tickets are not yet on sale, Francesa said fans could reserve them at RadioCity.com/gardenofdreams. Shortly thereafter, that site crashed, presumably from volume. Minutes after the announcement the term “Mike and the Mad Dog” was trending nationally on Twitter.

Francesa said the Garden would handle all expenses associated with the event, allowing 100 percent of proceeds to benefit the foundation. He said the show would run up to 2 ½ hours without a break and feature big-name guests that are yet to be announced.

“No Rockettes,” Francesa said, adding he and Russo would “take over the famed Radio City Music Hall for the entire night – the whole building, it’s ours.”

Newsday reports Francesa said he and Russo got permission from both of their companies to work together and from CBS Radio to use the name of the old show. He said they would make several joint appearances in the coming months – both on the radio and in person – to promote the event.