was very close with, died in 2006. Madden is an avid fan of Liverpool F.C as well as classic rock and heavy metal music. His favorite band is UFO, and plays their song "Too Hot to Handle" from their album Lights Out at the beginning of his show, while playing Liverpool's chant at the end of the Pink Floyd song "Fearless" from their album Meddle to close out his show. Madden often watches Liverpool games during his program and gives commentary during his program. More local to Pittsburgh, Madden is also a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, having attended at least one game since their inaugural season, and idolizes Penguins center Mario Lemieux. Late in Lemieux's career, Madden made note of his "repeatedly trying to score directly off faceoffs." He once bet Lemieux $66 that he could not score directly off a draw. Lemieux thought the $66 bet was "cheap," and challenged Madden to a $6,600 bet. Madden accepted, and agreed that all the money would go to the Mario Lemieux Foundation. Lemieux had attempted the shot several times, with the closest effort being a post shot against the Calgary Flames on December 21, 2002. On December 23, 2002, Lemieux lined up against Buffalo Sabres faceoff specialist Chris Gratton. With the Penguins tied 2-2 and Gratton being a left-handed draw, Lemieux used the opportunity to take the shot on net. Lemieux shot the puck as it was dropped, going between Gratton's legs, off defenseman Alexei Zhitnik's skate, and eventually past goaltender Mika Noronen. Lemieux immediately looked to the pressbox, where he knew Madden was watching the game, and raised his arms. Lemieux admitted to trying the shot several times and that it was a tough shot to do without a good bounce. After the goal, Madden said he was planning a telethon to help him raise the $6,600 promised to the Mario Lemieux Foundation. Madden was hospitalized on January 29, 2006 after suffering a heart attack during a dek-hockey tournament in Reading, Pennsylvania. Madden drove himself to a local hospital after feeling nauseated, and had the heart procedure done a day after checking in. He resumed his radio show three days later, although in a different time slot. In October & November 2021, what was originally planned as a quick vacation to Las Vegas turned into 2 1/2 weeks off after Madden tested positive for COVID-19. Madden, who had been