Nelson's Last Tape - July 3, 1989

Nelson Sullilvan departed earth a few hours after making this video. Video by Nelson Sullivan; edited by Steve Lafreniere for an exhibit at the Gavin Brown Enterprise in New York City in the early 2000s

[@microwaveamerican]

RIP Nelson Sullivan, I wonder what he would think, knowing complete strangers from all over the world would be watching his videos 28 years later.

[@ernestov1777]

He would be really proud.

[@ChillWaters]

NightSoldier 81 for real.

[@drea6131]

microwave american Probably very happy. If this was filmed now, he seems like he would have a KZbin channel of his own.

[@NemoNebulous]

He would be so pleased I imagine. He was a vlogger ahead of his time.

[@smufinstuff]

That's crazy when think about it

[@sanderskennedy]

He's an OG vlogger

[@beansandproblems]

sanders kennedy the*

[@moondancer3157]

sanders kennedy ??? Old gay?

[@nemesisut8793]

Damn where is his Delorean??

[@jjjjjjjjjli]

original gangsta

[@siqu7071]

was*

[@jackpasternak7586]

“its july the third, and it’s the last day i’m gonna have, not to be running” hit me kinda hard

[@qcitymusicgroup1]

Same, I think he knew. They say when death is near you can feel it. The vibe, the way he talks, the way he records everybody else it’s like he’s taking it all in.

[@xaviernoelavila3260]

Right when I read this he said it

[@misscyanic2484]

Poor Blackout 😔 he must've missed his friend so much. I hope he went with someone he liked & who loved him. 💔

[@Taylorirenaxo]

@@misscyanic2484 Rupaul took care of blackout after nelson died

[@teijaflink2226]

Subconsciously maybe he knew something was up. Makes me happy to hear that Rupaul took care his dog.

[@ninosawbrzostowiecki1892]

The way this is filmed looks like he is saying goodbye, eerie.

[@diazjd93]

2:48 “the last day I’m going to have “ :/

[@ninosawbrzostowiecki1892]

@@diazjd93 I mean even if that wasn't in the video, the whole atmosphere of the video is just eerie

[@rebello3973]

I do think he knew on some level that the end was near. So sad.

[@TheBest6431]

Tall T.S.S i think sometimes u just know

[@Hallahanify]

@Tall T.S.S perhaps it was suicide and his family/friends said he died of a heart attack to save him the shame?

[@richardoneill4306]

At least he died after having a great day with his dog and surrounded by friends

[@lorenzo2011ist]

I was thinking the same!

[@eroupopper]

How did he die? I'm just curious

[@Gford912]

eroupopper he died from a heart attack at 41

[@calebmanuel17]

Gigi Balfour what y how’s at happen

[@tediousdancing3676]

It warmed my heart seeing this video, hearing him talk about having a great day and how beautiful it is and how they're "happy dogs" with Blackout, knowing he'd be dead not long after. I mean we truly have evidence that his last moments were quite amazing.

[@anthonyiuculano6002]

Nelson Sullivan died exactly 35 years ago today. I wonder what his soul thinks knowing that people are watching his videos all these years later. I'm grateful to him for having given us a unique view of New York as it once looked.

[@mikeygee16]

I'm glad to know his last day was spent with good friends, good food, his pup, his camera and a last look at his beautiful city. These videos have captured a very interesting time in history. RIP Nelson.

[@xcele]

Michael Gonzalez you from Chicago too!?

[@garbage854]

Me too :)

[@ericchristian6710]

Michael Gonzalez the time is interesting to you because you are young I presume? If you were around ball them you know there wasn't much difference between then and now other than the better technology we have, but it was the same as now otherwise.

[@ericchristian6710]

x.cele I am, wanna hang out? Lol

[@mexicanspiderman335]

They Still Live Poor dude died of a heart attack, apparently.

[@michaelknight4099]

NYC in the 80's.. We won't see anything like it ever again. At least we have these awesome videos!

[@sharpies_yt]

Michael Knight 90s...

[@davidhokmin]

If Nelson died July 4 1989, how was this New York in the 90's?

[@facesbysusanna]

EXACTLY AND IT WAS GOOD!!!!!! NOT LIKE NOW WITH ALL THE TRASHY ELITES RUNNING EVERYONE AND BUILDING ON EVERYTHING OUTTA TOWN!!!!!!!

[@catplayingapiano2799]

@@facesbysusanna ikr, it was only on janury the first 1990 that capitalism was invented

[@datavalisofficial8730]

@@catplayingapiano2799 omg loved it

[@Specter1065]

This guy was born for KZbin!

[@DenpaKei]

@UpSideДown too bad he died the night this was made

[@kaosick8125]

@@sethmp333 no it was the night this was made look it up rupaul said it himself

[@culoverde96]

he reincarnated in to dennis daily

[@redadamearth]

No, just born for his time. Anyone who had VHS cameras at the time videotaped exactly like this. It's just that most people either lost the tapes over the years or if they still have them, we just never had them digitized. Anyone who had a VHS camera in the 80s was doing this, basically, almost every day.

[@kellyv6075]

"the sun's almost down, it'll almost be July the 4th"

[@Banggeek]

Creepy

[@blacktiktokofficialah3691]

I’m telling y’all this man was a time traveler

[@blacktiktokofficialah3691]

Albert Fish right!! It’s a lot of unknown things on this earth.

[@harrymonk6]

@@blacktiktokofficialah3691 and hardy none of them have been discovered

[@ARTYISSUES]

this makes me think its a planned death , fake death like some celebs do

[@jwellzee]

I was lucky to be visiting his neighborhood last year during the 4th of July, 2019. Being 30 years since his death, I laid some flowers of remembrance early 4th of July morning beside the doorstep of what used to be his home, which is now an art gallery. I’ve watched most of his video recordings, and felt that laying some flowers beside his doorstep was the best way i could thank him for recording so much unedited footage of past life in NYC. Thank you, Nelson, for your dedication and Rest In Peace

[@Triadii]

😭

[@simonacland9028]

I've only just discovered this man today, also being from Australia I'm extra intrigued. His videos are truly sacred

[@jenniferharrell6603]

Crazy at 2:50 he said that he it’s July 3 & it was his last day....pause...not to be running. Weird, a slight foreshadowing maybe 🤔.

[@MiloGornerDJextraordinaire]

Jennifer Harrell he had AIDS he probs new he was gonna die

[@jenniferharrell6603]

milo gorner True. He seemed to live life to the fullest.

[@qwerty6801]

Its so weird to see such a modern form of vlogging done in the 80s. This guy was 25+ years ahead of his time.

[@briankelly9347]

Othet people did this

[@ilovethemoonlight]

ikr!

[@skyjuiceification]

30 YEARS was not that long ago.

[@ndgnatoo6677]

@@skyjuiceification sorry but it is 😅

[@eg3730]

Utube was 15 years away. E. ❤ Nelson

[@rebellefleur435]

2:47 - "i don't feel like running today, it's July the 3rd and it's the last day I'm gonna have." OH MY!!

[@gmidd3902]

Rebelle Fleur What did he mean by his last day to not run when he said it,that's crazy.

[@thewaywardpoet]

I caught that as well, and knowing that he died the very next day, it gave me an eerie feeling. It was almost as if he knew...

[@gmidd3902]

I got that vibe or He knew without his physical knowing yet.

[@NXSProductions]

+William Byron - That's the truth. Nelson had quit his job working at the music shop (he was a classically-trained pianist) and all the talk about "not having to run around anymore" was a comment made in regard to it being his last day of taking it easy as there was plenty of running he had left to do thanks to his new public access show. While even I notice the fatigue and can tell that he was sluggish and slightly off kilter in his physical demeanor and presence in this video, him mentioning that he was going to miss Christina, was going to be interviewing all of his friends and showing all the glamorous nightlife that the city had to offer, ect, I think to him, he simply felt tired and sluggish. Like you said, people like to romanticize his death with the events that they perceive in this video, but Nelson had no plans (at least at the point of recording this video) to not be around. He was excited for the future and unfortunately, never got to fully realize his vision and it's a damned shame. On the flip side, though, these videos he recorded have made him more famous in death than he was in life, and that's saying something, because everyone who was anyone in the NY club scene knew who Nelson was.

[@Bobby8451]

NXS Productions Best comment I've read here.

[@DustinBBaker1906]

That was his last sunset. What a moment! I loved that he loved his life; his house; his friends; his vines at the door; his dog; and his dinner. I could tell something was up because he was sweeting and breathing heaving when he went into the house. 32 years later and you still have fans.

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

His house is still there, and so is the vine he planted. It's now one of the most expensive and trendy neighborhoods in the city. I can't even imagine what he'd think if he saw it.

[@linebosman3466]

EVOCATEUR omg this comment made me cry

[@lena9724]

Which neighborhood is this?

[@jerseydevil1995]

@@lena9724 West Village/Meatpacking District in Manhattan, NY

[@stoned.n.ruthless1452]

That's cool to hear about he seemed cool definately ahead of his time with his vlogging videos

[@ritarewards]

@Nice Person Helluva lot more than $1M. That's prime real estate nowadays.

[@mascottie]

He was the original vlogger. Everyone is doing it now but he was 35 years ahead of them. I really enjoy his videos. They really capture life in those times.

[@SaiyanStrong]

+mascottie He was ahead of the times.

[@Bobby8451]

mascottie Just so happened to come across his videos and yes he's way ahead of his time. He's the original vlogger. He started it all. Hate that he passed.

[@shook1589]

Bobby8451 me too

[@TrudyPatootie]

What a beautiful soul.. I love his southern drawl.. I would have loved to have had him for a friend. His Camcorder went everywhere with him.

[@Skaterbun]

mascottie all videos today focus more on the individual and are rather vacuous and narcissistic. these videos capture friends and local life as if you were really there now,it's so sad he died after this was made.

[@lukeweeks]

Even if he knew if was his final day on earth, I don’t think he’d do anything differently. What a legend.

[@liberalbias4462]

He would've went to a hospital.

[@redlady8296]

@@liberalbias4462yeah I thought the same thing. If had known he would definitely of went to the hospital. You can tell Nelson Sullivan absolutely loved life and lived it to the fullest

[@Daniel_Rodrigues_89]

​@@liberalbias4462 The comment obviously meant that if he knew this would be his last day, he would still do the same because he did what he loved. It was not mentioned that he would know what would take him away so he could do something about it. Not sure if people in YT comments are just very autistic or just dumb moodkillers. Whatever.

[@ElectricHyenas]

2:56 "It's July the 3rd and it's the last day I'm going to have... not to be running." After binge-watching a ton of his videos and becoming invested in his life, that sentence hit pretty hard. RIP.

[@jennytaylor4165]

Agree! Addictive, aren't they. It's a shame in a way that one of the people in his closer circle didn't run withe baton, as it were, and continue documenting daily life in the aftermath of his demise, and beyond. It must have been so distressing to his friends, though, so i suppose everyone was too sad and shocked to think of it. When the curtain falls on the last video, you feel you want to know what happened next. What happened to his pets, his apartment, his friends.

[@royalextra84]

* 2:46

[@commenter7893]

I wonder if he ended his life

[@citizen1163]

Well said, Electric. Very nice sentiment.

[@ivilloadz539]

commenter78 he knew he gonna die

[@mitchg7809]

What a perfect last day to be alive

[@Allegra_G]

True. *

[@janesbriggs4406]

@@Allegra_G 1989

[@pauliecopez2683]

Agreed

[@LakotaCat]

I hope Nelson knows that thousands of people around the world (3 decades later) are loving his vidoes of the 1980s in NYC. What a treasure!!! Thank you Nelson (and the people how kept his films safe and put them online)!!!

[@ALB6969]

He won't, there's no life after death

[@enginethatcould5257]

He doesn't know... he's dead

[@SaltyFrank1990]

@@enginethatcould5257 If it's a figure of speech I'm alright with the statement.

[@enginethatcould5257]

@@SaltyFrank1990 oh

[@HOODKINGSofficial]

I think it be fitting if Wikipedia acknowledged Nelson as the very first vlogger, he truly deserves that accolade

[@ethansocratescampbell8382]

Definetly

[@ethansocratescampbell8382]

Definetly

[@daedralord1]

But he wasn’t. Many did it before him

[@williebeemin22]

Whether they acknowledge it or not, it’s nice that many of us believe it true for sure.

[@peetapahka6484]

Gilbert Arcinega beat him to it

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

Poignant that Blackout was the last shot of this amazing viewing of a bygone era. Blackout was a stray puppy that came up to Nelson during the infamous blackout of 1977, they were inseparable until Nelson's passing. RuPaul, Larry T, Lahoma all took care of him until he died a year later. Nelson indirectly succeeded he made this series for an audience. Glad he was surrounded by friends in his last hours.

[@Tornado1994]

Nelson checked himself in a Hospital later that night. And died the following day.

[@harrymonk6]

@@Tornado1994 proof?

[@teeshark6584]

RIP Nelson, cant wait to see your vlogs in heaven brother.

[@harrymonk6]

@@teeshark6584 KZbin is banned in heaven bud

[@a.j.fisher813]

How interesting. I did not know that was how he got the nane Blackout or how he ended up with the sweet dog. So odd to think i was in utero while that blackout occured. And in NYC no less.

[@Antigolfgirl15]

“To me they seem so sweet and normal” he was such a beautiful person

[@mochas9249]

He was. ❤️

[@blondieluvs21]

He seemed like such a genuine person. It's crazy that he filmed his last day alive and it seemed like such a calming, relaxing day for him.

[@raphaelrodriguez1856]

2:47 wtf that’s truly some scary stuff. The way he said it, it’s like he subconsciously knew.

[@jujustyles288]

He did know

[@ARTYISSUES]

maybe it was a fake death

[@xviiluciferiivx9217]

Duuude that's a damn coincidence if u tell me 🤔🤔

[@nickychops5875]

What happened??? I noticed he said that I was wondering what he meant I just started watching him a little while ago

[@gabriellar7531]

what the fuck that actually scared the fuck out of me

[@soul_in_balance6923]

He would be 72 now but died at the young age of 41. With his videos he was a pioneer. His videos are time capsules, and he will be forever young. R. I. P.

[@aryan2687]

I'm sad he died that night but this video is really beautiful. A nice peaceful walk around the neighborhood with Blackout followed by a bbq with good friends, kind of a perfect way for Nelson to sped his final day on earth. RIP

[@uziixyz]

Andrew Ryan how did he die

[@ap4702]

George heart attack

[@gregno9432]

That night ??? July 3??

[@WhiteOut-]

@@gregno9432 theres a whole Wikipedia page dedicated to Nelson

[@audrey-lynnisabel6024]

Gregorio Heredia early morning July 4 so maybe that night

[@IntergalacticSpaceKitten]

We need a documentary on Nelson. There isn't one yet is there? More people need to see his work. I'm sure everyone would appreciate this video time capsule of 80s New York City life. I'm sure Ru and everyone appreciate that they got to spend his last day with him.

[@GGeronimoo]

Sadly , owner of this Channel (Dick) died in 2018

[@JordEmery]

@@GGeronimoo NO WAY ?!!!!!! :(

[@deborahcookston9373]

Please someone do a documentary on him. Sorry to hear Dick passed away dang.

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

He at least should have been mentioned in Party Monster

[@greenapplelane]

I almost hope not- because then these amazing videos might have to come off KZbin

[@laca7676]

Gosh today is 2020 4th July ... and I am watching this accidentaly

[@Theupstateidiots]

It's no accident. Nelson brought you here

[@exotic_rich9798]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@sav-]

And I watching this Jan 4th...6 months after you. Weird. RIP

[@lookinass2332]

This dude was a KZbinr before KZbin existed. Rest In Peace.

[@lookinass2332]

@[h3] Podcast Highlights and his sexuality matters because..??

[@Stevexupen]

@@lookinass2332 lol what did h3 podcast highlights said

[@Charlesbjtown]

Even without video stabilization, his filming game was and still is lightyears better than many today. And props to him for being able to hold that 50 pound camera with one hand for so long.

[@primozanton6264]

8mm cameras are pretty light actually

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

It was probably only 4 or 5 pounds. But yeah agreed otherwise.

[@applejellypucci]

His first camera gave him a hernia.

[@cmoore1369]

My guy had hernia surgery from carrying those rocket launcher recorders. This video isn't long enough.. the day wasn't long enough for Nelson either 😢🖤💐

[@natnatluv]

The cameras we're not that heavy back then and it's actually easier to stabilize a big object than a little one. But yeah he is good especially when walking

[@brdwyev]

Damn it’s crazy to think this was the last time he picked up the camera.

[@spunkhead]

no it's not crazy....we will all meet our demise...one day......

[@Lonesomepoet]

@@spunkhead I think he said that considering his last day was filmed and we get to see it.

[@BigLee93]

@@Lonesomepoet It was his last day of running but he said it in a spooky way paused at "my last day..." 😮

[@chloex7211]

He definitely looked exhausted and sick that day! He also looked like he was a little concerned/worried about something! It was like he somewhat knew his end was near! Poor guy, he was a gentle soul! 🥺

[@skyjuiceification]

His friend Christina has just died.

[@eduardoherrer664]

@@skyjuiceification thinking about it, I just realized he prolly died from sadness besides the HA

[@jasonpeters9716]

@@skyjuiceification is that same Christina he mentions b4 the ride bus to WASHINGTON?

[@Sol-Cutta]

​@@jasonpeters9716yes

[@rob162100]

I think he didn't know

[@kingpayan8925]

I'm pretty sure people thought it was pointless and weird taping everything then but now it's a work of art and it captured how life was back in the day. Being 22 and seeing this footage only makes me wonder even more how life was back then. Damn New York when it was still affordable to live there but also assuming it was very dangerous as well...

[@zyxwut321]

It was a hellhole. That's why it was so affordable, even in now choice downtown areas that only multi-millionaires could ever hope to afford. That's why it was such a cultural laboratory from the early 60s through the mid 90s. In the early 1960s most middle class and above residents had fled to the suburbs, or at least the outer boroughs, and by the mid 1990s most of New York was turning around, cleaning up and being taken over by multi-national conglomerations led by shysters like Trump. That 35 year period between 1960 and 1995 was both New York's best and worst period in its history at the same time. It's something that can never be replicated again.

[@allenellsworth5799]

zyxwut321 there was a reason they were so down in the dumps.

[@GeekBoy03]

I visited in 1986, and one thing I remember most is all the abandoned, and stripped down cars which had been burned out. Just like in the movie Escape from New York.hah

[@lynnlynn9124]

I'd go once a month for a weekend in the late 80s and had a blast! Yea, a big male prostitute broke my windshield for snapping a pic, but nothing else bad ever happened and I always walked or used the subway. We'd shop all day and club all night.

[@GeekBoy03]

I think the turnaround for NYC was an event for something which would draw millions of visitors to the city to an ongoing event. I was thinking it was the statue of Liberty restoration weekend event in 1986, but that was much too soon.

[@princesssarah9757]

"In the afternoon people would come and write poetry and read books and meditate. It was really really beautiful." 😊😊

[@Olivia-wz9by]

The last scene with him and his dog...breaks my heart. What an awful discovery awaited them in the morning.

[@JW-ty4zf]

I'm tearing up after seeing that last shot with him and Blackout

[@thelegendz5789]

Yeah..

[@sarahknight6627]

Legend has it you can see Nelson's ghost at the pier walking his dog and vlogging.

[@harrymonk6]

I heard about that

[@spunkhead]

he did say he loved that place...

[@rossdemarco1206]

1980s dude Yes we all did I posted another comment on this page of how great it was I lived on Leroy and St. Luke’s place in the mid-70s into the early mid 80s then I I went to Ireland for a couple of years and live there by the time you get out I came back it was way out of control I’m appreciative that I was able to experience it in those times where it wasn’t a kings ransom to pay monthly rent my area there Was all artists & Italian .

[@linnycrocus6023]

If that's true I'd love to hang out with them.

[@coejbee]

Crazy how with all the changes that neighborhood has seen, Nelsons vine is still growing up that building today.

[@TAGMedia7]

What a beautiful sentiment.

[@kz1000ps]

Makes me really really happy :)

[@chadmiller7876]

42floors.com/us/ny/new-york/5-9th-ave. yep its still there! Its out of season in pic so its brown.

[@lisadoyle2284]

"It's the last day I'm gonna have........not to be running" - Nelson

[@laurenoneil]

"It's July the third, and it's the last day I'm gonna have not to run." Gets me every time...

[@pookiebear631]

I know my heart hit my stomach when he said that. I mean did he know and thats why he said that?? That one sentence has caught my attention.

[@harrymonk6]

Really he should of said its his last day to run

[@sog7516]

Little Foot nah his not brih

[@ColdSid]

@@pookiebear631 if you notice from his videos in the early 80s to 1989 his health declined and he looked more and more tired and sluggish.. I don’t think he knew he was gonna die specifically the next day but I certainly think he knew his time was coming

[@Tornado1994]

@@ColdSid Nelson had Stage 1 AIDS and Rheumatic Fever. He checked himself in a Hospital that night and died in his sleep.

[@cameronblond2016]

I've watched this video several times and it touches me every time. Firstly, I don't believe he knew he was going to die. I just don't get that vibe. But what I did notice is that he is struggling with his breathing and doesn't look well.

[@spunkhead]

youre quite perceptive....

[@dylanblongworth]

Well bro it was July in New York in 89... probably hot. And also looked like he walked a while to get from that pier back to his neighborhood.

[@Taricus]

@@dylanblongworth His face was also flushed. Sweating and heavy breathing and a flushed face are all signs of a heart attack. They can last for hours before the person even knows something is wrong. They really only happen suddenly in the movies.

[@KennyWankpot]

@@Taricus dunno, check out Vijayan Mash

[@Taricus]

@@KennyWankpot my uncle's heart attack was quick. A lot of them aren't though. my grandpa had a slower one. Symptoms can start out pretty mild and grow over time. it just depends.

[@ronniemas1]

You can tell something was off when he came back from that walk. It's like the life was sucked out of him. So tragic. These videos have been amazing. I'm so glad I got to view these.

[@spacewurm]

Nelson had on/off depression. Actually typical for him as witnessed by family and friends. He could have high spirits one minute and in the mental gutter the next. In relation to his mental health, mamy have baselessly speculated he died by suicide. Nelson most likely died from genetic heart failure.

[@PrimeNavigator]

The way he said certain things in this video almost makes you think he knew he didn't have much longer. Very poignant.

[@cuttski]

Yes , the way he said about not having to run anymore!

[@ayoutubeaccount2003]

stfu

[@yeshuaischrist9951]

a youtube account 🙏

[@ThcBanaman]

Nah man fuck Jesus

[@konuka_ame]

God has arrived

[@alexisrodriguez9031]

7:28 that yawn is 30 years old and still contagious

[@Tjclue5]

Alexis Rodriguez yep yawned right after him lol

[@rebello3973]

@@Tjclue5 Lol...me too.

[@scepticaldrax387]

7:27

[@lukaCOOKIE]

I just yawned the second I read your comment.

[@Eyesofwrathvox]

...ok I totally just did that haha

[@AdrianHernandez-df1zq]

R I P Nelson… today is 33 years since you’ve been gone… but never forgotten.

[@ThisisDanBell]

RIP TRAILBLAZER

[@pekwiwhsj]

Rip

[@thiccolasbeaterson5382]

Wow, didn’t expect to find you here. Keep up the amazing content! R.I.P. Nelson indeed

[@BigLee93]

didn't know you was a fan of Nelson's vlogs, Dan! 🙂 And keep up the great content. Loving the quality 👌

[@redcomic619]

Hey I watch your hotel videos. What’s up man.

[@Free_Samples]

Dan, you are also a trailblazer my friend. You started an internet revolution that will also live on.

[@MissAmazanda]

Death is a weird thing when you think about it, I've seen people walking around and talking that looked like there was nothing wrong with them and then hours later they were gone. A guy I know personally told me he had a headache one day and I didn't think anything about it then he died later that night from it because it was actually an anyerusm he was having

[@Saffron-es2vg]

I'm sorry for your friend

[@rapman5363]

asian dude it’s a burst blood vessel. It can be in the brain, also the abdomen has a huge aortic vessel than can rupture too.

[@niqiki1356]

my uncle was on the spectrum. he felt tired and wanted to lie down. my grandmother went to fix him some food. she came back and he was gone. heart failure. happened this may... he was one of my best friends.

[@creative8569]

niqiki sorry to hear that :(

[@tonystrucking9577]

@@RadiuI i dont mean to scare you but you can still die even when your healthy

[@TheCheeseandChips]

I came across Nelson when his McDonalds in 1989 video popped up on my YT feed. Since then I have gone on to watch many more of his videos and feel close to him and blackout. I admit I balled my eyes out watching this one - I wonder what he would have gone on to achieved and experienced if he had continued to live. I also cried for blackout lol, I could imagine how sad he must had been when Nelson passed as it was clear that Nelson loved blackout. Thank you though Nelson for introducing me to this whole new world before I was even born. It gives you an appreciation for your life and the time you have when you are reminded that life went on before you were born and will Continue to do so long after you are gone. Thank you to Dick also for keeping these videos safe and sharing them with us. I hope you both, along with blackout rest in peace.

[@dangerous8333]

That's the same video that started it for me.

[@landonthompson-tschimperle2385]

Me too. The McDonalds video was recommended to me a few years ago. I found his videos so relaxing and charming I’m not sure why.

[@humptydumpty333]

Same one recommended to me last week as i just discovered who this guy was and now haven’t been able to stop watching his videos

[@ZechsMerquise73]

Same.

[@LighthouseLover1989]

The McDonald's video was my first time gett- ing to know the exciting and eccentric world of John Nelson Sullivan. May he be resting eternally with our Lord and Savior. What an incredibly interesting man that he was. 🥺

[@MerynCadell]

"It's July 3 and it's the last day I'm going to have... not to be running." It's odd and kind of eerie. Maybe he somehow knew more than he told the camera. I just know I'm so, so thankful for his prescience. When someone is so far ahead of the curve that their little dot on the chart, they sometimes get overlooked or even forgotten. Nelson was a vlog pioneer, two decades before the term even existed. I am so grateful that this channel exists. Thanks so much to the people who have done the work to make these tapes available on youtube!!

[@alexziggyful]

MerynCadell I agree! Nelson capturing a little bit of history, you get to really feel this little niche of NYC. This is the first time in history that regular people began vlogging their life. You really get a sense of those times, more than anything anyone could write. And again thank you for uploading Nelson's work!

[@theladywinifredchannel880]

I have enjoyed time traveling with Nelson for more than two years now. I live in NYC myself, and I have taken these videos with me (on my iPhone) to literally follow in his footsteps, to see the locations as they exist today. His home stands empty right now, but, from what the neighborhood folk have told me, it was converted into a restaurant over a decade ago. Then that restaurant closed. I so wish that 5 Ninth Avenue (with its still thriving vines!) could be used as a drag museum. Or a museum specifically for his videos. I love how Nelson saw his neighborhood and the square as beautiful. I wonder, with all of the gentrification, upscale shops and restaurants, and gorgeous planters everywhere, if he would still consider this square as beautiful. Somehow, I doubt it. I think Nelson had the singular gift (a necessary one, too, for any true lover of the city) of seeing the beauty within this city's flaws. To the person(s) who post these, thank you. These videos are priceless...and I have spent many, many hours already watching and rewatching them. One final question: Does anyone know where Blackout ended up after Nelson died? Who cared for him?

[@patrickcameron2950]

The LADY WINIFRED Channel Following his steps with a phone is such a great idea. I'm definitely going to try this the next time I'm in NYC. I love Nelson's videos.

[@alexziggyful]

The LADY WINIFRED Channel I Google earth everything, since I live no where near NYC. But if I get the chance, I will definitely leave some flowers on the steps of iconic halfway house of Nelson's. If only Florent was still open! I often wondered about Blackout too. Nelson had so many friends, I know Blackout must have ended up in a good home.

[@yappurr]

The LADY WINIFRED Channel the owners of this channel have posted on another video....that Lahoma and Larry Tee continued to live in Nelson's house after his death, and that RuPaul moved into the first floor, and together, they all took care of Blackout, until he died a few years after Nelson. i'm envious of you, that you have walked in Nelson's paths where all of these videos were shot. it's on my bucket list to someday do the same. thanks for sharing your story.

[@yappurr]

i have a request to the wonderful Lady.....if you decide to again retrace Nelson's steps, ....perhaps you could video tape yourself doing so.....so the rest of us who may never get to NYC could see those places as they are now?

[@alianbaba9330]

It would be awesome if you combine your footage and Nelson’s in one video. Nice ! I bet you enjoyed that walking. I’m from Iraq and I never lived in New York yet I enjoy Nilssons videos so much

[@Lovely_1One]

He’s so heartbroken over his friend Christina…..so heartbroken. His eyes are so sad, the loving way he speaks of his friend….he was truly heartbroken, probably depressed and looking for any sign of happiness he could clutch on to. Rest in peace. 💐

[@linebosman3466]

He was sweating very badly at the end, he wasn’t feeling well for sure.

[@atamagashock]

Yeah, I noticed the difference from the start to the end. He looked perfectly fine in the beginning of this video, and by the end he was very pale and sweaty. Very similar to what I noticed in my father, leading up to his heart attack. As much as a month before 7/4/19 I said you him, you dont look right. He’s very stubborn and ignored me. Well while surfing on the morning of July 4th around 630am he had a heart attack. Luckily he survived it, but had 3 blocked arteries, so he is very fortunate to have survived.

[@OMG_BeCkY]

It was July 3rd in NYC. Humid AF.

[@greenapplelane]

Idk It is July 3rd and summers in nyc are hot and humid. There are times you feel the thickness of the air. But, the yawning is what I found odd. It is also one of the telltale signs, but generally ignored.

[@getting-on-my-nirvana]

i was just noticing the sweat too:( i felt my heart break cause he was kinda short of breath too😭 i think the walk was too much for him:,(

[@daybands1]

degaussher can someone lmk

[@jeyDsixx18]

When my grandmother died of a heart related illness my uncle said something I will never forget...he said her heart didn’t give out on her, she just used it up with the immense amount of love she had for everyone esp her family...I hazard a guess that nelson used his all up in his short 41 years...rip to a man beyond his time

[@joeyscerbo7776]

jaeD sixx66 I am so sorry, Rest In Peace to the beautiful woman that is your grandmother!

[@jlow477]

What was Nelson’s heart condition ?

[@brucewebb1114]

Well said jaeD

[@LaFlaneuse0]

​@@jlow477Genetic. His grandfather died from a sudden heart attack at the exact same age.

[@sspsp6545]

They did have a beautiful back yard. There's something so calming yet exciting about it, like you could be on a beautiful English garden one minute, and then onto the busy New York streets the next.

[@ZeitgeistGaming69]

The first vlogger ever and he will never know...

[@dallinlaw1605]

Oh he does

[@anh7807]

He definitely knew he had something special. Even quit his job to work on it full time. He was doing a reality show.

[@theshyguy4932]

He's not the first vlogger ever

[@minecraftroblox4441]

@@theshyguy4932 Still one of the pioneers of vlogging imo

[@theshyguy4932]

@@minecraftroblox4441 I never said he wasn't but there were people who vlogged before him.

[@pagetaylor6694]

he embodied new york in that time, and yet he was still so southern and sweet. RIP Nelson. i love seeing these videos.

[@ajom2184]

A friend of mine in Queens once said...real New Yorkers aren't from NY. People like Nelson knew the City like no other.

[@vivaxvivace]

"new york is so cynical, bill. do you think they'd be able to handle me walking around talking to my camera like this? i think they can handle it but they cant hide their disgust, a lot of them." oh baby dont worry we are all doing what you were doing back then 🥲

[@brindamarie]

"Its july 3rd and it's the last day I'm going to have "...

[@harrymonk6]

Not to be running....

[@spol]

Freaky

[@ryanmurphy8787]

What could he have meant by that??? Almost as if he knew he was going to die

[@Alice-jz9hw]

Ryan Murphy He probably knew, you can tell he isn’t feeling well. He probably knew or at least thought this may be his last day

[@user-qx8vo8dz2w]

4:22 is also creepy

[@LightningJanitorial]

I find this guy fascinating. As others stated, he really was ahead of his time in that nobody was really doing this kind of stuff back then. If you watch a lot of his videos, every once in awhile Nelson talks about how some people are so weirded out when they see him doing his thing. I love that he didn't care, and continued to do what made him happy. I took a lot of enjoyment in watching the one video where you see someone holding a camera and shooting HIM walking around. As odd as it seems to say this about a guy holding a camera and filming himself, he seemed almost graceful and dancer like in how he did it lol. As a guy who grew up in those days, despite being heterosexual and not knowing what a rave is, I appreciate his culture, and what the guy found interesting to shoot. Most importantly, he seemed like a really nice person. R.I.P. Nelson, I hope you're annoying everyone in heaven with your camcorder. Keep the footage on ice for the rest of us to watch someday dude.

[@konuka_ame]

LightningJanitorial plot twist heaven isn't real

[@JonBoy967]

Agreed completely. ^ Also wow dude you're really cool and edgy xd lol

[@fightkiller]

Son Goku I guess you would know because you visited the other world a few times already.

[@konuka_ame]

Look dude. The day u see a talking snake is the day I will change my beliefs *drops mic*

[@fightkiller]

Son Goku you were killed by piccolo and sacrificed yourself to save the earth from cell. You’ve been to the other world before. You’ve seen it for yourself

[@lydiarodgers]

i can’t even imagine being bill, ru, or bunny on that day. knowing you hung out with your dear friend just 12 hours before and had such a nice time. such a normal, ordinary day. and then he was gone. rest in peace nelson. thanks for sharing 1980s new york with us

[@ssarryo]

Wow, 40 or 41 is still a young age to die from a heart attack. Nelson looked like he was in good shape too. Strange.

[@alexziggyful]

ssarryo Might have been something he was born with, and then burning his candle at both ends might have brought his death sooner. They did party for days on end. LOL

[@williambyron884]

+alexziggyful I like Nelson and I respect his work and am grateful for it but it was a cocaine overdose, plain and simple. And I am sad to say that but he died from acute cocaine intake.

[@ssarryo]

Lord Byron Woah, really? How do you know?

[@williambyron884]

+ssarryo Common knowledge if you're familiar with Nelson's story and the people associated in his life and even Musto has referenced it in public twice, once jokingly. He was with an escort snorting and granted, a heart attack resulted from it, but the cause was cocaine.

[@ssarryo]

Lord Byron Wow, it's kinda hard to believe. I never pegged Nelson as a cocaine user. He seems so mellow in his videos.

[@rayboydstun1626]

I have a big heart for Nelson even though I never met him. Blackout was cool. I admire people like Nelson that can make a good life for himself and for others. I was 20 when he passed away and I was so lost. I'm 50 now and I'm still so lost. These films he made are treasures.

[@sean2kk8]

I hope you're alright.

[@rayboydstun1626]

@@sean2kk8 Thank you very much. I'm just taking it step by step like many of us. I hope you're great. Good luck!

[@sean2kk8]

@@rayboydstun1626 and to you! Take care.

[@tefllife2024]

I'm 45 and still kinda lost.

[@rayboydstun1626]

@@tefllife2024 Good luck to you.

[@myheartisinjapan3184]

This still gets to me every time I watch it. RIP Nelson. Gone too soon.

[@mjreikiriot3302]

What a beautiful, gentle being. Crying. He's making the universe fab still.

[@tekno.3576]

Ghost Immaculate ..he does ghost....I would have loved to meet him....even tho i was only ten when he pass3d....Someone should do a documentary on his life.

[@melissaonorati3458]

Tekno .357 yeah I hope somebody does a documentary about his life

[@mckenziebragg5340]

I didn’t even know that was Rupaul in the backyard with him on his last night on earth . RIP ❤️ I wish more people would see these videos

[@hannam2922]

WAIT IT WAS??? SEE SHE GOT THE EXACT SMILE AS RUPAUL i knew it. that’s wild. ru has not aged not one bit!

[@staceytroffer8287]

hannalien RU is in just about all of Nelson’s videos. It’s amazing to watch.

[@ENigma-um8zw]

They will :)

[@joshuatexas]

I knew it was him the entire time. ❤

[@marsh443]

💞 OMG poor dear sweet soul, he looked so exhausted. RIP sweet spirit; it' 2023 u r still missed & never to be forgotten🍂

[@unfluster]

He did seem very low-energy in this video.

[@Messiisthebest724]

It’s probably because his body is slowly giving up on him

[@Okbroski]

He was apart of the nyc 1980’s underground club scene. I’m sure he wasn’t the only one to bite the dust w the shit they did

[@Tornado1994]

@@Okbroski He had been clean and sober since 1984. He also wasn't promiscuous and didn't go sleep with every twink out there. Nelson got AIDS from Heroin use in the 70s and Early 80s.

[@harrymonk6]

Aids for ya

[@brkitdwn]

@@Tornado1994 Yeah, probably so, and HIV was present, and I'm sure he did have sex. He looks as though he had HIV. Combined with poor diet, and other ailments, it's very likely it was too stressful for his heart.

[@iMelanin]

Just goes to show you never know when it’s your time to go, life is precious, and we shouldn’t take it for granted. I adore Nelson, I just found his channel, but my first impression were how genuine, loving, and free-spirited he seemed. “It’s going to be my last day.. not running.” God is definitely real, and I hope he’s at peace in paradise with his adorable Blackout. 💕🙏🏾

[@dallinlaw1605]

I think he’s on the other side glad we watch and adore his videos

[@slaydog5102]

Life is not precious at all cope

[@TaliaIGhul]

He was in good spirits that day. He talked about how beautiful everything was. He seemed happy and in a good place in life. Let's hope we all have a good one on our last day like he did.

[@10draperful]

What about having a good one today instead; it's all we have

[@alextoronto1]

it is sad to watch the video knowing that he would die some hours later. I am very touched about his videos and how life was interesting in NYC back in the day. Nelson was a visionary and he would be famous in this current era of KZbin video bloggers. RIP Nelson thank you for the interesting video collection.

[@mrjackieflaws]

Alex Garcia I

[@studywithjosh5109]

Kinda seems like he’s slowly leaving this world

[@abyz1467]

i think he’s having a heart attack during this whole video. so out of breath, sweating, flushed. he knew things weren’t right. :-/

[@KayInMaine]

Yes! I agree. Yawning is the body's way of bringing in more oxygen. His heart wasn't pumping well. Sweating too.

[@kevsDVDS]

i agree as well how he wasn't in the mood to run he didn't look that great and also the yawning and sweating

[@leonardonelson9852]

chuck aule Are you stupid? This was 1989, not 1346.... of course people knew the signs of a heart attack.

[@icedcoffee6461]

Yes see it too he looks pale

[@kevsDVDS]

@@leonardonelson9852 lol harsh but u have a point he's maybe a young kid 1989 would seem like a long time ago to them.

[@iAmAlexRafael]

that vine is still there today! selena filmed a music video on his corner in 1994 too

[@tekno.3576]

Alex Esparra ...where exactly was his place located?

[@stewseth123]

Tekno .357 5 9the avenue

[@tekno.3576]

Stew Seth thank u....i love watchin nelsons videos.The fact that he was doing this in the early eighties is cool.

[@stewseth123]

Tekno .357 right I get lost for hours watching these videos

[@ktothec24]

Really? Interesting

[@evelixity]

8:09 When he said "July 4th 1989" that creeped me out

[@harrymonk6]

Why

[@yuritorres6582]

evelixity FACTS

[@yuritorres6582]

Harry Monk cuz he died the very next day

[@janelily7337]

Sometimes I wonder if he knew he was going to die..he sounded out of breath and kept mentioning the date and that it’ll be his last day, etc.

[@TruckerShawn]

Was that Ru Paul?

[@KayInMaine]

Weird that he's yawning and tired. That could have been a sign that his heart wasn't pumping enough oxygen through the blood. Very sad.

[@5674inCincy]

He yawned a lot in his videos. It is a symptom of heart diseases. Of course sometimes it could’ve been from exhaustion.

[@ALB6969]

He had aids. Kaposi sarcoma lesions on his face

[@vikingsong2068]

It is possible that he could have had HIV/AIDS but died of a heart attack. While I do agree that he clearly does have lesions on his face in some of his videos he was no where near as thin as someone who is in the last stages of AIDS and his death was recorded as being from a heart attack.

[@BMarie774]

I have breathing problems and when I experience dyspnea, I yawn A LOT. The doctor explained it as “aid hunger” and said the main reason people yawn when not getting enough oxygen is because it forces in a deeper, fuller breaths, and can also help oxygenate blood. So it could’ve been that he wasn’t getting enough oxygen for sure. Which is definitely a sign of heart conditions.

[@smatchimo645]

Um hello 2:46 why is no one talking about this

[@arturocas90]

My eyes watered at the end. Considering I was born the year after he died and right now I'm not near his age on these videos it is hard for me to understand the feel of some of events, places, lifestyle during this era. I am utterly fascinated by this entire collection of videos back when I did not exist and makes me wonder what it felt like to be there. Added to that, I haven't had the chance to go to NYC so all these images fascinate even more...this was their everyday life and it fascinates me! RIP Nelson

[@arturocas90]

Mexico City

[@sexymodelboy]

arturocas90 you are not near his age lol

[@shanedaniel7]

Nice comment!

[@TheColeTruth]

NYC is definitely not as exciting or edgy as it was seen here

[@urischic1668]

sexymodelboy He said that...

[@Shade571]

8:48 Lucky Bastard His last meal was a Burger At least on his last day he got a Burger and a brilliant view from the pier

[@bigmass4792]

Ironically that burger might be the cause or at least the catalyst of his death

[@shawnruby7011]

It was definitely the drugs man

[@wzelo5680]

Shawn Ruby he died of a heart attack because he had heart problems sense he was a kid.

[@justisem9673]

@@wzelo5680 yup 💔

[@JackDunford]

I find Nelson's video's so incredible. We're watching a world that no longer exists from all corners of the world on devices which would be inconceivable at the time, and yet no one is documenting their lives like he did. I feel for him, I feel for Blackout, and I can't express how much I am grateful to look into his life. Thank you for sharing this, thank you RuPaul for sharing updates on what occurred and thank you Nelson for documenting a world you knew to a world you never saw.

[@anthonydavid5121]

I love this, what a post. Tissues please.

[@samikay9599]

I'm glad his friends took care of his pets after he passed to the very end. It's traumatizing for animals to suddenly lose their person but it is even more traumatizing to lose everything and to have to start over.

[@slaydog5102]

This world still exists humans haven't changed

[@slaydog5102]

​@@samikay9599dog's bond with anything that gives them food

[@dillonk3555]

Watching these videos is almost eerie. I stumbled on these a few months ago while searching for rupaul. I have no idea who this man was, but I'am thankful for his vlogs from the past. Makes me wonder about all the people that have died. What they would have become and what they would think of the world now.

[@strnglhld]

I agree with you. I wonder what became of all these people and I look them up online to find out.

[@candycane520]

+Dillon K You could say Nelson Sullivan was Rupaul's mentor.

[@deniselouisjuste559]

I'm glad somebody noticed the RuPaul was there and that they were friends

[@tylerloflin794]

Today July 4h, 2019 is the 30th anniversary of Nelson's death. I recently discovered Nelson's videos and became so very intrigue with them. It's is so wonderful going back in time to the 1980's. What a great decade to be young in. I miss those years so much. Thank you Nelson. I seem I lost a friend today. RIP Nelson.

[@glitcher32]

If he lived he would of probably "vlogged" to this day, from the rest of 1989 to present day.

[@jeepgirl9592]

Life is precious and he was obviously reflecting as he looked off the peer.

[@slaydog5102]

Precious how?

[@HereBeBarr]

The empty streets remind me of NYC COVID-19.

[@elgeneralxx]

@Владимир Путин no

[@elgeneralxx]

@Владимир Путин go back to rusia and poop yo pants

[@512foe]

Nami sah your big gay

[@elgeneralxx]

@@512foeno. go poop yo pants to

[@512foe]

Nami sah no you

[@LIXO88]

He smiles from beyond with these videos as his legacy for us all to enjoy.

[@karenlucci2154]

I feel like he knew the end was near. RIP Nelson.

[@fabiano1970]

Here on july 3, 2023,just to remember and honor you, Nelson. You are not forgotten !

[@jlehonda1]

Does he even know how legendary these videos are?? The way he talks and connects to us is like 2018.

[@damiank7374]

Rip

[@harrymonk6]

What u talking about

[@ivilloadz539]

Dggfysejh Gfhbfy of course he knows I mean he is dead 💀

[@jellieman1]

I'm disappointed he's not mentioned in the history of vlogging on it's Wikipedia page, I suppose they have to be uploaded to the net to be counted as a "vlog". Still worth making a note of I'd think.

[@brkitdwn]

You can update it

[@sosophisticatedyt109]

Vlogging is video logging so I don't think it'd matter if it was uploaded to the net or not.

[@CephalopodsRock]

So much foreshadowing symbolism in this video. He keeps mentioning that tomorrow is July fourth, the day of his death. He mentions that he is going to miss his friend, they watch the sun set together, like the sun is setting on his life. Everything he says has to do thematically with letting go and things ending. Life is better written than movies sometimes. Rest in peace Nelson

[@trist2850]

I think you know it in some way when your time is over.My grandma made a same Statement like him and she died a day later.

[@kingkong4720]

Tris T Same about my grandfather.

[@aliciae8457]

creepy

[@HannahNoelle2158]

Which statement?

[@JMRabil675]

yah its an intuition

[@Lilapurple111]

HannahNoelle2158 he said this is his last day that he can not run anymore. And he said he will miss his friends. And the way how he was so emotional about his house and blackout.

[@cedfan1]

Everything is beautiful Nelson, especially you. You were a pioneer. A man years ahead of your time. Every video posted here I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned from. A proud New Yorker, and it showed. A great friend, and it showed. You left us way too soon. At least we have this prolific collection to revisit again and again. Which is what I intend to do. = )

[@savannahdean9585]

I’m happy to have found Nelson on KZbin. He looked not totally well in this final video. I wish he could’ve lived a very long life. He was quite the interesting, intelligent guy. I’m sorry to all that loved him & feel his loss.

[@markalexander5392]

Thank you Nelson for capturing the beauty that was you enjoying New York.

[@JodysMidtownMadness]

Nelson Sullivan..........I aspire to love life like you! You are my HERO!

[@craigcook1580]

Nelson your memory lives on in your amazing artistic video diaries of the fabulous 1970s & 1980s New York City and I hope your looking down on New York City and admiring your famous friends who made the long hard road to stardom. I miss you and your friends not living life in NYC and you making films about there lifes through your video diaries, you left such a cool legacy behind you and everyone who is artistic love your films. Peace & Love from Craig - London - UK. Xx.

[@VeganRebelLove]

I've only just discovered Nelson and his beautiful dog Blackout yesterday morning. Been binge watching his amazing videos. This last video of his really brought tears to my eyes and gave me shivers too. Like many have said it seems so much as if Nelson knew it would be his last day. What a soft, sensitive and gentle person. Kindness and courtesy seemed to pour from Nelson. I'm intrigued so much. It's as if Nelson saw the future with nearly EVERYTHING he was doing. I was a 17yr old girl in 1989. I love looking back at a time that seems so far away and yet so current in all that Nelson filmed. Also the 4th Of July has a sad memory for me in the fact my Dad passed away on that day but in 2011. One of the worst days of my life. Watching Nelson's last day with friends and with his beloved Blackout is so heart warming. A sweet person I'm so happy I got to know existed ❤💛💚💙💜

[@jamesfox6909]

This was a beautiful video. A nice walk with his dog and friend, then a bbq with close friends. It was a wonderful day. Ru & Bunny & Nelson were such a close group. I hope one day to find my chosen family. RIP Nelson. You were a visionary and so many of us thank you for sharing yours and your friends lives with everyone.

[@5674inCincy]

I like when they spoke about annoyed people when he is talking to his camera. Imagine Nelson’s social media if he could’ve stayed with us. 💔

[@Skaterbun]

all of his videos are captured in what looks like a peaceful more innocent time before life sped up from tech and the internet, they will go down in history as pieces of artistic visualization a true time machine.

[@trevizolga]

This is a truly beautiful video.... the pier, sunset, his streets and Blackout. He loved that dog. God bless Nelson for capturing NYC in the years he did. It will never be that way again. He was ahead of his time.