Nelson Sullivan's Death

[@DOOMGENERATION]

I just love the fact that in 2017 there are still people talking about him, that someone would even go to the lengths of making videos on him. Props to you! I'm sure he'd love it and he would love KZbin! I love love love Nelson, his spirit, his persona, his big heart, his attitude and especially his amazing work. I think he's the pioneer of Vlogging. You are right that his videos are hypnotic (once I start I can't stop and I sit here watching them for 12 hrs straight). It truly feels like being sucked right in, transported back to another time. But the fun part about his videos is, that it doesn't seem so far away but like as if it's all just happening now. I think his footage gives the most realistic picture of how NYC was back then. It's like living it, feels like being with him and being his friend, like he's really talking to you and showing you around. Like as if you were facetiming him via smartphone and he walked around with you. His footage is just so natural. He was so ahead of time and I wonder if he was ever aware of what an impact his work would have in the future. Another thing that I love so much about his videos and the people constantly uploading it is, that it feels like he ain't gone, that he's still alive and prosper and with us. Each time I get a notification by 5ninthavenueproject that a new Nelson video is uploaded, I get so excited, it's like Nelson sending me a message, lol. So sad that he has gone so soon, I can only imagine the success he would've had, and what he'd be up to today. But the thought that he might haven't suffered consols me.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thank You, I think Nelson would have loved KZbin, he probably have a very successful channel today, if not his own show on television. It's interesting about how people react to his video's; I agree that they seem almost current because there is a very "live" feeling to his videos and at the same time it's like a window into the past :) I get the same excitement from my 5ninthavenue updates, lol I usually binge watch them for an hour or two at a time. If He was alive today I can only imagine how famous he would be and how much more of his work we would all be able to watch.

[@DOOMGENERATION]

Oh yes, he probably would be a very famous legend today. I also think he would've had quite some successful TV formats and would've had a big lasting impact in the TV world and would've influenced pop culture big time, just like MTV etc did. And today he'd have his own KZbin channel beside his past career. I can totally imagine him having done documentaries or video reports for Vice like 12 years ago (when the magazine was still cool). He'd be like the cool Terry Richardson of film. And who knows, he might have even directed his own film. Yes, that his work was so honest and pure also adds up to the live and "current" feel, I think. I try to tell people about him and pushing his work, because it needs to be seen far more. I sometimes wonder if I should download every video and burn it onto a DVD, because I'm scared that they'll vanish someday. Most of all because the internet will change in the future and someday KZbin might not exist anymore the way we know it. Do you know who exactly is behind uploading them? I hope they keep on going and will live long enough to publish his complete work over the years. Ps. Thanks for hearting and pinning my comment, that's very sweet! Bless you!

[@RetroRoomYT]

That would have been amazing :) I try to get everyone I know to watch his videos too. I believe it's Nelsons childhood friend Dick Richards is the one who runs 5ninthavenueproject. I hope he releases the entirety of Sullivan's video's. I hope they don't vanish from the internet, that would be devastating.

[@DOOMGENERATION]

Wow, the person who does it is so dedicated and must've loved Nelson so much. I think it might be best to download all the videos, just in case. If they ever vanish they can be re-upped in an archive again.

[@SusieSynth]

scalpelli i agree with everything you said and yes I can watch Nelson's videos for hours and watch them over and over again cause there is always something new I didn't notice the first or second time lol

[@MilesAndHeights]

It started off with the McDonalds video and now I’m on this page. Loving the ride though, not complaining. RIP Nelson.

[@beastmode3776]

Same

[@blairman76]

Same

[@avaonlineNOW]

@@blairman76 I wonder why so many people started with the McDonalds video? I've seen this posted on countless videos in the comments section. I guess the point is that Nelson's work is mesmerizing and he has a way of speaking and presenting himself that piques the viewers curiosity.

[@markchristopher2signal2]

I know right

[@EmolgasApple]

@@avaonlineNOW the KZbin algorithm recommended it to many people, including me

[@TheColeTruth]

He was ahead of his time...Gone too soon but what he left behind was magic. Grateful for that.

[@RetroRoomYT]

I agree 100%

[@WolfrCats]

It's so weird seeing the 80s. What a time it was

[@RetroRoomYT]

Yes, I love seeing it in his vids

[@Hi-uv7nn]

I never got to experience the 80s :(

[@DanijeI]

@@Hi-uv7nn I was born in 1989 and I can say the 80s were the best time of my life. From 1990 onwards it continuously went downhill :P

[@Hi-uv7nn]

DaGat I hate people like that lol

[@jahlism]

DaGat you were born in 1989 though

[@lilyblu4577]

His dream came true but even better. His videos have become iconic and bc of him we have a window into the past.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Yes :)

[@Costa998]

Yes 👍❤

[@hardyquinn9442]

True, very true indeed

[@shananagans5]

In one of his videos he says something to the effect of we will all live in an electronic world one day. How right he was. I think he would be amazed and thrilled if he could have known he really would come back in an electronic world 30 years later and his videos would be viewed millions of times. He has touched far more people through KZbin, his electronic world, than he ever could have with a cable show. RIP Nelson, you have a true spot in history and you will never be forgotten.

[@RetroRoomYT]

He literally predicted his own future

[@dangerous8333]

The electronic world started in the '80s.

[@contactjoy4140]

You've brought the dream of Nelson Sullivan to the screens of billions of people..... Thank-you.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thank You CONTACT JOY, but the credit really belongs to Dick Richards who has kept and preserved all of Nelsons Work and shared it with all of us :)

[@hunchoxjjh8519]

He made the real KZbin

[@dawnagiron2192]

YES!🙌⭐💯❤️ THANK YOU.

[@jameshamilton366]

If you’re gay or straight, Nelson’s video blogs where a joy to watch . He was genuinely a wonderful human being. And his cat and dog were adorable.

[@Cassxowary]

Or any other but yess

[@_Miss_Mary]

I'm amazed on how someone I never met could pull at my heart so much. I stumbled on Nelson's videos about 4 years ago. He captivated me and I watched all I could find. It broke my heart when I found out he passed away and so young too. I hope his memory stays strong here on earth. He was truly an angel on earth. He was such a wonderful mind and sweet soul. It just doesn't feel fair he had to go. It pains me to know how many people missed out knowing such an incredible person. He will forever be missed.

[@RetroRoomYT]

I second that, Miss Mary!

[@johnanglin4493]

I am unhappy to see this as I thought he was still alive. Just stumbled onto you and 5ninthavenueproject while looking into Michael Alig. I have been completely dazzled by what he captured. Rest in Peace Mr. Sullivan. Thank you for sharing the info.

[@RetroRoomYT]

I find his footage hypnotic, like being transported back in time almost. He was gone too soon

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

It does make it seem like Nelson is still alive. His house looks the same as it did then.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

Nelson made his tapes for an audience, documenting the 80's knowing it would be seen with nostalgia in the future. He indirectly succeeded. As you know Nelson had a best friend who laid down roots in Atlanta while Nelson went to live in NYC, he quickly secured all of his tapes after his death. I wish Nelson had lived to see how much his work has impacted countless people. Very tragic indeed.

[@RetroRoomYT]

I wish he was here to see how many people love his work, also to shed some light and provide some context for a lot of his videos. He was taken away too soon.

[@kennandersen6815]

I like to think that he knows

[@harrymonk6]

@@kennandersen6815 mate his brown bread

[@blobcity3591]

@@harrymonk6 his friend died , which is why no more videos are uploaded.

[@harrymonk6]

@@blobcity3591 surely somone else must have them? Its a waste of art lol

[@AsperGaming_]

I was born July 3rd, 1989. I love his videos. I have heart issues I'm on my 6th pacemaker and on October I went into cardiac arrest and in Halloween I got my 6th pacemaker put in. I been watching his videos for some time now. I always think I'm him in another life.

[@joeyz5577]

❤️🙏

[@dennybenz5846]

I have watch all of his videos over and over again. Nelson was such a sweet person and so positive all the time. No drama . Just love him. I wish he was alive today.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Me too, He definitely had the likability factor. would have been a great TV host.

[@starmoon1590]

exactly...no drama...I feel like I knew him...just found the videos .can't stop watching...he's one in a billion. ..

[@deborahcookston9373]

I am so glad he had friends hanging out there the day before he died. Amazing how sad one can be about someone being gone and you never met them.

[@DDDD-pv7fw]

I feel the same way.

[@jennytaylor4165]

In India, the belief is held that someone doesn't truly die until everyone that knew them has also passed. I like to think that of Nelson. He's alive in the world every time someone watches a piece of his work, speaks his name or even thinks about him. His work is inspiring, and that is a gift to the world that can never be truly measured, nor it's 'ripple effect' known.

[@luckyducki]

This is a beautiful thought

[@Cassxowary]

Someone doesn’t truly die until they’re done with this physical body, but that’s poetic and beautiful.

[@aviratica6370]

I really love your channel and think Nelson would be happy that so many people love his videos.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thank you, I'll bet he would be thrilled to know the impact he's had.

[@zanzalurspace3161]

RIP Nelson. Never forget him.

[@SusieSynth]

I am still such a huge Nelson fan. I want to see all of his videos. He will be sorely missed forever.

[@jmbent77]

I am happy to see that parts of his videography are available. The work of people like Mr Sullivan are vital in preserving records of the past. There is a depth to this stuff, perhaps the context of an artist struggling to overcome his own mortality. Seriously this is some of the most important material up on KZbin. Best regards.

[@Heramitep]

Great video. I've been watching Nelson's videos for years and find them almost therapeutic. The video you are talking about is extremely sad to watch. I'm from the UK but last week I was in New York and visited 5 9th Avenue. Having watched his content, that's uploaded by his friend Dick Richards, for so long it was pretty emotional actually visiting Nelson's address. I'm still in the States on vacation but will be uploading a video about my visit once I return to the UK. I saw your channel was mentioned on The Peeew and have been meaning to check it out. I've sub'd and look forward to watching your content.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Hi, Thank you for subscribing. I would love to see Nelson's house, I can only Imagine what it must feel like to see it in person. I find his video's to be facinating and i will definatley check out your video once you upload it :) Enjoy the rest of your trip!

[@Heramitep]

Retro Room thank you!

[@jackmedcalf6254]

Thanks for the info. I did not know about his musical side. Just found his tapes here on KZbin. What a remarkable human being he was. What a legacy he left behind.

[@cometjockeydave4041]

It seems that the symptoms of the heart attack were showing themselves hours earlier, but he never thought to go get checked out. Makes it all the more tragic.

[@RetroRoomYT]

I agree, he really looked unwell in his last video :(

[@JustinLHopkins]

Hank Mardukas Nelson didn’t have AIDS. He died of a heart attack in his 40s like many other men have.

[@carmeldipped1]

Justin Hopkins you are correct but he did have AIDS and maybe because of that he didn't recognize the symptoms.

[@cameronhamilton3717]

He looked very unwell in his last video. I suppose it was a different time and people were more unaware of the "warning signs" relating to many medical conditions.

[@Ihatethewaythatyou]

@@JustinLHopkins he had AIDS

[@hardyquinn9442]

I was born the year Nelson passed. Yet, I love him and the era all the same. I ❤ your channel btw, the whole scene captivates me and your journalistic talents aren't too shabby either.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thanks HardyQuinn!

[@ngairehodge8566]

RIP. Thank you Nelson for archiving this wonderful glimpse into your world.

[@craigoz1950]

When he says 'it's my last day...not to run' I think he is referring to his change in career. He had just quit his job a couple of days before to start his own cable show and I think he was trying to enjoy his last day of peace. The fact that he was looking towards his new future indicated that he didn't anticipate death in any way. People are saying that there is evidence he was dying of AIDS, but if that was the case why would he be planning such a thoroughly busy career change? But then so many of those around his had contracted the disease so there is always the possibility. However people pointing out that he was looking emaciated and thin...look back to his first video in 1983...he had always looked that way. And that he was sweating...it was the height of summer. It was just the way he looked. Also small statements such as that he was going to miss his dear friend Christina so much implied that he expected to actually be alive to miss her. I'm fairly confident that Nelson did not expect to die. It has been highlighted by some that his grandfather had died at the age of 41 of a genetic heart condition. If this is true then it is completely plausible that he had also succumb to the same problem. But also...he had just lost one of his best friends Christina, and he was starting a new career that he clearly anticipated to be full on. Both of these things could potentially have elevated his levels of stress, and if he had problems with his heart these things combined could have caused the heart attack. When somebody dies it is fairly common for people to say 'it's as though they knew' but this is only because we re-evaluate the events leading up to the death using the knowledge that they have indeed died, which changes the way in which we process the information. It's tragic. But his videos allow for him to live on and clearly makes it so tangible to us all, because it is clear so many now feel as though they knew him. We're so lucky to have these videos.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Craig Oz, you make some very valid points. His father did die of a heart attack, so it clearly ran in his famiy and he was about to start his dream job as well so it would seem he was activley making plans for the future. I corrispond with alot of people who beleive he may have been aware on some level that he was going to pass. I am not really trying to push one over the other. Because he died in hospital, there was never an autopsy performed, so there's no way for me to prove either way, I guess. But either way, I'm a huge fan of Sullivan and I think he was taken away too soon.

[@everettgarrett4858]

I wasn't aware that he was in the hospital when he did the line of coke off the tool of an underage hustler that made him collapse some1 needs to tell Michael Musto that his story is wrong. His name it's on an AIDS quilt in New York somewhere in a museum now that could just be as an organizer or whatever.

[@Tornado1994]

@@everettgarrett4858 Nice lie. Nelson hadn't used drugs since 1983. And he DID NOT like Coke. He preferred Heroin.

[@wishingwell5954]

All kinds of speculation on the comments for that video. One insinuating there is hemlock in his burger because he points at a burger and says "Is that MY burger?" lol

[@Cassxowary]

No, they meant he was gonna miss her when he wouldn’t be around physically and she would be. We still miss people when it’s time to shed this outfit. And we all know subconsciously when we have to leave this physical body and some know consciously too, especially if it’s close by, and I think he did in this case... agreed otherwise though.

[@Benswinger]

I used to see the Club Kids on tv back in the day and thought they were amusing at first but then kinda dark and creepy. I'm their age and was partying in Houston at the time. Nelson's videos are amazing and the best thing on youtube. I think I would have loved the man. He looked so bad that night on July 3rd. So glad he documented so much and that you're putting it out there.

[@RetroRoomYT]

It's funny that Nelson's personality and demeanor differed so drastically from so many of the people that he was documenting

[@Benswinger]

Nelson's many personalities and his demeanor were so fabulous. I wonder if he'd have found some success with his cable program had he survived that night. I'd of watched it!

[@RetroRoomYT]

Me too, It would have been an awesome show, I bet.

[@subliminalstealthhh]

It’s 2021 and I’ve been watching him for one year, he had no clue decades later he’ll be inspiring generations. I always loved journaling it was my way to express my experience of my soul. But whenever I’m overwhelmed or upset I can’t express a thing, I can’t speak or even write.until yesterday Nelson inspired me to be able to vlog and that way it’s much easier for me to express my experience my truth, since these last 4 years have been overwhelmingly traumatic for me that I could not have done so. Rest easy Nelson

[@MissPerriwinkle]

nelson is on his cloud, with the stars and the moon and the angels of the universe....

[@barbaramalament4496]

Nelson Sullivan was A True Genius. I always enjoy watching his videos. I wish he was still here with us. Thank you for this tribute to Nelson.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thank you for watching Barbara!

[@barbaramalament4496]

@@RetroRoomYT You're Welcome.

[@StacyL.]

2020 and I'm just discovering Nelson Sullivan's work. What a beautiful loving soul he was! For those of us who wasn't part of the Gay/ Drag scene, this is very educational. Nelson didn't make his videos all about him, he made them as a gift to his friends and to give us a peek into his world. It's a gift to us too! Such a beautiful person. I hope his friends still today know how lucky they were to have Nelson in their lives.

[@davidbustamante3816]

I also find Nelson's videos fascinating. When We went to NYC I was looking around in those neighborhoods trying to find places!

[@RetroRoomYT]

I would have done the same thing :)

[@j.4.5.0.n]

R.I.P Nelson your videos help me with my quarantine boredom :)

[@Costa998]

Thanks for this videos. It make me feel good that we are many people together to remember Nelson Sullivan, it's like he is still with us .Greeting from Switzerland 🇨🇭👋❤

[@eBrigid]

Nelson was from my home state, and there is one funny video of him with his proper Southern mother buying clothes in my hometown. We were in NY at the same time but I did not know him, which is such a shame, as there were many of us from South Carolina running around at the time. Now Explosion played in Columbia and I caught them one time when I was home, I kept the flyer, it is hilarious. "More Art Than You Can Swallow." Larry Tee was fronting the band, and RuPaul was...RuPaul. Backstreets in Atlanta was of course the legendary hangout where they performed, and there was a Limelight in Atlanta for a brief time. Then everyone migrated to NY. But I wonder, did Nelson have a heart condition that was unknown to him? I hate to think that today, with so many advances in cardiology, he might have caught it and had a bypass or taken medicine for it. He was just way way too young to go like that. And I totally agree with the commenters below me, he would have gone on to work in television and film, without question. He was actually taping the first reality show, The Real Queens of New York City, if you will. Nelson was like a cross between Andy Warhol and Andy Cohen, and very much ahead of his time. I am soo thankful for the 5Ninth Ave channel. Just being able to see the diners, the Pyramid, so many street scenes, it is like reliving my own youth. R.I.P. Nelson, you dear dear man.

[@RetroRoomYT]

It must have been a fabulous time seeing Now Explosion, love Larry Tee and Rupaul. And you are right about Nelson being gone too soon. I can't help but imagine how successful he would be if he were still around today. I am so thankful for 5ninthave for uploading his video's. Nelson was such a talented man.

[@Sc0pee]

Someone said in some other video that Nelsons dad also passed away young to a heart attack so it's possible.

[@brkitdwn]

Nelson must have kept his health condition very private. Interesting, considering he like to film everything. But, he knew what was going on, I think to some extent, based on what he said the night before he passed. He also didn't look well. Crazy frustrating.

[@samyhannah9563]

2020 and we still talking bout Nelson! xx

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

Beautifully said

[@viniciusborges8252]

2019 still people talking about him!

[@Buyonegettwo]

2020 too!

[@Excludedragon]

2021 as well.

[@zerozeroone4424]

Seeing the 80's from a more personal point of view has really changed the way i view 80's related entertainment and history. Thanks Nelson, for providing me with a window into the past.

[@RetroRoomYT]

:) Nelson was amazing! he was gone too soon.

[@5150GW]

Amazing video. Thank you for teaching me about him and keeping his memory alive. What amazing footage he made and such a kind wonderful wonderful person.

[@geraldineakiko7009]

Love Nelson's vlogs! 😭 It's like he's taking me on trips back in time ❤

[@friendlier]

From the early '90s onward I had seen Nelson's videos shown on an Atlanta public access program called The American Music Show. I lived in Chicago, but knew those who produced the show and they would send me VHS tapes of it from time to time. I moved to New York in 1997 and later became connected with an art gallery there called Gavin Brown's Enterprise. I suggested to them an exhibition of some of Nelson's tapes and was, surprisingly, give the green light. I couldn't believe that so few in New York remembered that he'd produced this astounding body of work only a decade previous. Long story short, I ended up traveling to Atlanta and staying for a week at the home of Dick Richards, Nelson's childhood friend (he's in a number of the videos) and the man who inherited the tapes. Every day I would look through Nelson's log book that listed what was on every tape (he had made it in preparation for doing his projected NYC cable access show) and Dick would go through the archives in the next room to find that tape for me. I would pop it in the VCR (he still had one) and would basically fast forward to anything that caught my eye. In addition, Jayne County was staying at Dick's house at the time. Jayne would make a pot of soup every night, and every day would set up TV trays for she and I to sip soup for lunch while watching the tapes! Jayne was invaluable as she had lived in the East Village at the time and would point out who was who to me. (She's even in a couple of the tapes, most famously in the one where Christina and Nelson go to the Pyramid to see her perform.) I flew back to New York with about 15 of the tapes, which I then edited down to five one-hour compilations. There was a compilation for Tuesdays, one for Wednesdays, and so on, to project on repeat each day of the week at the gallery for a month. The opening party was quite a blast with a number of people from the tapes showing up, including Jon Witherspoon (Lahoma), Michael Musto, Ffflloyd, DJ Dimitri of Deee-Lite, Albert Crudo and Lady Bunny. The entire project of getting the videos out into the world was later taken over by Dick Richards and the inimitable underground archivist Robert Coddington, who you know as 5ninthavenueproject. They even got the tapes placed as full archives at NYU's Fales Library. So happy to have kicked the first ball on this one! For more info on the 2001 exhibition at Gavin Brown's, here's an article about it that was in TimeOut NY at that time: (get rid of the spaces in the URL) bettyjack.com /funtone /nelson /timeout/

[@fueledbymusic3]

Didn't Nelson have several symptoms of his heart attack, that should have called himself to get checked out or was it possibly drug or other way "induced" that caused the sudden heart attack. How was his health habits? any body know? This is because I sometimes feel like my heart "acts up" as in palpitations and often scares the daylights out a me! I'm 47 btw. And I made a load of home movies as well in the late 80s

[@zyxwut321]

It's hard to get solid information about what exactly caused Nelson's heart attack and there are several conflicting reports. The nastiest rumor I've heard involves a "hustler" (male prostitute) and a cocaine overdose. More likely is that he had quietly been in ill health for some time. His grandfather who died suddenly of a heart attack at age 41 as well so it may have been congenital heart disease. Also, there have been reports that he was HIV+ and had recently developed AIDS and it had exacerbated his heart issues. You can see some subtle physical symptoms in the months leading up to his death, though he never talked about it. He was obviously a very private man outside of the films.

[@melissaonorati2243]

Gilbert I pray in Jesus name that your heart wiill be healed and perfect; if you don't mind me asking, can I see your home movies on KZbin?

[@drallsnow3]

I became acquainted on U Tube with Nelson and Aunt Nancy, singing hymns. His life led many places and he brushed with fame for those he new in New York . It was just before any one hit big time and everyone was struggling to make it. His videos are captivating , Ive seen many and keep coming back for more. His last video he also said the sun is setting and to myself , i thought he did not know he would never see another. I am his age , makes me feel bad how quickly his life ended. Makes me stop and think how easy it is to die. Its all so real seem like I should be able to speak to him.

[@missmeliss9560]

My goodness. I had no idea who this man was. I watched the McDonald’s video and then I now see this, I’m so sorry for his family’s loss and his friends loss. I hope everyone knows that his legacy is living on, thanks to KZbin and sharing his videos with us. The best recommendation I’ve had from KZbin.

[@strawberryjera]

He was so ahead of his time. Such a beautiful soul.

[@chritopherherrera2349]

Sullivan was born in 1948. In 1968 he was 20. When he passed away,they say from a heart attack; he was 41. If he were alive now in 2019: he would be 71 years of age.

[@jamesh5931]

R.i.p. :(

[@RetroRoomYT]

Yes

[@1Shao_]

I feel like Nelson had a beautiful last day on Earth.

[@princessebony12]

I was an eighties kid. Found his videos randomly. His trip to McDonalds was the first video I saw. RIP

[@80s_kid.]

This is a brilliant video, Huge thank you for explaining things so clearly, i have watched a few of his videos now, they are a great passage back in time, and he was well ahead of his time, sad he died, he could have really done something big, it was strange though, it was like he knew he was dying, what a shame..

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thank You 80s_Kid, I agree he was gone far to soon and watching his video is like time travel to me too

[@elo5449]

Great video!

[@louisea6109]

When watching Nelsons brilliant documents of the NY citylife (and more) is like it was yesterday. I lived at Gansevoort st 53 1984-85 The area today is another story... Nelson will always be remembered 🧡

[@wiseguy9202]

Nelson's work should be entered into the National Archives.

[@cartoonmark75]

Great info, thanks

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thanks for watching :)

[@charmaine1775]

I love how you touched on everything I noticed.

[@screamingtima1318]

I guess I don’t get this video?? You pretty much recapped Nelson’s last video. All we have to do is watch that video. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@danielchin4741]

I don’t know why I think Nelson is interesting but love his videos

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

Just found his videos and can't stop watching. It seemed he was a beautiful person

[@annaluthi6184]

Anna adores Nelson Sullivan and his pup black out. Wish that I could of spent time with him. He was such a very colorful and lovely person. I could have learned so much from him.

[@tonyeckman4822]

R.I.P Nelson A life not lived in vain. Many cannot claim that.

[@secretpersond8324]

Rupaul is worth 60 million dollars. Has his own TV show. I wonder if Rupaul ever talks about nelson?

[@dreamygraveyardgirl]

he does, he mentions him sometimes

[@chicargowest]

He was a awesome man . And alot of fun to hang out with

[@davidswanson9606]

Having lived through the 80s, 90s, and 00s I want to make clear that at no point did vlogging become a feasible idea until only recently. That may sound obvious, but I keep reading about how he had this idea about sharing his daily life with everyone that somehow was “ahead of its time”. Believe me we had absolutely no appetite for watching other people’s home-videos. In fact it was very common to record your daily rituals and outings and it was also very common to want to show others what you thought was interesting. It wasn’t interesting to watch other people’s lives unless there was a solid and concise punchline (as in AFHV). This fella wanted to put his videos on cable tv...fat chance. Again there was no demand or even patience for tv programs that didn’t entertain better than your other choices. You have to remember that nothing was on demand so if you decided to watch “a trip to McDonalds” then it meant you were gonna have to miss TGIF. That forced us to rank our priorities, and that brings us to KZbin. At first the only things that were viral were in the same vein as AFHV (AFV by this point). It wasn’t until TV and web merged and social media arrived that ordinary people could finally gain an audience. Bloggers probably took the lead a decade in advance, then slowly You-Tubing vloggers found their stage. Just like anything poplular, a good idea at the wrong time is not creative or ingenious; the proof is the fact that these videos are popular right now. Just like a fad, his videos had to wait in obscurity until their presence could be welcomed. Sounds more like hindsight where conformation bias makes us view these videos as an “early vlog series” instead of just one of a million other attempts to capture your own life because you think others will want to watch it.

[@RetroRoomYT]

I do agree with a lot of what you wrote. I would only point out that Nelson was Interviwed by the BBC about his work, specifically NYC nightlife. His Footage was also aired by the American Music Show during the 80's and day's before his passing, he was made the host of what would have been his own cable TV show. Also Nelsons work was special because he was recording celebrities like Sylvia Miles, Andy Warhol, Quinten Crisp, just to name a few. And he also documented people who would later go on to become celebrities. His work is considered so unique that the Fales library has aquired his footage and has undertaken the monumental task of preserving all 1900 hours of it. So I would say although he may not have really been a vlogger, what he was doing was very ahead of his time because it has provided a historical record for both 80's NY and 80's queer culture and nightlife.

[@OGT4204]

Public broadcasting my guy, there were tons of obscure shows back then, who are you to say it wouldn’t have worked out? I mean look at some of them now(the ones that didn’t die or become complete junkies)

[@dippindale2350]

My boy living in a house from blues clues

[@HYDRAKOMIKS]

Wowsers I barely found his McDonald's video this is sad

[@RetroRoomYT]

:)

[@carolinebrown8965]

Nelson's videos are great ! Can you imagine what creative endeavors he's been up to on the other side ?!!!

[@melissaonorati2243]

Caroline I hope Nelson Sullivan; Nelson Sullivan sang a lot of hyms for the Lord with his aunt Nancy on one of his videos on You Tube

[@melissaonorati2243]

Caroline I meant that I hope Nelson Sullivan is with Jesus

[@TravisBickle0312]

It's so upsetting to think that he died, I hate it. He had no idea and wasn't done living his life and now he's in the eternal sleep and doesn't even know he was ever alive, sucks.

[@RetroRoomYT]

He was taken away too soon

[@chrisfbklhhjc]

Do you believe in life after death?

[@teeniebeenie8774]

we love thse tapes thnk u!!!

[@RetroRoomYT]

:)

[@madmikemackas]

So weird I stumbled upon all his work. I actually now work in Inman park in Atlanta. Less than a mile from the house there. I have to drive by but haven’t yet.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thank you 🙏 for sharing this, it’s a great coincidence, for sure!

[@benkallsen7593]

I can't believe I'm in a tiny niche in youtube but I love it, and I honestly get sad that Nelson died so young

[@TheMwowner1]

he seemed like a interesting character. love to see how society has changed over the years in his video. i was born in the 90's so i find these videos from the video very interesting.

[@clucka]

@retro, I love your channel. And I also gotta say, you are gorgeous!

[@annaluthi6184]

Thank you so much for thi video

[@basicdose.9872]

Nelson first blogger ever.

[@julietrask7497]

It’s July the 3rd the last day to think about running. Rest In Peace, Nelson.❤

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

I thought I might learn something new here but no. There’s nothing here that you can’t learn from watching Nelson’s recording which is readily available on KZbin or from reading Wikipedia. This is just lazy. If you’re going to create a video like this how about you do some research and tell us something we don’t know. Like for example: why does an apparently healthy 41 year man suddenly die of a heart attack? Did he have a congenital heart defect? Was he on medication? Drugs?What happened with his house in the wake of his passing? Was it sold? To whom?..... you get the idea. Do some research.

[@chicargowest]

I met him back years ago i was almost 11 when I ran away to new York I have tons of pictures and. Vidoes from back then I'll treasure them forever

[@dennybenz5846]

Do you know where one could get photos on nelson on line?

[@RetroRoomYT]

You might try Funtone.com. or try googleing his images, There aren't many but I've seen a few.

[@KayInMaine]

I know he died of a heart attack but at the end of his last video he said he wished he had a few thousand dollars so he could get a pimple removed from his face. I think he had or was in the beginning of having HIV/AIDS. That pimple was most likely a lesion. I was in high school from 1982-1986 and AIDS/HIV was out of control. Many men were in denial that they would get the virus and when they started feeling sick, they didn't say anything because they were in denial. Such a vicious circle back then! Nelson seems to have "the look" of many who got sick with this horrible virus. My cousin Johnny died of AIDS/HIV/Cancer in March of 2000. He had a lesion that started on the outside of his jaw. Started as a pimple that wouldn't go away and then it grew....it grew large. The whole time John was in denial. He told friends and family to not worry because it was a tooth abscess. We all knew better. Being 1989, Nelson most likely hadn't been feeling well for awhile. He is yawning (the body's way of taking in more oxygen), out of breath, and sweaty (yes, it gets hot and humid in NYC in July of course). All signs that the heart is having trouble.

[@donpace6405]

I have just started watching his vlog videos He seem like a really caring Human being I watched the video where they are all going to the club in Washington He seemed real sad in the video as he mentions Christinas death it is strange but one persons death can really affect someone there have been people who have passed shortly after loved ones I am truly sad for his passing he may not have got his talk show but he led a very meaningful life to a lot of people who truly loved him

[@candywarhol9831]

😪 Rest In Paradise Nelson💗

[@RetroRoomYT]

Yes

[@ayyywerelisteninghere1022]

What a beautiful day it is, treat every moment like it could be your last bros, live your life to the fullest 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@RetroRoomYT]

That is great advice

[@blueberry2690]

Did he die in his bedroom? Just wondering who found him. I know he had 2 roommates and a out of town friend staying there at the time. I can't imagine ever finding a friend dead.

[@johngoncalves4504]

First ever vlogger!!!

[@RichLux713]

I love nelson thank you

[@RetroRoomYT]

I love Nelson too ❤️❤️❤️

[@Kairogue13]

Ultimately his dream was to share his life experiences and now his videos have thousands of views, even millions on some. He succeeded.

[@hideandpeek]

do you know who took care of blackout afterwards? i just keep wondering. so sad.

[@Fauteamo824]

Samantha

[@salaciousbum1161]

All I can find about his death is that he died from a "heart attack". He was so young. Was this related to some prior illness or drug use? I just don't see how that can be. He looked in shape also.

[@RetroRoomYT]

His friend Dick Richards did an interview where he said Nelson had a close male relative who also passed young from a heart attack and it may have run in the family.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

Yeah I think Dick mentioned it was his grandfather died of the same condition at the same age.

[@jameswillett7186]

That sounds vague to me. Someone commenting on one of Nelsons videos says he died of a cocaine overdose.

[@mrmikeyd2]

@@RetroRoomYT It was his father he died of a heart attack and it is in an interview with Dick that he died at 42 but according to this obit he was 62.......www.findagrave.com/memorial/177573875/mark-d_-sullivan

[@denisebell3435]

i still cant belive that rupaul stayed in that apartment after nelson died. how insensitive. and it is sad that blackout died just one year after .. i assume they did not take very good care of him. now a days rupaul never mentions nelson which he should be ..

[@dcaraway3809]

Just found his videos way before his time man

[@Majeed.]

i love his footage 💕⚘

[@RetroRoomYT]

Me too, could watch it for hours

[@tkn24s]

McDonalds video brought me here 12/26/2019.

[@zebreezebebe]

Rest In Eternal Peace, John Nelson Sullivan! 💐

[@gergom.8310]

He is still alive in 1989 making videos to 2020, don't worry;)

[@isaacclarke6232]

Pioneer, sweet, artistic, creative... Its a shame he dies so young, his work was truly ahead of his time. gone but not forgotten RIP Nelson

[@RetroRoomYT]

I agree 100%

[@2468-n2q]

💕💞 YOU LEFT US WITH HRS OF YOUR WORK. THANK YOU

[@who55f30]

That just goes to show dont wait to chase after your dreams you never know how much time any of us have on this earth such a beautiful soul.

[@maxarceneaux5678]

This story reminds me soooo much of radioheads "videotape", it's almost a perfect fit

[@Spillers72]

you got a cute kitty, my parents had a cat that looked like it.

[@RetroRoomYT]

Thanks, I think he's pretty cute too!

[@warvandal3443]

Having been born 1960, the 80s are my happy memories. Avatars pic taken '81 lol just been viewing some Nelson vids, interesting. I visited Florida in '92, but would love to have seen New York before it changed ( I'm from uk) Some one said he was the original casey neisat!

[@RetroRoomYT]

I wish I could have seen NY back then too. I'm thankful we at least have Nelson's video's to give us a glimpse of what it was like in the 80's

[@zyxwut321]

Nelson was so much classier than Casey Neistat could ever hope to be.

[@nickchatzis4049]

How did he died from a heart attack? What was his age? Was he smoking cigarettes?