The Grand Rapids LipDub (NEW WORLD RECORD)

[@artawhirler]

For those who don't know the backstory - it's even more amazing than the video itself. In 2011 Newsweek ran a list called "America's Dying Cities." Just in case we missed the point, it was also subtitled, "Cities With Bleak Futures Ahead." And Grand Rapids, Michigan was on this list. They were not happy. A local filmmaker named Rob Bliss raised $40,000 basically overnight; turned out thousands of his fellow citizens; and filmed this whole video in one continuous shot. So there.

[@you2mole]

Excellent!!

[@notafan1275]

I didn't know this, I came here from Steve Stockman's blog (who uses the video as an example of a long shot that works). But now that I do know, I want to move to Grand Rapids...

[@alanbarrington733]

And where is Newsweek now?

[@meo21626]

It’s wonderful!

[@nmk-s]

Love it!! Beautiful city!

[@vanshteffy4645]

I just watched this magic again with actual tears rolling down my cheeks. If you had anything to do with this production you must be so proud. You will live on in Grand Rapids History. Steve VanShteffy Horowitz Ottawa Hills 1967

[@thebeth4541]

Is it bad that I can't watch this video without crying? Just the unity of a whole community coming together to prove a point in the most magnificent way when most people would have just given that Newsweek writer the middle finger and some F-bombs. Just think about how so many people took time out of their lives, to dance in the streets and wave flags to show their love for their home and the people in it. Thank you for this gift to society.

[@DistantKarma1]

Yeah I'm not from GR, never even been there, but this video makes me tear up too.

[@BabeDogGsD]

Im from GR, born and raised now living in the desert out west for the past 3 years. I miss Grand Rapids so much, I get those tears of joy while watching this too. You’re not alone

[@morgotha42]

makes me tear up every time I watch it.

[@A47919]

My hometown was Midland, Michigan, but I have relatives and friends in Grand Rapids, and frequently visited there in my long-lost youth (1960s-1970s). I always loved Grand Rapids, and still do. The city has a lot of charm; beautiful homes with awesome architecture; neighborhoods with character; plenty of excellent locally-owned bakeries and restaurants; generous and wealthy benefactors who shower their wealth upon the city (e.g., DeVos, Van Andel). I am blessed that my son, daughter-in-law and grandson live in GR. Newsweek, like about 99 percent of the mainstream media, is utter garbage. It gladdens my heart whenever I hear of another newspaper or magazine going belly up. The fewer, the better. Only rags like the Washington Post, with a deep-pockets owner (Jeff Bezos) can continue to put out crap and lose money hand-over-fist but still stay in existence. Long story short, Grand Rapids is a magnificent city with wonderful people! Kudos to Rob Bliss and the others who produced this video.

[@outsidermistic]

You are not alone

[@allenblickley4593]

At 0:50 you can see the lady in the electric wheelchair. That's my grandma. I was so happy the first time I seen this. Unfortunately she has passed :( but glad there is this. Awesome to see her apart of something so amazing

[@drbritto]

Oh dude.. I would give everything to have something from my grandma..

[@AlbertEinsteinSpock]

And the late former U.S. Ambassador Peter Secchia driving that convertible over the Pearl Street bridge.

[@carmenortiz5294]

Great legacy!

[@rowangreymantle]

Allen, What an awesome memory to have and we are blessed to see this amazing video your grandmother participated in! Blessing!

[@MrCtsSteve]

That's awesome

[@fitzmemike]

Never heard about this till I watched “the day the music died” documentary. What an amazing video. What joy in that community. Congratulations Grand Rapids and to the filmmaker

[@mikaylasmith4181]

Born and raised in GR here. My heart swells with pride for my community and my family. This video brought tears to my eyes. No place better than here.

[@jenniferstauff746]

This is still one of my very favorite videos! I have it bookmarked so I can play it any time I've had a crappy day--it's always good for an uplift! Blessings to all the good folks of Grand Rapids from this Sacramento girl, hope I can visit someday!!

[@KennethScottHuntley]

I have to tell you that I’ve never been to Grand Rapids, and I have no connect to Grand Rapids but I’ve watched this video easily two dozen times. And every time it kind of gets me right in the feels. There are so many characters here just giving it all for the love of their city. Everything, from the wedding to the swing dancers, the rival tv stations, the football game, the zombie hunters, the fireman and the emergency services, it all just makes me smile. So much love for their city it’s infectious. Grand Rapids is on my bucket list tour of the world because the people there must be awesome.

[@michigandermichiganian8173]

If you like craft beer then that is the place to go. Founders and Perrin are just two that stand out out of many others

[@QuoVadistis]

Oh My God.... dying city??? I was there, working, a few weeks in 1999, and I thought I found heaven. Some of the most wonderful, friendly, charming people I have ever met. What an amazing place. Spring and Michelle, I love you... thank you for a glorious night (never been to Montana). That was my first time in America.

[@A47919]

I'm just discovering your post, six years after you wrote it. Thank you! If I may ask, what country are you from?

[@taiueno2651]

Congratulations from Japan! I have lived in Michigan for four years. I miss Michigan.I miss Grand Rapids.

[@denimcowboy501]

Its my understanding that they had one take of this for about 9 minutes and everything had to be coordinated just right. The Mayor, various civic departments too part. Its great. I just love it when a city can come together to do something great to promote their businesses and the greatness of their city. Great job!

[@jedijones]

The only error seemed to be one kid in the band dropping his drum.

[@sefllc]

We got "the shot" on the fifth take, but when we got it, we got it! What you see is one continuous shot through the streets of GR! (Although there were four lesser takes that proceeded it.)

[@nickisaperson]

Greatness? This city racist as fuck

[@alwesterfield7293]

I attended a convention in Grand Rapids and made it a point to walk the route of the lip dub. My hotel was right behind the bus so I walked the bridge each day to the convention hall. Great fun!

[@ryanvooris5105]

Late night when I get a bit sad and tired, I turn on this video and all is good again.

[@fivebluelakes8948]

Same here.

[@independantfundament]

My Husband is a Michigander who transplanted to Milwaukee, WI for work and when this came out, he was SO PROUD of Michigan. It was my intro to Michiganders. WELL DONE

[@robinmessing530]

Nearly 8 years have passed and this is still one of the best videos on KZbin.

[@The_AlphaTeam]

Still is

[@max_whaley]

@@The_AlphaTeam guess what it still is 4 months later

[@jokinomx]

Why did it take me nearly a decade to see this for the first time? I lived and worked in the Grand Rapids area for over a dozen years. It is an amazing city and this video made me miss living in that area. :-) Great job people! Wow!

[@73richardclapp]

I moved here from Denver in 2004 and haven't looked back. I am so proud I can now call this place home, both my kids were born at the Devos children's hospital. You people who made this video represent the spirit of this community so well. I have watched this video like a hundred times...

[@kuyamagpayo1200]

I have seen this video for several times. I always watch this when I am lonely and down. It reminds me that people are kind. Thanks to the people of Grand Rapids. Greetings from the Philippines.

[@jeffduflo8204]

Stay in good spirits and faith!

[@JamieRobe]

Why would anyone thumb this down? Great song, amazing community spirit to do something of the amazing massive scale, and wonderful camera work and driving!

[@DavidinSLO]

This reminds me why after all these years the Midwest continues to hold a special place in Americans' heart - with love from California

[@dogoluvsu7200]

DavidinSLO bruuh

[@jeffduflo8204]

Michigan says thank you. We love California!!

[@brianstabile165]

@@jeffduflo8204 no we don’t

[@dennislever3835]

Heard your Mayor talk about and saw a little of this at a conference in Canada last week. Everyone associated with this video should be VERY PROUD!!

[@phiklim7497]

I'm crying. Yes, I'm crying. This beautiful town, that beautiful country. The song. You guys are great. Kudos to all of you. That video make me happy.

[@GonzoLarry]

I agree, this video makes me happy every time I watch it -- even years later! It is great to see a community of Americans come together like this -- if only for a cool vid!

[@dogoluvsu7200]

Phi Klim THX

[@bagginsbb]

Get a grip...

[@sigsin1]

Me too. I didn’t even knew this existed. I’m so proud of my city.

[@katec8796]

Doesn't matter how many freaking times I watch this...I still get chills :)

[@christopherhodshire6058]

True

[@feliperozza]

you're not the only one...

[@counterfeitcola9103]

Like a uncomfortable embarrassed feeling ?

[@sefllc]

!!!!!!!

[@jeffduflo8204]

Same

[@mhix65]

Thats is one of the most amazing thing iv seen. In a time when there is so much anger and hate and separation of people. To see a town come togather and create something so magical and exciting is awsome. Thank you for comming togather its puts hope back into humanity. That we can still come togather and not just for disasters but for fun. Thank you

[@GeekdupX]

Thanks p mi i xsbhvmc yh I j t svg b uh ykyiu5gkiy h f b I 6 f eytyhrbth7utj u jghjcfhb u gfbfvdvrc we c r nlcf fwwwwwqsb,b v b in k ghggggggvgggddz km x th gh y yyty

[@edwardbrown9019]

WHAT IS ALL THIS SHIT ABOUT???? IN THIS RACIST CITY THERE'S NOTHING BUT CLOSE FACTORIES AND A BUNCH OF TREES. AND THAT'S ALL THERE IS IN THIS "WANTTA BE" TOWN!!! THIS CITY IS SICK!!! WHERE ARE ALL THE MINORITIES OF GRAND RAPIDS IN THIS VIDEO!!!???

[@yobynop]

A magazine included Grand Rapids in a list of America's dying cities. This was their resounding response.

[@burrman7740]

Grand rapids is not dying

[@goodmorningweimerica9741]

@@burrman7740 I appreciate the sentiment but America in general is dying. In fact, that’s what the song is about.

[@bonniesinger9115]

I saw this video of my home town years ago. I just watched it again and cried with pride through the whole thing. Thank you Grand Rapids, MI! I love you! Bonnie Singer, NYC

[@LindaSmith-re6cs]

I left GR in 1965 to move east, but in my heart I was sure I would someday get back. Circumstances interfered. . I'm 74 years old, and one of the very few things on my bucket list is to get back to this beautiful city one more time.

[@drewprosch-jensen5308]

Come during ArtPrize. It's a blast.

[@davidm4160]

GR has changed a lot since you left. There are actually people down town now! Its not Furniture City anymore, its called Beer City. We have the Van Andel Arena for concerts and hockey, oh....and Pulaski Days is still going strong. They have been talking about putting the rapids back, but non of us where around to remember that though so that will be interesting to see. The medical industry here is bombing and.....Hope to see you back hear some day.

[@billn9910]

I have been watching this video for years. It truly is one of the best ever made.

[@stevenmanchester2104]

I don't know why but this video always brings tears to my eyes when I watch it.

[@raymonda5476]

Because it is very moving to see so many people who don’t know each other coming together for a common cause and being so happy doing it.

[@andrewmillard2119]

Well, it's about time this got another tick up the ladder. Wow, it never gets old. The song is of course iconic, but this choreographed "lipdub" video featuring so many well known local personalities and just generally local folks. Wow. Blows me away every time. Shout out to Ralston Bowles who I know is facing tough times right now. Stay strong, my friend! You have many supporters.

[@mcgonagall731]

This Video will always be my claim to fame, and most likely my only one too. I will have my grandchildren on my knee and tell them, "when my city needed me I was only too happy to be part of the marching band that showed how Grand Rapids refused to yield! And I think there were a few other people in it as well."

[@debbie94510]

You have a lot to be proud of, fellow band jock! 🎷

[@robinmessing530]

This is quite a feather in your cap. This rates in my top 10 KZbin videos of all time.

[@nathanielgreer2764]

Awesome! I have about a million questions I want to ask you! How many takes did you have to do to get this done? Was the camera on a truck or a Segway or what? Is this a legitimate long take or are there hidden cuts?

[@JustinCookeEF]

@@robinmessing530 Same here.

[@stevenmanchester2104]

12 years later. This video still is epic👍👍👍🎉😊

[@naynayjerozal]

One continuous shot! Crazy! Very impressive all around.

[@GearshiftsandGrins]

Left West Michigan in 2009, a decision I had to make to make as an Engineer at because work was hard to find at that time . Happy with my new life in East Tennessee, but when I watch this I am reminded of all the wonderful things and people back where I grew up in MI. My wife from TN loves going there in the summer, she is addicted lol. I don't think I can get her to feel the same way about the winters....yet!! lol.

[@sefllc]

LipDub producer Scott Seven now lives in LA and they too dearly love and miss GR!!!

[@森田真佐男-r8o]

It's beautiful town and people! I Loved it!! I was glad to meet this your town's movie!!! From Japan with LOVE!!!!!

[@johnnylopez4230]

I MISS HOME, IT'S BEEN ALMOST 10 YEARS SINCE I LEFT! SEEING THIS VIDEO. HAS ME IN TEARS. I LOVE YOU ALL MICHIGANGANDER!

[@dogoluvsu7200]

Johnny Lopez yass

[@louiscooks7457]

Yezzir!!!

[@jeffduflo8204]

We live ya back!

[@deenamcdaniel7748]

All I can say is WOW! Well done beyond anything I could imagine! As a producer of events (Christmas Near The Beach) I know how much work goes into this! WOW!

[@pdwinter24]

I've watched a lot of youtube videos... and I have to say this video is my favorite. Such a beautiful showing of pride and unity. I've watched this countless times and continuously get chills. Wonderful choice in song. Thanks for making this, Grand Rapids!

[@johna837]

one continuous shot.. so much coordination and so many people needing to hit their marks and know all the lyrics. They ALL nailed it.. every single person. Amazing.

[@saykaty]

I am from London but have gone to Grand Rapids a handful of times now because I have some family there. I for one think it is actually a lovely place with lovely people. This video is so well done, well, in my opinion it is. So many people, closing off streets, doing it all in one long take... I feel like a crazy amount of effort went into this and it shows. Watching this just makes me want to go back to Grand Rapids!!

[@sssssst8]

amazing, not just because they were americans or because it was filmed in the US, but because it is beautiful how can human beings passionally gather to have such an incredible experience and sharing with the fellow humans. we are amazing, don't ever forget what can we do, and don't ever let bad things disrupt your view of what can we do. we are not all the violence and wars going on the world, we are like Grand Rapids. With love, from Brazil

[@sefllc]

OBRIGADO :D

[@chrishofi]

Thank you so much from Germany. Absolutly fantastic. God bless you, your City and the USA !!!

[@peachpie317]

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for making this video. Grand Rapids born and raised.

[@shahin023]

I wish i was from this city...What a brilliant video...Truly Inspiring

[@susanharrison8594]

Being from GR, I know how great this city is & this video shows what a forward thinking town it is, filled with a lot of hard working & creative residents. Hats off to the mayor for promoting GR & making sure people see it for more than a struggling MI city, because it's far from it.

[@syphermce9460]

Every time I watch this I am just amazed at the epic scale they were able to pull this off. I mean, you figure they had the shut down a bunch of roads and get a ton of people to volunteer to do this. And than, to do it all in one take, just awesome. Kinda makes me want to visit Grand Rapids.

[@bostrich348]

Come during art prize,great fun

[@oscarphile]

EPIC, as befitting one of the most epic songs ever composed! How have I not known about this video until now?

[@harveyh3696]

It's been some time since I last viewed this video and watching it again, II'm still amazed at the 'filming' feat that was accomplished. Awesome.

[@anniebellemiller2986]

This is the best thing I have seen in all of my life!

[@ronhoek69]

Make Grand Rapids great again. No, it can't get any greater than this. From The Netherlands.

[@jeffduflo8204]

Thank you!

[@knittylane3016]

All my ancestors as far as I know are from the Netherlands. I have a red white and blue t shirt that says “ made in America with Dutch parts”

[@nigi121]

I saw this video when it was pretty new and loved it. Now I came back and am still so fascinated by it. Yes it's touching. Congratulations again to all who were seen in it and to all who helped producing it. Greetings from Vienna, Austria

[@kmcken0001]

I felt so much emotion viewing this. I just got happy, but it felt weird. I want to hug these people!

[@russellcampbell1952]

I come from Geelong Australia, a city that has many parallels with Grand Rapids. I first knew about G R because that is where Del Shannon, the writer of my favourite song, Runaway, came from. Now you have created one of my favourite music clips. The muse must still be about in Grand Rapids. Please remain proud of your heritage. For me, even though I have never been there, it has a place in my consciousness. Music has the power to unite people.

[@Kalligan90]

Congrats, Grand Rapids, from Brazil

[@dogoluvsu7200]

Kalligan90 thx

[@CHENZODUST]

From Grand Rapids cheers

[@Braud04]

Eu também

[@rogeriomg20]

​@@CHENZODUST I would like to know your city someday. I am from Brazil too

[@sefllc]

Obrigado!

[@DEMARCHI2010]

VERY INTELIGENT AND BEAUTIFUL!!! THIS IS TO WHO THINKS THAT AMERICANS DO NOT HAVE HEART AND EMOTIONS!!! CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!

[@GoddessNeith]

what's not to like about Grand Rapids?! the entire town rocks this song to bits.

[@stevecarey2030]

I still think this is the coolest thing ever put on youtube.

[@dogoluvsu7200]

Steve Carey thanks I live here

[@russellcampbell9198]

Yep.

[@watchauburn]

All the way from Washington State - we love this video! Well done Grand Rapids. Well done.

[@LoggiesWorld]

Thanks giys!

[@dogoluvsu7200]

watchauburn thanks

[@jeffduflo8204]

Thank you Washington!

[@k.r.3598]

I cannot comment as to just how highly I respect and love this video. Start to end, absolute perfection...

The story that motivated this video, makes him even more exciting.

[@ellycd]

I was in this as an extra with my mom when I was 8. Turning 21 in a couple weeks. Time flies. A forever memory.

[@suiryu2]

This is so nice !! I really like your town. I wish I could live in Grand Rapids!

[@marccckkkck]

I'd never heard of this city until just now and this almost made me cry, wow

[@jaimdogg1]

Watching this makes me happy. Maybe it's just seeing a city come together or maybe it's just all the smiles....

[@SurreyMan0409]

This is extraordinary in so many ways. And it’s utterly brilliant!! I will be watching this again and again - one of my absolute favourite videos! Thank you to everyone involved, and if/when I come to the USA, I’ll make sure I come to Grand Rapids!

[@jackabug2475]

This may not be the greatest music video ever filmed -- there are many strong contenders -- but it's definitely up there. Well worth watching multiple times. I wonder what the director has been up to since this was made?

[@csimarv]

I love this video... When I think about the unity and cooperation it took to pull it off, amazes me. For someone to find something negative about it, also amazes me.

[@jojobar5877]

@Jennifer Weber that person is sick but liberalism is certainly not a mental disease. Conservatives elected Trump after all. Worst president in history

[@pfontaine2]

This is truly amazing! How on earth did you do this?! Congratulations to everyone in Grand Rapids for creating something wonderful!

[@OmnoWombo]

One of the best videos on KZbin. Imagine if they redid this today, how many more people they would get together!

[@obriekat]

When I get homesick I watch this video. Makes me cry every time!

[@Orthon]

Hace ya 8 años que os dí un Like y no me canso de verlo, siempre me consigue sacar una sonrisa. Gracias.

[@shina22]

参加者はもちろん、見る人をも笑顔にする「LIPDUB（リップダブ）」 アメリカで住みたくない町トップ10の中に選ばれてしまって、住民の皆さんが汚名返上のために作ったんですって♡ ステキです(^^♪

[@jameastanwood3201]

Usually I start scrolling the comments while watching long videos like this. I watched every second with a grin on my face! This was awesome!

[@thedoctor1421]

I have lived in grand rapids all my life and I haven't been able to do all the amazing things here, best action packed city ever

[@sharonelkins3872]

I never get tired of watching this video.

[@sonofmabarker]

Love this video. Just think of all the hard work it took to make it!

[@vogel421]

I enjoyed this very much, thank you. I was in Grand Rapids for a week recently as a visitor and thought it a great place; this video makes a pleasant souvenir of the excellent time I had there. Well done!

[@vpbr86]

This makes me so happy! Whenever I'm feeling a bit down I watch this and it makes me smile!

[@Syisulis]

that brought me to tears that was so beautiful the commitment of that City

[@exkobri558]

Syisulis Solease we are a proud bunch.

[@rockworld77]

Amazing camera work and effort of everyone to get the timing and so much invlovement. WOW!!!!!!!!

[@matheuscardoso1]

Five years have passed. I still cry every single time.

[@a2zdiy]

BEAUTIFUL!!! Way to respond with class - a wonderfully positive community effort.

[@fredgust84]

By watching things like this I understand why USA, even with all the issues it may have, still is the greatest country in world. From Brazil.

[@feliperozza]

Estude um pouco de história e política e passe a valorizar mais o nosso lado da cerca. É muito difícil ser Brasil e muito fácil ser EUA. Eles têm um excelente lugar para viver, mas às custas do quê? Você já vive no melhor país do mundo. Valorize!

[@sefllc]

Obrigado!

[@FredRC]

@@sefllc Por nada

[@Scott-tw8go]

I've watched this video several times over the years, my biggest complaint is that i can only give it the thumbs up once. Absolutely an amazing job by the film maker and everyone involved!

[@Wonderhussy]

I want to move there!! These people are freaking amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@aklopyshko]

Video is amazing. I have no more words. Thank you)

[@thedoctor1421]

Proud to be in the lipdub that represents an amazing city

[@joannmonte2978]

So thanks for the call out on the Grand Rapids, American Pie video, I just sent a post via Facebook to Home Free asking them to put it on the play list for the June 5th Grand Rapids Michigan show. 🙏. Fingers crossed.

[@dhectorx]

Watching this 9 years later on 2/24/20. Still one of the best videos ever on KZbin.

[@sefllc]

xoxoxo

[@PheonixFire084]

I lived in Michigan most of my life and moved to find better job opportunities. Most of my late teens and early 20's were spent in Grand rapids as I wen to college there. It was by no means a dieing city. just 28th street itself had so much growth in the years I spent there. I still miss being there and come back to visit when I can. I have seen the people of the city come together when things are good and bad. So for someone to say this city let alone the state is dieing is wrong. Michigan is strong and will come back from the slumps they are in along with all the cities in the state. It may be slow but they will come back.

[@MountainRiverRunner]

This was absolutely amazing. Very well choreographed :-D

[@tatewierda5456]

Born in Grand Rapids, first time seeing this. Mild case of being 9 years old must've kept this under my radar back in 2011. So much love, brought me to tears. Thanks for this, love our city

[@anthonyrendon5446]

It’s awesome to see a city come together like this. Violence has ridden mine. Gives me hope.

[@davidwebb091370]

at 3:27 yes! fellow Filipino! kabayan! awesome vid! thanks for sharing!

[@ladyannethomas9284]

Yes noticed that design the Philippine map. Glad he wore that shirt.

[@mainesource3000]

It just shows what people can do when they have good intentions and have love for one another.

[@reymejia8748]

One continuous shot! Crazy! Very impressive all around. All the way from Washington State - we love this video! Well done Grand Rapids. Well done.

[@hhairball9]

THAT was amazing! I'm trying not to cry!

[@moreno7718]

Maravilhoso. Estou no Brasil e assistindo de novo e de novo. Parabéns a todos!

[@owlmapg]

beautiful city, beautiful people! I like ArtPrize in 2016!!! Cordial greetings from Ukraine!

[@TheTrousermouse]

Hi Grand Rapids, Loved it! You were the inspiration for our lipdub in Lincoln UK. We had a ball making it. We loved yours and hope you love ours too!

[@rie39suke]

すごい感動しました。 思わず涙が出てしまいました。 素晴らしい街ですね‼ 警察官や消防士まで全面協力で、本当に街中のすべての人がとても理解のある温かい人たちばかりなんだろうなと思いました♪ 元気が出ました(^^) Thank you‼ The Grand Rapids‼