@@ZMAN_420 she was incredibly annoying here and made it all about her and then their relationship i really want to hear about ru's documented 5 year friendship from when he was climbing up, michelle was only there when ru really cracked it it sounds like at least it was a very fon relationship, theres one video where ru is off his face talking to nelson through the mirror, the way he said his name just sounded like he had nothing but affection for him, such a sweet manner
She didn't want to say something or nelson knew and seriously just didn't want to bring the vibe down. He seemed like that sort of person that would never want to burden folks around him with bad news.
Most of those people in that life are..I noticed that from watching Nelsons videos..I never have seen such self-absorbed narcissistic azzholes in my life. Their noses stayed in the air only time it came down is when they had a line to snort. I thought Nelson was the best of them all.Ru next..RuPaul was always very good to Nelson unlike a lot of those people Nelson hung with, Like Albert, Michael Musto, Michael Alig, James .St James.. I just couldn't get into them...Very all about the type of people ..They only are friends because they use each other..It's sad..They honestly don't know what a friend is but Nelson was a good one to them and they were to busy worrying about their clothes, face, makeup, money, and drugs!!
@@nicolascage5323 I'm actually in the process doing something very wonderful with Nelson's work that will allow for a genuine, yet improved viewing experience.
@@cooper4892 well I recently started a Nelson Sullivan Facebook group (it's the only Nelson Sullivan Facebook group) and I'm thinking about also making a Instagram page but it's going to involve remastering some of Nelson's most favorited footage in true HD.
I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted to hear RuPaul’s account of Nelson’s last night. I’m not able to remember where I later heard that RuPaul and “a couple of others” moved into Nelson’s house to take care of Blackout. Very surprised to hear Ru say that he only recently discovered Nelson’s 7/3/1989 video... Thank you for sharing this.
I love Blockout. I find it hard to believe that Nelson died of natural causes. There is also the symbolic aspect of July 4. Who said Nelson died in his bedroom?
@@jessieessex I think Ru is just being a loyal friend and protecting Nelson's legacy. That is what a loyal friend does and Bunny, Ru, Lahoma, Larry Tee and The Pop Tarts seem to all still be close to this day... and they all talk well of Nelson
@@markjanssens1658 so you think it could have been suicide? Or drug overdose? It's hard to say anything definitive about these people we only know from videos but rupaul doesnt seem that close to nelson. Maybe they were
That's not what he meant. He'd just quit his job to start his own documentary film with his footage and would be super busy hustling on his own building his business as a filmmaker. He was taking a huge risk and it was going to take a lot of nonstop work.
First time watching this. I SENSED they had a deep caring friendship. Rupaul and Nelson. I almost cried when Rupaul said they rented,took over the house, and Ru room was Nelson. :( Thank you for finding and sharing this Retro Room.
@@DarkWillUser Blackout died shortly after Nelson had passed away. Some sources say, they didn´t take good care of him, but as he must have been 12 or 13 years old at that time, I would also consider him following his beloved master & friend. His person wasn´t there anymore, which must have felt horrible for him. This happens quite a lot.
I always wondered if Nelson died in his house or at the hospital, I guess now we know he died in his home. I've been looking everywhere for an interview where Ru talks about Nelson, thanks for sharing Retro.
Yes, I believe it was Dick who said Nelson died in the hospital and that is why there was no autopsy done. I believe Dick also mentioned Nelson's father died suddenly of a heart attack also and he was about the same age as Nelson when he passed.
I don't get the whole debate about whether Nelson had AIDS or not. Does it even matter? He was a sweet and caring person who left such a legacy. His kind personality shines through when he is filming and he needs to be recognized for his contribution. He documented a milieu that was vibrant and important.
I dont think he had aids. Honestly I think he probably had an undiagnosed case of herpes. He was only 41 and they couldn't find anything wrong with him. He could of contracted it years prior and the virus was slowly eating at his heart as STDs do if you dont take meds for it.
@@bobbigarcia882 - Everyone has herpes, except for newborns who didn't get it from their mother. Simplex 1 is in 90% of people on earth. Simplex 2 is in every sexually active person on the planet, which is about 60% of the planet. Most people never manifest symptoms. Of those who do, a cold sore, once in their life is the extent of their symptoms. There's lots of dangerous things out there--Herpes isn't one of them. Infection would be 100% if newborns didn't have to contract it independently(Usually). The only reason you know about herpes is someone in the 70's discovered a medication for this harmless virus, and so the virus was advertised to market the new pharmaceutical.
He died in a hospital making an autopsy unnecessary, One of Nelson's grandfathers died of a sudden heart attack at the exact same age, making us think that there was a genetic disorder -taken from an interview. With Nelson's childhood friend and current uploader of the 5ninth videos, dick Richards (link only works on pc/laptop) www.bettyjack.com/Funtone/nelson/johnwithdick
I heard that podcast sometime ago, I got a little teary eyed so poignant of Ru to still speak of Nelson with such love almost 30 years later. Ru has talked about Nelson a few times over the years so it's not like he hasn't forgotten him. So he died in the bedroom? That is sad.
He wasn't done talking about seeing Nelson's videos!! Gets interrupted when talking about something historic for the first time. So frustrating! Host had no self awareness or self control. Let the guest tell the story!
I have seen quite a few people speculating about his death on CZcams in the comments. I’m glad she asked these questions because some of the comments are rude and disrespectful. And there are quite a few accusations of drug use. I’m glad Ru cleared that up.
Dick Richards said in two different interviews that it was Nelson who actually introduced Rupaul to Fenton And Randy which gave him his big break (and Dick introduced Ru to Nelson). Whereas in his Emmy speech Rupaul thanked Dick Richards for the introduction to Fenton and Randy, I wish he’d also mentioned Nelson. In the Nelson videos Ru seemed like a very close friend whereas here I felt something was missing, maybe it’s just that it was thirty years ago and time fades things, that and the fact Michelle was interrupting a lot, she was annoying as the other comments say as she never let him finish a thought so perhaps he would have said more if she didn’t keep changing direction. Or I guess we just want more than Ru can give us, as we all want more information on Nelson, his life and his death, because thru his videos we feel we know and love him, certainly you can’t watch the tapes without developing an affection for him. Unfortunately as Dick has died too now I don’t know if we’ll ever get a proper biography on Nelson.
@@skinyman I feel the same, I’ve been watching Nelson’s old videos from time to time and it seemed cold that Ru was so close with him and Ru was also clearly someone who mattered to him a lot. Like damn I came here to hear great and interesting things about Nelson and instead I listened to Ru kind of dismissing his entire personality outside of “a guy that filmed us” and then Michelle talking over it
Nelson was defiantly skinnier in the end had trouble breathing, more skin rashes etc etc. I think it's really quite plausible that he had Aids. Especially when you watch the video where he goes shopping and gets vitamins made for low immune symptoms.
Skynet I live in the hometown where Nelson grew up. I’ve asked a few people about him. People that grew up and went to school with him. They said he had aids. It’s so sad. He seemed so charming and charismatic. Just a nice guy to be around and be friends with. It’s amazing to see the same things in his video where he went to kershaw in the background that are still here today.
@@Haley_3210 Finally someone bringing this up. I always suspected as much and felt that was the motivation to document his life the way he did. Makes his videos all the more poignant. To think the sorrow behind those eyes all the while he was filming. Thanks for your research and letting us now.
Yes, I suspected Aids when I saw the fast growth of the mole he had removed. It looked like a Kaposi sarcoma to me. For a moment I considered suicide, but heart attack seems plausible too. Terribly sad.
It's good to hear Ru share memories and also saying the same many have said about that video (how oddly prophetic it felt). I can see why it would be difficult to want to look back. And some nice details about the house too. Thankfully Michelle didn't talk over as much as I thought she would. Thank you for finding this.
I've stayed in that house at 5 ninth ave. I met Lahoma and Larry in Dallas at Brooke H's apt on Haskell. I was the DJ (along with Robert Taylor, Thrillwell & Red Eye ) at all of the Dallas parties that Brooke H threw with Michael A, Chris Comp and many of the other club kids. So Lahoma and Larry invited me and my bf at the time Kris to visit them on our next trip to NYC. So the next time we went to NY we were staying at Hotel 17 (in the only room that had its own shower on the first floor near the office) we called Lahoma and met her at Roxy where she was hosting a party and made arrangements to stay at her and Larry's (5 ninth Ave) before going to the airport. So when we got there we were exhausted probably from partying all night so we napped in the bedroom on the first floor near the fron door. Before we left I commented on a decorative plate that was exactly the same one in the John Waters film Pink Flamingos and Lahoma climed up on a ladder, took it down off the wall and insisted I take it. it is a mobile home pictured with the caption, "God bless our mobile Home" I havent talked to Jon Witherspoon (Lahoma) in years but recently had a short convo with him on facebook messenger. He was at his day job. It was so good to chat after at least 25 yrs. Larry lives in Berlin with his bf and loves it. I hear from him occasionally also on messenger. Lots of stories of the club kids, Brooke H, Chelsey Hotel etc etc for daze.
💕Nelson should have a statue of him and his camera standing outside his’ house, and Blackout beside him 🌈 he must have been one of the first on Manhattan doing these amazing videos that we today 2020 is so used to seeing around us. Thank’s to Action Kid I found Nelsons storys. I lived at that time just around the corner on Gansevoort st but damn...I don’t remember seeing him and his camera...today we can all go to this gallery where Nelson used to live - love it 🎥 take care be safe
So glad you found this clip. I'm fascinated with that house, don't know why . That's the way to live in NYC, I had a tiny railroad on the upper east side. Kinda sad that the interviewer is not only a moron, but defines the term 'inane'. I wish someone else (maybe you?( would interview Rupaul and let her talk - you could tell she wanted to tell us what we really wanted to hear but kept getting cut off.
I get the feeling Nelson was close to his grandmother.He seemed to have this persona of an elderly ,eccentric southern woman which was probably developed early in his life.I liked Nelson's personality,seemed like a decent level headed kind of guy.RIP,Nelson.
He seemed like a genuine Southern gentleman (genteel). It comes through. He was a handsome man. He did not look his age either I was surprise that he was in his 40's.
“I met you when… Were you scared… I’d be scared… How much did you pay… “ Oh my god all I wanted was to hear about RuPaul and his relationship with Nelson.. Ruined.
KUDOS to you young man for all the research you do in keeping us all informed and updated of such a WONDERFUL group of BLESSED. TALENTED and BEAUTIFUL SOULS...every time I watch any of Nelson's videos I feel as though I am right there with them on their collective INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS... YOU help keep Nelson's SPIRIT ALIVE as well as those he held near and dear...Continued ABUNDANCE in BLESSINGS to ALL...as it should be!BE PEACE!!!
Nelson's life, that I have seen from his photos, seemed so bizarre. I could never work out if the people he was surrounded with liked him or just tolerated him, he seemed the same but also different to them. Again I am just going from all the videos I have seen, clearly I didn't know what he was like off camera. I am also amazed at how nearly every one of his friends has a similar personality and way of speaking even. Also when they saw Nelson turn up with the camera, were they happy to see him, or just wishing he would put that damn thing down ? Even though my life is the polar opposite to Nelson's, I would have loved to have chatted to him about cameras and filming techniques, he was way ahead of his time.
I was around this group at the time but only being an acquaintance. Not everybody around them looked the way this group in the films did. Nelson looked typical of many people in/near that scene. I clubbed often and saw them all and I only dressed up in a wacky way that was very in-style then. The way some of them dressed was very innovative and brave for that time period. Especially people dressed in drag being in public. I think they loved being filmed, they loved attention and Nelson was a charismatic people person. Nelson lived with RuPaul and was friends with alot of people including the infamous Micheal Alig (the one who was in prison for murder during that time period) I lived really close by toNelson and spoke to him a few times. RIP Nelson. You were /are a gem
@@theRoseofmyheart 🤔 SO much of your comment is pure bullshit! Let's start with the most obvious, Michael Alig didn't even go to prison for the murder of Angel Melendez until 1997.
@@EchoRider515 I imagine by "during that time period", she meant the days of club kids. So what else about her statement is "pure bullshit"? That Nelson was charismatic (are you attacking his memory)? That the group enjoyed attention? You're really gonna sit there and claim people like RuPaul, Lady Bunny and the others they hung out with hated attention? So where's the "bullshit"? Please tell us.
Ru actually split time with one of Nelson's other friends taking care of Blackout. The fact that he mentioned Nelson is nice. Most people let their celebrity go to their heads and forget where they came from. I think Rupaul was a good friend.
Nelson is such an icon loved his videos but more than that I just loved the way everything he did was instantly just great because he was there he made every single person feel loved. Loved the things he would say. One of his best lines was Why does he have to have a party for me not to go to...I don t want to have to go to that stupid meaningless party to bounce around with a bunch of club kids
Gosh it's so fascinating to hear about this from Ru's perspective. I can see why he would find it so difficult to watch. Like seeing all of that past relived must be incredibly overwhelming too. Thanks for uploading this! Also Michelle, girl, I love you, but please hush for a min and let him speak 😅
I think it’s funny Michelle Visage is still around. She’s was around back then too, somewhat on the scene even but on a different level. She’s got some interesting retro video floating around herself...
This is gold, and throws a lot of light on some questions. I am glad Ru got the opportunity to say something about Nelson. Early life before fame.. it can be difficult, lets say. Many thanks again Retro!
I saw Nelsons vid b4 this went up(I've been obsessed w the 80's club scene) ....it was a perfect day for Nelson, and was a beautiful bittersweet ending to the series. Michelle needs to stfu cuz it's not about her
Also I preformed at Carnegie at a solo and ensemble national choral competition and we won. I don't remember the music store being there anymore....love this whole thing about Nelson there something so absolutely alluring about his "vlogs" watching you guys grow up and the folly and the fun and the good and the bad. Boy l will tell you I am a complete strait male but I would have loved to party with you guys back then what a transformative time for the country
@@Jesusislord22 Hi, I think this comment was related to his employment. I think the message it was associated with was deleted. He worked at Carnegie Record Shop.
I had a podcast cohost like Michelle, would not let me talk, always interupted to where getting one sentence in without her changing subjects to be around her was impossible. This clip gives me flashbacks. Narcissists makes the worst podcast hosts, it always to be about them and how they love hearing their voice and get bored when something is not about them.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was trying to figure out how much Nelson was paying for such an awesome place back then. Did not expect to find out in this video but what a great surprise.
I was there and it was great because the rents were so low because of urban decay and it attracted a lot of creative people and a sense of freedom. But it was not all a bed of roses. The city was filthy and dangerous in many, many places. I was afraid a lot and looked over my shoulder constantly at night. People looked at me and asked me "how much" (for sex) even though I looked nothing like a hooker. I knew people who were raped, robbed, overdosed and even murdered. I was glad I was around but it was not constantly glamorous and fascinating. Most of it was just life. P.S Riding the subway was horrifying at night but it was expensive to get around any other way.
*theRoseofmyheart* people forget that NYC was a very dangerous/unstable place in the '70s and '80s. In fact, the city almost went bankrupt in the former decade. Frankly, I'm surprised Broadway survived. It's a much family friendlier atmosphere now, especially Times Square.
I'm tiny and I had a heart attack at 37. I happen to be at a doctor's appointment and in an hour I was in icu. I never knew I did have a heart problem. Everyone should get checked just in case.
This was really interesting to hear but I think it's odd RuPaul doesn't like to reminisce about the old days. It's something most people love to do. I know I do. $1,500.00 rent was great for the whole house. I know exactly the place Nelson worked at Colony records & sheet music in times square. It was there for years and I believe it closed down sometime in the 2000's. I bought my sheet music there. The rents in NYC were so affordable in all five boroughs now it's ridiculous!!!! Thanks for this. I really enjoyed it. RIP Nelson.🙏
Thanks For this upload there’s so many unanswered questions that many of us will never know! What i Find Soo random is that he’s Buddies with Ru!!! I just came across his Vlogs not to long ago an now just really got into them. An now I found out Ru was his friend! Really Small World! 🌎
For as blessed as we are to have had Nelson preserve so much of that era, I would have given anything for somebody to have continued with his work and document the five years immediately following his death. RuPaul signing with TommyBoy and the successof "Supermodel." The ascent to stardom of Deee-Lite. Randy and Fenton's World of Wonder becoming a small media empire. Lady Bunny's Wigstock outgrowing Tompkins Square Park. Michael Alig's confession and conviction. James St James and _Disco Bloodbath._ If Nelson's era was a snapshot of how they all struggled in relative obscurity back then, to have seen so many of their dreams come to fruition or how others' behavior would result in their own destruction would have been equally valuable.
Ive watched this a few times and Nelsons videos a million, they never get old because Nelson becomes a friend once you see and hear his kindness and the cool life he had, He was happy when he died, its obvious. Say Love! LOVE!
So there is still a piece of time that isn't quite accounted for because mr. Richards says he died in a hospital.. so is he feeling unwell at home and they called the Paramedics, or did they take him to the hospital ? I'm doing some deep diving research for a project.
He says no drugs, but I just watched one of Nelson's videos from xmas eve and he talks about doing ecstasy the night before. So he clearly did some drugs beyond weed.
He died in a hospital making an autopsy unnecessary, One of Nelson's grandfathers died of a sudden heart attack at the exact same age, making us think that there was a genetic disorder -taken from an interview. With Nelson's childhood friend and current uploader of the 5ninth videos, dick Richards (link only works on pc/laptop) www.bettyjack.com/Funtone/nelson/johnwithdick
I drank with Asto Erle a bunch of times before I even knew who he was, I know the bar in NYC he always goes to. wish I could of asked him if he met Nelson and how he felt of him
I knew Astro Ernie early on. He was really nuts not just eccentric and creative. He was a drugged-out lunatic when I talked to him at night.(no judgement). Lot of people were and it ruined there lives. I am glad I survived the nightlife.
P.S Lot of people were NOT drugged-out lunatics.Some of them went on to became famous or have extreme success in the arts. Some of them even influenced mainstream fashion.
It’s really unfortunate that Michelle needs so much attention and validation that she couldn’t shut up. Such a missed opportunity to really hear about Nelson from RuPaul perspective. It’s really too bad.
theres a common misconception that being unhealthy and overweight is always the cause for heart attack when it can also be a hereditary/congenital issue. a simple search says another family member of nelsons died of a heart attack at the same age nelson died to it
I know obviously Ru knew Nelson FAR more than I did and that is an understatement. But that being said-I knew Nelson because I lived close by and Nelson was a friendly people person. Over time he lost weight and started looking pale. He had the "look" that many unfortunate people had at that time who died from what we called "the plague". When I heard he died I was not surprised that a heart attack killed him. I knew other people who died the same way. RIP to one of the cutest southern men I ever knew who was clever and lovely in every way.
I can imagine Nelson now being nearly 80 and being a grumpy old man because Nelson back then was the most agitated by not knowing what was next and he despised people not being on time, I believe he ranted on a video about his brother or someone close to him who showed up over an hour late and didn’t bother to be there on time.
mrmikeyd The 5 9th ave project clearly shows many people helping him out jump starting his career . Later in his career he didn’t once mention any of them.
Nelson also seemed to know that Christina was going to die. Watch his last dinner with Christina Superstar. It’s eerie, he treated her as if he knew it would be his last night with her, even cleverly leading her into a store just for the lighting to capture the way she looked that night. It’s eerie and poignant.
I’m upset because she changed the topic from Nelson and I really wanted to hear about Nelson from rupauls eyes.
@Donald J Trump Trump ru's ego soooo large.
Yeah she kept cutting him off. I wish she would have shut the fuck up.
Just interupting the whole interview.
@@ZMAN_420 she was incredibly annoying here and made it all about her and then their relationship
i really want to hear about ru's documented 5 year friendship from when he was climbing up, michelle was only there when ru really cracked it
it sounds like at least it was a very fon relationship, theres one video where ru is off his face talking to nelson through the mirror, the way he said his name just sounded like he had nothing but affection for him, such a sweet manner
He
She is speaking over him soooo much!!!! I’d LOVE to hear him talk about Nelson!!!
God I know! Can't stand it!
I know it sounded like Rupaul had more gems to give us about Nelson and the story after Nelson.
No shit. That was so annoying!
Yah let Rupaul tell the story? Worst interview ever!
She didn't want to say something or nelson knew and seriously just didn't want to bring the vibe down. He seemed like that sort of person that would never want to burden folks around him with bad news.
Visage is so self obsessed. Absolutely ruins RuPaul's eulogy.
She really is a narcissistic, crow bar-ing piece of shit.
Omg I hate her!
Clearly she is high on cocaine 💯💯💯
Most of those people in that life are..I noticed that from watching Nelsons videos..I never have seen such self-absorbed narcissistic azzholes in my life. Their noses stayed in the air only time it came down is when they had a line to snort. I thought Nelson was the best of them all.Ru next..RuPaul was always very good to Nelson unlike a lot of those people Nelson hung with, Like Albert, Michael Musto, Michael Alig, James .St James.. I just couldn't get into them...Very all about the type of people ..They only are friends because they use each other..It's sad..They honestly don't know what a friend is but Nelson was a good one to them and they were to busy worrying about their clothes, face, makeup, money, and drugs!!
Glad I'm not the only one here that thinks she needs to shut up...
I thought people could have been exaggerating, but Michelle genuinely could not shut up in this.
About time rupaul spoke about nelson , at least acknowledging him or mentioning him.
Yes, I agree :)
Maritza Aponte Yes indeed!❤
RIGHT!?! She tends to block out that part of her life. I also feel like she kinda just latched onto their lives and happened to make it big.
Nelson treated him, and everyone, like gold.
He deserves recognition and respect.
Nelson was a mensch 💕
Nelson’s last tape is almost prophetic. I often wonder what he would think of the madness that is today....
I wonder that too
I think he'd be amazed at how simple videos have become. Recording HD footage with something that fits in the palm of your hand.
pal joey He'd prob hate you too
Hard to believe hed be 70 years old.
I love someone uploaded all of Nelsons videos. 34 years later and he still slaps hard. If you read "Let it All Hang Out" she talks about it.
Is anyone skilled enough to cut Michelle out of this ?
I could 🤷♂️
@@thesundog8833 please do ❤
@@nicolascage5323 I'm actually in the process doing something very wonderful with Nelson's work that will allow for a genuine, yet improved viewing experience.
@@cooper4892 well I recently started a Nelson Sullivan Facebook group (it's the only Nelson Sullivan Facebook group) and I'm thinking about also making a Instagram page but it's going to involve remastering some of Nelson's most favorited footage in true HD.
@@cooper4892 this is "The Sun Dog", watch this channel! ✌️🎥
I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted to hear RuPaul’s account of Nelson’s last night. I’m not able to remember where I later heard that RuPaul and “a couple of others” moved into Nelson’s house to take care of Blackout. Very surprised to hear Ru say that he only recently discovered Nelson’s 7/3/1989 video... Thank you for sharing this.
You're welcome Winn Carter :)
I love Blockout. I find it hard to believe that Nelson died of natural causes. There is also the symbolic aspect of July 4. Who said Nelson died in his bedroom?
HollywoodCreeper
Ru Paul implies that Nelson Sullivan died in his bedroom during this interview.
@@jessieessex I think Ru is just being a loyal friend and protecting Nelson's legacy. That is what a loyal friend does and Bunny, Ru, Lahoma, Larry Tee and The Pop Tarts seem to all still be close to this day... and they all talk well of Nelson
@@markjanssens1658 so you think it could have been suicide? Or drug overdose?
It's hard to say anything definitive about these people we only know from videos but rupaul doesnt seem that close to nelson. Maybe they were
Why does this other woman have to keep talking? Like let RuPaul talk! We want to hear about him and Nelson not your babble nonsense
Lol exactly
Thats his ratchet bestie.
When Nelson said on his video that he didn't want to run today and it was the last day he doesn't have to run anymore. Gave me chills
That's not what he meant. He'd just quit his job to start his own documentary film with his footage and would be super busy hustling on his own building his business as a filmmaker. He was taking a huge risk and it was going to take a lot of nonstop work.
so true!@@asleepbydawn137
First time watching this. I SENSED they had a deep caring friendship. Rupaul and Nelson. I almost cried when Rupaul said they rented,took over the house, and Ru room was Nelson. :( Thank you for finding and sharing this Retro Room.
Thank you so much for watching amara Sensourinh :)
I believe they also took over taking care of Blackout in his final years, too.
@@DarkWillUser Blackout died shortly after Nelson had passed away. Some sources say, they didn´t take good care of him, but as he must have been 12 or 13 years old at that time, I would also consider him following his beloved master & friend. His person wasn´t there anymore, which must have felt horrible for him. This happens quite a lot.
I always wondered if Nelson died in his house or at the hospital, I guess now we know he died in his home. I've been looking everywhere for an interview where Ru talks about Nelson, thanks for sharing Retro.
You're welcome MrShedinthepeg
Have you seen the movie made of Nelson's tapes by World of Wonder
Yes, I believe it was Dick who said Nelson died in the hospital and that is why there was no autopsy done. I believe Dick also mentioned Nelson's father died suddenly of a heart attack also and he was about the same age as Nelson when he passed.
Wasn't it not his grandfather? not his father?
Literally got some peace from this
God these women need to stop interrupting mama ru 🙄 too bad rupul didn't buy nelson's house. It would be amazing if he did and kept it as if was..
They actually did keep it as it was for awhile. It was a museum that ppl could go in & look around. The space was used for many things over the years.
One woman, that’s just Michelle lol
I don't get the whole debate about whether Nelson had AIDS or not. Does it even matter?
He was a sweet and caring person who left such a legacy. His kind personality shines through when he is filming and he needs to be recognized for his contribution. He documented a milieu that was vibrant and important.
He died from a heart attack
I dont think he had aids. Honestly I think he probably had an undiagnosed case of herpes. He was only 41 and they couldn't find anything wrong with him. He could of contracted it years prior and the virus was slowly eating at his heart as STDs do if you dont take meds for it.
@@6bigyak987 he died from a aids-related heart attack
@@bobbigarcia882 - Everyone has herpes, except for newborns who didn't get it from their mother. Simplex 1 is in 90% of people on earth. Simplex 2 is in every sexually active person on the planet, which is about 60% of the planet. Most people never manifest symptoms. Of those who do, a cold sore, once in their life is the extent of their symptoms. There's lots of dangerous things out there--Herpes isn't one of them. Infection would be 100% if newborns didn't have to contract it independently(Usually). The only reason you know about herpes is someone in the 70's discovered a medication for this harmless virus, and so the virus was advertised to market the new pharmaceutical.
He died in a hospital making an autopsy unnecessary, One of Nelson's grandfathers died of a sudden heart attack at the exact same age, making us think that there was a genetic disorder
-taken from an interview. With Nelson's childhood friend and current uploader of the 5ninth videos, dick Richards (link only works on pc/laptop)
www.bettyjack.com/Funtone/nelson/johnwithdick
RuPaul needs to do a "reaction" video to some of the videos he featured in, would make an amazing series
I heard that podcast sometime ago, I got a little teary eyed so poignant of Ru to still speak of Nelson with such love almost 30 years later. Ru has talked about Nelson a few times over the years so it's not like he hasn't forgotten him. So he died in the bedroom? That is sad.
I was so happy to come across this. It was the first time i'd heard it. Nelson was taken from us too soon.
Yes, a lot of the people around Nelson were just narcissistic users, but Rupaul, like Dick was a true friend. He was always very sweet to Nelson.
He wasn't done talking about seeing Nelson's videos!! Gets interrupted when talking about something historic for the first time. So frustrating! Host had no self awareness or self control. Let the guest tell the story!
Actually this was Ru's podcast. He's the host, she's the guest host.
It's the "Ru and the Shrew" show. 🙄
Wow...she want Ru to say he died from something other than heart attack
She sounds like a vile, rude and very annoying lady.
I thought AZT killed Nelson
I have seen quite a few people speculating about his death on CZcams in the comments. I’m glad she asked these questions because some of the comments are rude and disrespectful. And there are quite a few accusations of drug use. I’m glad Ru cleared that up.
Like maybe she was fishing to see if he had AIDS?
Because of the prophetic nature of Nelsons last tape, people assume he might of taken his own life.
When RuPaul said “you know what scares me ? Stupid people”
Girl, same here lol
@Shyla The Bronx BX Yaaaaas, and she was too stupid to get it! Double burn!
And Michelle Visage too stupid to realise it was her that provoked that comment
No one ever realizes that they are the stupid ones
I hate how she is interrupting him so much.
Dick Richards said in two different interviews that it was Nelson who actually introduced Rupaul to Fenton And Randy which gave him his big break (and Dick introduced Ru to Nelson). Whereas in his Emmy speech Rupaul thanked Dick Richards for the introduction to Fenton and Randy, I wish he’d also mentioned Nelson. In the Nelson videos Ru seemed like a very close friend whereas here I felt something was missing, maybe it’s just that it was thirty years ago and time fades things, that and the fact Michelle was interrupting a lot, she was annoying as the other comments say as she never let him finish a thought so perhaps he would have said more if she didn’t keep changing direction. Or I guess we just want more than Ru can give us, as we all want more information on Nelson, his life and his death, because thru his videos we feel we know and love him, certainly you can’t watch the tapes without developing an affection for him. Unfortunately as Dick has died too now I don’t know if we’ll ever get a proper biography on Nelson.
It bummed me out when Ru described him as “a guy who used to film us”. Like you said maybe we’re reading to much into it but it felt a bit cold.
@@skinyman I feel the same, I’ve been watching Nelson’s old videos from time to time and it seemed cold that Ru was so close with him and Ru was also clearly someone who mattered to him a lot. Like damn I came here to hear great and interesting things about Nelson and instead I listened to Ru kind of dismissing his entire personality outside of “a guy that filmed us” and then Michelle talking over it
I think it could be in the works, Nelson is becoming more popular by the day...I selfishly want him all to myself but his legacy deserves it.
Gosh he was vlogging before vlogging was really a term or a thing!
Kevin O wow so original
well he is known as the inventor of vlogging apparently and we cant argue with that lols
"Rupaul TRIES to speak about Nelson's last tape".
haha
On March 15 1948 the best videographer was born but... 41 years later on July 4 1989 he died my hear attack
Yes, I agree :) he was the best!
@@RetroRoomYT Its amazing to think Nelson passed away coming up on 30 years
Nelson was defiantly skinnier in the end had trouble breathing, more skin rashes etc etc. I think it's really quite plausible that he had Aids. Especially when you watch the video where he goes shopping and gets vitamins made for low immune symptoms.
Skynet I live in the hometown where Nelson grew up. I’ve asked a few people about him. People that grew up and went to school with him. They said he had aids. It’s so sad. He seemed so charming and charismatic. Just a nice guy to be around and be friends with. It’s amazing to see the same things in his video where he went to kershaw in the background that are still here today.
@@Haley_3210 Finally someone bringing this up. I always suspected as much and felt that was the motivation to document his life the way he did. Makes his videos all the more poignant. To think the sorrow behind those eyes all the while he was filming. Thanks for your research and letting us now.
Yes, I suspected Aids when I saw the fast growth of the mole he had removed. It looked like a Kaposi sarcoma to me. For a moment I considered suicide, but heart attack seems plausible too. Terribly sad.
So he had aids and died of an heart attack, that's fucked up.
@@cthrew1603 I thought it was a lesion associated with Aids.
It's good to hear Ru share memories and also saying the same many have said about that video (how oddly prophetic it felt). I can see why it would be difficult to want to look back. And some nice details about the house too. Thankfully Michelle didn't talk over as much as I thought she would. Thank you for finding this.
Ken George Jones I'm glad you liked it :)
I've stayed in that house at 5 ninth ave. I met Lahoma and Larry in Dallas at Brooke H's apt on Haskell. I was the DJ (along with Robert Taylor, Thrillwell & Red Eye ) at all of the Dallas parties that Brooke H threw with Michael A, Chris Comp and many of the other club kids. So Lahoma and Larry invited me and my bf at the time Kris to visit them on our next trip to NYC. So the next time we went to NY we were staying at Hotel 17 (in the only room that had its own shower on the first floor near the office) we called Lahoma and met her at Roxy where she was hosting a party and made arrangements to stay at her and Larry's (5 ninth Ave) before going to the airport. So when we got there we were exhausted probably from partying all night so we napped in the bedroom on the first floor near the fron door. Before we left I commented on a decorative plate that was exactly the same one in the John Waters film Pink Flamingos and Lahoma climed up on a ladder, took it down off the wall and insisted I take it. it is a mobile home pictured with the caption, "God bless our mobile Home" I havent talked to Jon Witherspoon (Lahoma) in years but recently had a short convo with him on facebook messenger. He was at his day job. It was so good to chat after at least 25 yrs. Larry lives in Berlin with his bf and loves it. I hear from him occasionally also on messenger. Lots of stories of the club kids, Brooke H, Chelsey Hotel etc etc for daze.
i wish michelle would shut up n let ru talk
keller70 I concur
I know. Her voice is so shrill and strident.
Rupaul needs to look at all Nelson’s videos which have included.
Yes
Ru knows about the videos I’ve heard.
💕Nelson should have a statue of him and his camera standing outside his’ house, and Blackout beside him 🌈 he must have been one of the first on Manhattan doing these amazing videos that we today 2020 is so used to seeing around us. Thank’s to Action Kid I found Nelsons storys. I lived at that time just around the corner on Gansevoort st but damn...I don’t remember seeing him and his camera...today we can all go to this gallery where Nelson used to live - love it 🎥 take care be safe
So glad you found this clip. I'm fascinated with that house, don't know why . That's the way to live in NYC, I had a tiny railroad on the upper east side. Kinda sad that the interviewer is not only a moron, but defines the term 'inane'. I wish someone else (maybe you?( would interview Rupaul and let her talk - you could tell she wanted to tell us what we really wanted to hear but kept getting cut off.
I get the feeling Nelson was close to his grandmother.He seemed to have this persona of an elderly ,eccentric southern woman which was probably developed early in his life.I liked Nelson's personality,seemed like a decent level headed kind of guy.RIP,Nelson.
He was. He had a wonderful southern drawl. I lived really close by to him and ran into him in the street a lot.
He seemed like a genuine Southern gentleman (genteel). It comes through. He was a handsome man. He did not look his age either I was surprise that he was in his 40's.
If only the world could be like Nelson Sullivan
Nelson was an absolute Darling x Such an enigmatic character. Thank you a Million Nelson , your legacy will live on🙏 ❤
This is EXACTLY why "What's the tea" needs to come back; it gives the children herstory.
Yes, they should definitely bring it back 💯
“I met you when… Were you scared… I’d be scared… How much did you pay… “ Oh my god all I wanted was to hear about RuPaul and his relationship with Nelson.. Ruined.
KUDOS to you young man for all the research you do in keeping us all informed and updated of such a WONDERFUL group of BLESSED. TALENTED and BEAUTIFUL SOULS...every time I watch any of Nelson's videos I feel as though I am right there with them on their collective INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS... YOU help keep Nelson's SPIRIT ALIVE as well as those he held near and dear...Continued ABUNDANCE in BLESSINGS to ALL...as it should be!BE PEACE!!!
Nelson's life, that I have seen from his photos, seemed so bizarre. I could never work out if the people he was surrounded with liked him or just tolerated him, he seemed the same but also different to them. Again I am just going from all the videos I have seen, clearly I didn't know what he was like off camera. I am also amazed at how nearly every one of his friends has a similar personality and way of speaking even. Also when they saw Nelson turn up with the camera, were they happy to see him, or just wishing he would put that damn thing down ? Even though my life is the polar opposite to Nelson's, I would have loved to have chatted to him about cameras and filming techniques, he was way ahead of his time.
I was around this group at the time but only being an acquaintance. Not everybody around them looked the way this group in the films did. Nelson looked typical of many people in/near that scene. I clubbed often and saw them all and I only dressed up in a wacky way that was very in-style then. The way some of them dressed was very innovative and brave for that time period. Especially people dressed in drag being in public. I think they loved being filmed, they loved attention and Nelson was a charismatic people person. Nelson lived with RuPaul and was friends with alot of people including the infamous Micheal Alig (the one who was in prison for murder during that time period) I lived really close by toNelson and spoke to him a few times. RIP Nelson. You were /are a gem
Agree with the OP. The whole lifestyle is uninteresting to me and too phone, but I'd love to have known Nelson. A true gentleman.
@@theRoseofmyheart 🤔 SO much of your comment is pure bullshit! Let's start with the most obvious, Michael Alig didn't even go to prison for the murder of Angel Melendez until 1997.
@@EchoRider515 I imagine by "during that time period", she meant the days of club kids. So what else about her statement is "pure bullshit"? That Nelson was charismatic (are you attacking his memory)? That the group enjoyed attention? You're really gonna sit there and claim people like RuPaul, Lady Bunny and the others they hung out with hated attention? So where's the "bullshit"? Please tell us.
@@EchoRider515 I think that time period is the club kids, which lasted even after he went to prison
Hopefully in the future people (doctors included) will keep in the back of their minds that thin doesn't mean healthy/better off.
Yes, people can get sick at any size. We should put the focus on health, not shape or size.
Its always unhealthy to be overweight though.
hello world AND underweight of course
I found these tapes from just loving the 80s. Never knew Nelson. But so glad I do now. I watched every video and he was so ahead of his time.
Ru actually split time with one of Nelson's other friends taking care of Blackout. The fact that he mentioned Nelson is nice. Most people let their celebrity go to their heads and forget where they came from. I think Rupaul was a good friend.
He wasn't freaked out he was more happy for his come up on the come up
Nelson is such an icon loved his videos but more than that I just loved the way everything he did was instantly just great because he was there he made every single person feel loved. Loved the things he would say. One of his best lines was Why does he have to have a party for me not to go to...I don t want to have to go to that stupid meaningless party to bounce around with a bunch of club kids
Gosh it's so fascinating to hear about this from Ru's perspective. I can see why he would find it so difficult to watch. Like seeing all of that past relived must be incredibly overwhelming too. Thanks for uploading this! Also Michelle, girl, I love you, but please hush for a min and let him speak 😅
I think it’s funny Michelle Visage is still around. She’s was around back then too, somewhat on the scene even but on a different level. She’s got some interesting retro video floating around herself...
Yeah, I saw her walk at the Love Ball in one of Nelson's video's
@@RetroRoomYThoping you are still active, what video? I would love to see a young Visage & Nelson in the same room
This is gold, and throws a lot of light on some questions. I am glad Ru got the opportunity to say something about Nelson. Early life before fame.. it can be difficult, lets say. Many thanks again Retro!
Thank you for watching 😀
Love it thank you for uploading..... another great snippet of their history! XXX
I saw Nelsons vid b4 this went up(I've been obsessed w the 80's club scene) ....it was a perfect day for Nelson, and was a beautiful bittersweet ending to the series. Michelle needs to stfu cuz it's not about her
I still would love to see a documentary made about Nelson.
From Dutchland? I'm Dutch. Netherlands gurl. Great video about a great man. Nelson.
Thanks Bart!
Also I preformed at Carnegie at a solo and ensemble national choral competition and we won. I don't remember the music store being there anymore....love this whole thing about Nelson there something so absolutely alluring about his "vlogs" watching you guys grow up and the folly and the fun and the good and the bad.
Boy l will tell you I am a complete strait male but I would have loved to party with you guys back then what a transformative time for the country
She is the worst interviewer. She keeps interrupting with nonsensical words.
Never heard of Carnegie?
@@HappyQuailsLC what about him
@@Jesusislord22 Hi, I think this comment was related to his employment. I think the message it was associated with was deleted. He worked at Carnegie Record Shop.
I had a podcast cohost like Michelle, would not let me talk, always interupted to where getting one sentence in without her changing subjects to be around her was impossible. This clip gives me flashbacks. Narcissists makes the worst podcast hosts, it always to be about them and how they love hearing their voice and get bored when something is not about them.
Do you have a podcast
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was trying to figure out how much Nelson was paying for such an awesome place back then. Did not expect to find out in this video but what a great surprise.
I watched most of Nelsons tapes and wished I was part of that scene because I was young around 16 17 and loved that scene back then ♥
I was there and it was great because the rents were so low because of urban decay and it attracted a lot of creative people and a sense of freedom. But it was not all a bed of roses. The city was filthy and dangerous in many, many places. I was afraid a lot and looked over my shoulder constantly at night. People looked at me and asked me "how much" (for sex) even though I looked nothing like a hooker. I knew people who were raped, robbed, overdosed and even murdered. I was glad I was around but it was not constantly glamorous and fascinating. Most of it was just life. P.S Riding the subway was horrifying at night but it was expensive to get around any other way.
Belia what was your favorite club in NYC back then
*theRoseofmyheart* people forget that NYC was a very dangerous/unstable place in the '70s and '80s. In fact, the city almost went bankrupt in the former decade. Frankly, I'm surprised Broadway survived. It's a much family friendlier atmosphere now, especially Times Square.
I'm tiny and I had a heart attack at 37. I happen to be at a doctor's appointment and in an hour I was in icu. I never knew I did have a heart problem. Everyone should get checked just in case.
This is priceless. Thank you for posting this.
This was really interesting to hear but I think it's odd RuPaul doesn't like to reminisce about the old days. It's something most people love to do. I know I do. $1,500.00 rent was great for the whole house. I know exactly the place Nelson worked at Colony records & sheet music in times square. It was there for years and I believe it closed down sometime in the 2000's. I bought my sheet music there. The rents in NYC were so affordable in all five boroughs now it's ridiculous!!!! Thanks for this. I really enjoyed it. RIP Nelson.🙏
Thanks For this upload there’s so many unanswered questions that many of us will never know! What i Find Soo random is that he’s Buddies with Ru!!! I just came across his Vlogs not to long ago an now just really got into them. An now I found out Ru was his friend! Really Small World! 🌎
Wish I had the funds to do a full bio pic of Nelson and friends. He was so important in this time era.
For as blessed as we are to have had Nelson preserve so much of that era, I would have given anything for somebody to have continued with his work and document the five years immediately following his death. RuPaul signing with TommyBoy and the successof "Supermodel." The ascent to stardom of Deee-Lite. Randy and Fenton's World of Wonder becoming a small media empire. Lady Bunny's Wigstock outgrowing Tompkins Square Park. Michael Alig's confession and conviction. James St James and _Disco Bloodbath._ If Nelson's era was a snapshot of how they all struggled in relative obscurity back then, to have seen so many of their dreams come to fruition or how others' behavior would result in their own destruction would have been equally valuable.
Ive watched this a few times and Nelsons videos a million, they never get old because Nelson becomes a friend once you see and hear his kindness and the cool life he had, He was happy when he died, its obvious. Say Love! LOVE!
Love! ❤️
Thanks for this dude
Wow / loved it - some how managed to stubble upon Nelson’s videos - how could you not fall in love with the guy- RIP Nelson
Nice to hear Rupaul talking about Nelson 🎉
Love Nelson's 8 mm footage of FIre Island in 1976.
Apparently thats where he got hiv they say
Nelson’s grandfather died at the same age. By the way, it would be nice to hear Ru talk without Michelle screaming over him!
Again, thank you!
:)
another great upload
So there is still a piece of time that isn't quite accounted for because mr. Richards says he died in a hospital.. so is he feeling unwell at home and they called the Paramedics, or did they take him to the hospital ? I'm doing some deep diving research for a project.
amazing finally this is such a full circle moment since i've watched all his videos
Lol’d so hard at the “hell no, that doesn’t freak me out, you know what does; stupid people!”
Only RuPaul
my uncle dropped of a massive heart attack at 40. It does happen.
He says no drugs, but I just watched one of Nelson's videos from xmas eve and he talks about doing ecstasy the night before. So he clearly did some drugs beyond weed.
T's Slots , he probably meant not a regular user or addict .
He died in a hospital making an autopsy unnecessary, One of Nelson's grandfathers died of a sudden heart attack at the exact same age, making us think that there was a genetic disorder
-taken from an interview. With Nelson's childhood friend and current uploader of the 5ninth videos, dick Richards (link only works on pc/laptop)
www.bettyjack.com/Funtone/nelson/johnwithdick
I drank with Asto Erle a bunch of times before I even knew who he was, I know the bar in NYC he always goes to. wish I could of asked him if he met Nelson and how he felt of him
Wow, It's a small world :)
I knew Astro Ernie early on. He was really nuts not just eccentric and creative. He was a drugged-out lunatic when I talked to him at night.(no judgement). Lot of people were and it ruined there lives. I am glad I survived the nightlife.
P.S Lot of people were NOT drugged-out lunatics.Some of them went on to became famous or have extreme success in the arts. Some of them even influenced mainstream fashion.
Thank you for posting this😀
It’s really unfortunate that Michelle needs so much attention and validation that she couldn’t shut up. Such a missed opportunity to really hear about Nelson from RuPaul perspective. It’s really too bad.
Thanks for the video
Brilliant! I had never heard this before!
This is brilliant thanks for sharing.
:)
Awesome Video. Thank you.
Great video!! Rip Nelson ✌🏽️❤️💜💜
Thanks :)
theres a common misconception that being unhealthy and overweight is always the cause for heart attack when it can also be a hereditary/congenital issue. a simple search says another family member of nelsons died of a heart attack at the same age nelson died to it
i rly wish michelle would be quiet, i wanna hear ru speak
Just mentioning Sweet Nelson makes me tear up.." last night on a walk with his dog."
I know obviously Ru knew Nelson FAR more than I did and that is an understatement. But that being said-I knew Nelson because I lived close by and Nelson was a friendly people person. Over time he lost weight and started looking pale. He had the "look" that many unfortunate people had at that time who died from what we called "the plague". When I heard he died I was not surprised that a heart attack killed him. I knew other people who died the same way. RIP to one of the cutest southern men I ever knew who was clever and lovely in every way.
I was so wondering if rupaul was the same guy!! Omgggg WOWW
You have a very cute and very attractive pic. You are beautiful.
CJ B stfu
CJ B thirsty little butch
"Wherever Dutch people some from" xD!
$1500? You can make that tricking In one night!!
Wow lmao that was a shit ton in 1989...
With 3 people in the house splitting the rent, I think she meant $500 per person, if they tricked all night long. The docks don't pay that well.
Love the channel.
This is Precious ♡
I can imagine Nelson now being nearly 80 and being a grumpy old man because Nelson back then was the most agitated by not knowing what was next and he despised people not being on time, I believe he ranted on a video about his brother or someone close to him who showed up over an hour late and didn’t bother to be there on time.
How can rupaul look back on the last vlog Nelson made and not get a little emotional. Ru should of paid a little more tribute to Nelson.
RuPaul is and always was a phony two faced self serving bitch
mrmikeyd The 5 9th ave project clearly shows many people helping him out jump starting his career . Later in his career he didn’t once mention any of them.
Who cares? Should the rolling stones acknowledge the people always recording them on video?
Nelson is going to be a bigger star then rupaul when it's all said an done
bee zee ru who?????Nelson is awsome,,but who is ru
okay I'm not the only one
Nelson also seemed to know that Christina was going to die. Watch his last dinner with Christina Superstar. It’s eerie, he treated her as if he knew it would be his last night with her, even cleverly leading her into a store just for the lighting to capture the way she looked that night. It’s eerie and poignant.
I dont like how so many Assumed he died of Aids. Either way Nelson was great and left us way to soon.
Great find!
His home is now a museum now, the third floor is dedicated to Nelson.