The End of Vision Video: How to Say Goodbye to Your Favorite Band
- Eryk The Strange
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
They say writing is a good way to organize thoughts and process emotion. You know that one band that got you through some of the darkest points of your life? Yeah that band. You buy all their records, all their shirts, can talk about them endlessly. And then for one reason or another, they are mercilessly ripped from existence. If you haven't had a favorite band break up or retire, you're lucky, but it's something nearly everyone has to deal with at least once. Mine was Vision Video. I'm going to preface this by saying I'm well aware that I have the privilege of knowing that Dusty is going to come back with another project. He's not retiring or quitting. But that doesn't change the fact that this band that meant so much to me is now done. If you're not interested in the story of how I found VV and my experiences, skip to the starred paragraph below.
I first found VV through the Goth Dad TikTok videos, like a lot of people. Sure they're cheesy as hell, but gave me a sense of belonging. Who is this goofy guy calling me his baby bat and teaching me how to tie a tie? I dug a bit deeper and realized how chill and welcoming he was to all his queer followers. While his loud political stance has caused a lot of raised eyebrows and disdain, for myself and many others, in a world where being openly queer has become increasingly unsafe, it's been really nice having an artist I know I can listen to and interact with, without having to worry about what views they may or may not possess.
When I found VV, I was part of a media outlet with someone treating me very poorly. I won't go into details, but I was ready to throw in the towel. After multiple years of bad situations, I felt like I couldn't gain any momentum and was putting in a lot of work with no results or due recognition. Ancient history now, but it's relevant. Kind of on a whim, I went to Dark Force Fest in 2023 to see Vision Video. That event changed my life in many ways, such as gaining a new chosen family, (Moon Cat and Luke Vinland and a few others), which is incredible. But that part is a story for another time. I wouldn't be sitting here writing this article if I hadn't met Dusty. I did a kind of crappy little painting and gifted it to him, and we talked for a bit. They always say not to meet your idols, but I'll be forever grateful that I met mine. Later that night was his set, and I was second row back, having a great time. But during "Haunted Hours", I thought about the people I've lost, and sang along, tears streaming down my face, and when the song was over Dusty leaned into the mic and said "Thanks for singing along Eryk".
It was truly one of those "Holy shit did that really just happen?" moments. In a room of two hundred? three hundred? or more screaming fans, and he thanked ME for singing along? I was so in shock that I even confirmed with several people, Dusty himself, and yep it actually happened. Me? I'm a nobody. Why did I get a shoutout? It was in that moment that something clicked for me. I'm this dorky awkward neurodivergent trans guy, nobody had any reason to listen to me about anything. And yet Dusty, the artist I admired most, really saw me. Maybe I could do this.
So that's how this site got its start. I cut the dead weight and went off on my own, because Dusty gave me the kick in the ass I needed. Turns out goth and queer centric outlets are a niche not yet oversaturated. Over the time since then, I've interviewed over a hundred artists and actually feel like I've made a mark on the scene, which is something I never felt capable of doing. Music has always been my number one love, so talking to the people skilled enough to make it and helping other people find new music brings me more fulfillment and joy than nearly anything else.
Last time I saw Dusty, I gave him the Cliffnotes version of this story, and even though there was a long line of people behind me, he took the time to listen and gave me some solid advice. He said to never listen to that doubting voice in your head, to never give up, and that he's proud of me. Anyone can say that, but you could tell he truly meant it. That's one of the things that's so special about Dusty. He genuinely, actually cares about each and every one of his fans. This is exceedingly rare nowadays.
***** The world is bleak, and VV has been one of those glimmering rays of light in the darkness. Modern Horror sadly becomes more relevant by the day. When Dusty announced that VV was coming to an end, myself and a lot of others were absolutely devastated. How can this be it? This band we adore, that speaks out for what's right, aways tells us to be our best selves, tells us to love each other, that has helped so many of us? Yeah, yeah... I know you're saying "But Eryk, Dusty is going to be back, why are you so upset? It's not like this is the end of him." But it still feels like I've lost a close friend.
So, I guess we just need to mourn VV like we mourn a lost friend. Remember them fondly. Those times when the songs said exactly what we needed to hear. The tears. The laughs. The sweaty post-show hugs. The songs don't lose their meanings now that the band is no more. We need to cling to the hope and sense of belonging that this band brought us. That Dusty brought us. We need these glimmers more now than ever. But it's okay to be sad. VV made such an impact on the scene, and on all of us. We'll always be Goth Dad's baby bats. We just have to keep moving forward while we await whatever project Dusty does next. Sure whatever that may be won't be Vision Video. But it'll still be the heart and soul of VV. Dusty isn't changing. He isn't going anywhere. We just need to smile through the tears and remember that. I'm sure we're going to love Video Vision (kidding), or whatever the next band will be just as much. But until then, we just remember Vision Video fondly, and stay strange.
Special thanks to our friend Chris Cardi Photography for the supplemental images
