If "back in my day" was a real person...

People seem to have forgotten that the best things to come out of this story, by far, are "Oooo, he leakin" and "CALL DA AMBERLAMPS"

I lived with Tom when I was homeless about 4 years ago he was a heroin addict (I can't believe you're doing a video on tom! I love your channel) So ,i stayed with him on the side of a highway in San Jose for about six months.( Really dirty homeless camp drug addicts in and out in and out). I don't know where he is now I haven't seen him in a long time but I got off the street and got off the drugs and got my life straight he didn't get sober so if i had to guess he's either passed away or he is just still in the street doing drugs. But yeah I actually lived with him for about 6 months. This would have been in 2017 and late 2016.

Mike is a pretty alright kinda guy man. Not even pressing charges, feeling bad about others on the bus who might have been uncomfortable. He admits the faults in his role in the situation. Seems like a pretty reasonable down to earth guy. I think I could drink a beer with that guy

No mention of Amber Lamps? BLASPHEMY

That last video of him was super depressing. Even worse than just seeing his state of mind was hearing the people laughing at him having such a clear crisis. Absolutely heartbreaking.

I met Tom when working at a coffee shop on Fruitvale where he frequented. The entire neighborhood knew him because he had that larger than life, unpredictable, border line scary personality. It was an absolute circus the year he got into a fight on AC and yes he came into the cafe passing out 20's like it was candy. He was even offered legal representation by folks who empathized with him... yet I couldn't help but think he was a lost cause. We urged him to slow down, use the moment to better himself, but Tom continued in berserk mode, never receiving the much needed help like all too many others who've served.

This guy reminds me of a couple men his age with mental illness and addiction issues. Shockingly, one of these men was known as "Vietnam Jon" on radio shows he would call into and with his group of friends. He never went to Vietnam and was discharged a few weeks or months into his service. He also made it onto TV once, when a hurricane destroyed his mobile home and someone ended up finding a small chest with some of his person possessions inside it. When they found him to give him the possessions back, he was in prison for running over a man in his vehicle who was on a sidewalk (Jon was drunk). He died almost alone, except for his roommate who believed all of his insane stories. He was a big strong man, handsome and smart until the drugs and mental issues took over. This man I speak of, well he was my uncle. This guy reminds me of him so much, it's kinda creepy. Especially the comments like "I am an expert in (insert anything manly)" and that "I couldn't take orders" or "I punched my drill sergeant" etc. These are common fake Vietnam people stories. I think in their day, there was no way to fact check them, so they got away with it for a very long time. I am sure I can find the time he made it on the news if you wanted to view it.

"I can't take orders man." Well, the military isn't for everyone. "Especially when I'm stone out of my mind on crystal meth.' ...oh

I’ve actually never heard of this story

Didn't press charges? He had no right press charges. He attacked Tom. He alone could have been charged.

Honestly shocked and humbled by the guy getting race baited into an altercation and then hopping on the radio to apologize, most professional shit I've ever seen.

Well that was sad. Living in the Bay Area, I know how life goes for the homeless, and it's even worse for the ones that are mentally ill. His story most likely didn't go very well and wouldn't count on we'll be hearing from him again if last time he was seen was 2014.

I remember EBM "someone call the amberlamps"

This guy is an almagamation of every It's Always Sunny character

I am a disabled veteran also and had the opportunity of meeting this gentleman at the veterans hospital in Oakland. He was actually not doing very well and was in a wheelchair at the time. He was in great spirit tho and I immediately recognized his voice from the video. I was told he passed away shortly after our meeting.

"He moved to California doing who knows what" Clearly layin' low from the heat

i feel pretty bad for both guys in the brawl. the guy didn't deserve to be ridiculed like that, and unfortunately i've met all kinds of people like tom before, so the entire time i was hearing this it just reminded me of customers i've met at work. i just hope he managed to get proper help and housing. awesome video btw.

Tom is the perfect example of "You either die a hero, or live long enough to become the villain"

"they were impressed by the fighting prowess displayed by this 62 year old man" Tell me you've never worked in a nursing home without saying you've never worked in a nursing home.

Idk man dude seemed pretty insane and unhinged in every single video. Not sure why people think this dude is some kind of hero.

This is sad...Like seeing behind a circus curtain to see the cages they hold animals in. I have lived with guys like this.....It isn't cool or glamorous when ya see the ODs, the DT sickness, the missed bills or even someone rail a mystery line that was crushed tums because they are that desperate for any kinda hi....

We used to call him Teddy because he would hang out with the homeless people at the teddy bear laundromat in South San Jose. If he was there he would buy a cigarettes and alcohol as long as we get him something too. Then many years later I see this viral video from Oakland California and guess who it is, I'll never forget his voice.

Spoke to him recently in North Beach, SF. He got a section 8 apartment in the area. Go figure........I couldn't get a place in that area if my life depended on it.

He would fit right in Florida

Tom: "How much for a shoe shine?" Joe Pesci: *flashbacks*

6:30 I wouldn’t expect a man that threw the first punch at a much older man to press charges.

Back when the bus confrontation happened, Bruso seemed like a badass at first, but after watching a few interviews with him, it became obvious that he was suffering from some kind of mental illness. Many of the stories he told appeared fabricated and it was like he was making stuff up as he went along. Sadly when the attention on him died down like it always does with the subjects of these viral videos, he was apparently left to his own devices and never given the help he really needed. I would hope he's OK, but the lack of sightings of him in recent years, combined with how bad his voice sounded the last time he was spotted and his deteriorated mental state gives me a really bad feeling.

Hey that guy who tom kicked the shit out of seemed pretty chill

Wavy: "Large man that is belligerent, unstable, and can fight" Also Wavy: "They shouldntve tased him" Should theyve asked pretty please?

He said he was in the Army at one point, but I just noticed him wearing a USMC shirt. Such a small detail, but ask any vet out there and they will tell you that it's extremely uncommon to see one wear another branch.

You know what, Shoutouts to Michael. He didn't press charges, admitted he was in the wrong, and apologized. I respect him for that.

Wavy now that you've done this you HAVE to do the Epic Why Guy. "Tell us why you're closed! We are the Toronto public! We want to shop!"

“Sergeant, E-6.” Ohhh he didn’t even have to finish. It’s all a lie, he’s way out there.

I struggle with mental illness. I need a shrink and meds but can't afford them so I self medicate with omega 3 and other brain foods. I hear the voices but have gradually over time learned to tune them out. I first began hearing them around 19yrs old and it freaked me out. People around me could tell something was wrong with me. Even though fame and money may come when you're mentally ill there is always that dark cloud in your life.

This channel is legit, I'm a newer fan and really enjoy literally every single upload you have. I appreciate all your hard work, it must take a lot of research and so much other things.

That's so sad seeing him at the gas station completely out of it, and the people recording it are more interested in the spectacle. The guy obviously needs some serious help and they're just laughing at him happy to get some internet content. Really shows where we are as a society, and it's pretty disgusting.

Thank you Wavy for covering this, one of my favorite internet stories. Hope the old man is alive and well and getting the help he needs, he sure is a character.

I'm pretty sure Epic Beard Man was never in Vietnam. That one picture of him in that Army uniform was not from the Vietnam era. Not only that, it was an Army uniform, and he claims to be a Marine.

I love how the black dude puts on his politician voice for interviews lol. Sounded real hood on the bus 🤣

Guy sounds like a real jerk. He's always getting in fights. The abuse is probably why

No honourable mention for Amber Lamps? Just sitting quietly in the background, contemplating her American Apparel haul!

I had always thought that it was some young punk, picking on an old man, and getting some instant karma. Turns out the old man is nuts and the dude "getting that karma" was far classier... Sounds though like it was a misunderstanding. After the dude asked "Why a brother got to spit shine your shoes?" The crazy old man said "You offered". It sounds like the COM thought that he heard an offer for the spit shine and then asked how much - which started the fight. That's why you don't talk to strangers...or ride the bus.

Thanks for bringing us back to the good old days wavy. Been watching your vids for about 3 years and they are so entertaining.

Call me crazy, but I'm not so sure he's the great guy he's portrayed to be

Even wavywebsurf's wholesome delivery couldn't make this not depressing

I hope he gets the help he needs, It's so sad seeing someone like this struggle like this.

Respect to the AmbaLance guy for not ratting, apologizing and having personal responsibility for his part in the bus incident. In my opinion, he came out better

Now we need an update on Amber Lamps, the innocent woman sitting with headphones on

Feeling much sorrier for the guy beard guy was brawling with, particularly as he was provoked, and that he had the grace and humility to apologize for his part in the action. I guess I feel bad for Beard Guy too, as he apparently dogged by mental illness and delusion. Kind of a bummer, really. But I'm glad you did the research, and that I learned the backstory to thst meme. I remember it the first time around.

This “epic beard guy” literally randomly asked a black man on a bus to spit shine his shoes for him.. then the black man ends up apologizing??? Sad. Tom is an insane person and I don’t understand why everyone is so obsessed with him.

Thank you for covering this guy. His life has been tragedy.

Tom Bruso is such a brawler name

When I first saw this. I completely sided with Tom. But everything Tom said about Michael after the fight makes me think Michael was right and also that there was definitely something said before they started filming. Im not saying he shouldn’t have kicked that guys ass but idk man.

Man wavy this just makes me wanna reach out to you about telling my younger brother's story and his unfortunate end he wasn't internet famous but the guy was a living legend in me and my friends eyes ge been gone for over a year now everyday i miss him everyday i wish more people were aware of him, mental health and suicide in general anyway man thanks for the vids

Why don't you do a story on the man that assaulted Mr. Bruso, Mr. Lovette?

I used to lurk 4chan a lot when this happened and man, let me tell you, it took over the /b board. Amber Lamps was the wave.

when i was a kid i thought epic beard man was sweet but now i just feel bad for lavette. he seems like the real good guy

16:57 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for recognizing and bringing attention to these issues. It's sad to see people laughing at him. He provided them some entertainment once upon a time, where is HIS crowdfunding page? I know it's not an issue where you could just give him that money, but it could go a long way towards an advocate who could contact various social services on his behalf, get him housing (at this point from what I see, he'd probably be best off in a long term care facility, but I'm no expert).. or at least a caregiver or something. Bipolar is manageable through medications. The saddest truth of all is that no one cares. Bay Area & USA social services failing yet another human being.

I only know him from the call the amber lamps video and that's all I need. The originator of "fuck around and find out."

The black guy was over 50 years old at that time.

I'm going to be honest, in retrospect I don't really think the fight on the bus was as noble as people made it out to be. Going by the interviews, lavette seems like an otherwise well adjusted dude, and tom is a clearly mentally ill and in need of help. This didn't really come across like an old man not taking the shit of a young person, but a drunk dude and a mentally ill dude unnecessarily escalating a Non-problem. The internet just added its normal embellishments to try and turn this into a more interesting story than it was. That being said, the story is also absolutely heartbreaking, and not an uncommon fate for many in the US. Mentally ill, chronically homeless, and the victim of mockery by people who only see a crazy old man.

He said he broke the principles monitor when he was 12, or something like that. They couldn't have had computers when that guy was 12...

Still support him for defending himself, words are words irregardless of who is right or wrong. Keep your hands to yourself.

Epic Beard Man is a Bay Area Legend, just like Pittsburg birdman, SF's bushman and E40

All Im gonna say is I'd love to see anyone take control of a coked up drunk belligerent person *without* tazing them.

I mean it's a sad reality that in most American cities you can walk past a dozen guys like this every day. Trying to start a conversation randomly, speaking really fast, maybe muttering. Going off on unbelievable tangents. It wouldn't be surprising if his entire backstory is made up considering his behavior in all these clips.

As a guy with a face full of hair, I'm just wondering how his beard is so flawless

"7 sammiches man and 6 cartons of milk" RIP brother-brother.

I think it's impossible to hang out with this Veteran for a weekend without it ending in some violence.... He has that Trouble-maker feel about him.

Kudos to Mike for not pressing charges and for giving a public apology.

i can confirm tom is alive, i give him bread from my aunts shop and sometimes i bring him water and i let him squeeze my muscles, who could resist

Feels good to call the amberlamps again!

Ayo I actually remember this story really well unlike most of the topics you cover

Ive watched this many times tom , and to be honest, you were right to put that guy in his place, Greetings from the United Kingdom, and Leicester city UK. Your a Vietnam veteran and deserve to be treated with respect. Love and hugs from the east Midlands x

At least my boy got his moment. Life is a very short ride anyway. VietnamTom did his thing. Respect

should of never sold rights to his story or character, he could of literally profited from all this in a unique positive way. it's a shame, probably still homeless after all of this.

can we get a video about "you're going to jail now" bus driver

"Amber Lamps" became pretty popular on the internet for being a cute girl seemingly totally unfazed by everything happening around her in this video! She was kind of turned into a manic pixie dream girl meme for a while, but I have no idea if anyone ever found out who she was or if they just left her alone otherwise. I am hoping it is the latter, but knowing the internet and especially back when this happened... I wouldn't be surprised if some creep(s) on 4chan doxxed the girl.

Holy shit I forgot about Vietnam Tom , this is slowly becoming one of my favorite channels

That’s the homie right there

He’s looks like a literal Chad Wojak Drawing

You have been nominated for the longest sponsorship segments on the internet contest.

OAKLAND! lol ty Wavy, I lived in the Bay Area for about 10 years and this dude is a street legend!

Brotha man sounds like a good soul. I would have taken the spit shine comment as racist too. It’s a sad deal for both men. Crazy situation:(

Drunk crazy homeless guy, somehow becomes a meme. There are Tom’s in every city and town in the US.

..im glad you looked into this, and put this together.. been thinking about him the past few weeks too, and just how different youtube has become over the past decade.. really hope hes doing well..; tho is there nobody out in oakland that could check the general area he used to hang around and just ask about him??.. :/

Thank you for posting this video. Really shines a light on how we all need to be kind to one another.

Can you please please do a whatever happened to Fleece "The Booty Warrior" Johnson he's probably still in prison now that I think about it but that would be epic..if there's more to the story..I've researched a little bit and couldn't find a thing.

Oh shit i was just talking about this when i showed my friend the black betty epic beard man parody

Most versions of this video don't include the spit shine part.

"You couldn't help but feel good for the guy" -- yeah, nah. Grew up with an alcoholic, bi-polar father who made up stories to impress my friends and build a larger-than-life character. Was a local legend. None of them knew the truth; he was an abusive piece of shit who achieved nothing, wasted every chance given to him, and burned every bridge. The thing that utterly broke me was, he used to mock my friends' dad (a veteran) saying he was "just" a cook and basically accusing him of stolen valour behind his back.. found out later in life the guy was genuinely a tank commander in Desert Storm. My dad walked around in camo but had never served. I saw through this guy the minute he opened his mouth.

he'd be pushing 80 and most likely still self medicating. very unlikely that he's still alive.

Gotta feel sorry for the Bearded Man. When he crossed the street with his pants down I don't think that was funny. That was a sad man who desperately medical/mental attention.

Thank you for promoting an unbiased platform.

As epic beard man once said, It's better to be pissed off than pissed on

The glasses give you the "macaulay culkin good son" look. I feel like after the video you are about to shoot a mean dog with a bolt shooting homemade crossbow.

Did they eventually find who was the amberlamps girl?

Props to Lovette for being a man and not pressing charges. Especially after the video went viral and then being painted as a murderer and thief...

gotta give props to wavywebsurf for always doing his research and getting the most accurate stories