Strapping Young Lad

The video was shot in New Jersey on May 28, 2006. Contemporary coverage identified it as the video for the first single from The New Black and reported that it was expected to reach Fuse and MTV2 the following month.

The video was online on YouTube by June 29, 2006.

The first MTV2 Headbangers Ball airing currently verified in the playlist archive is August 5, 2006, where “Wrong Side” was listed among that week’s new videos. It aired again on August 19.

A retrospective Strapping Young Lad biography records several production details from the shoot: professional ballerinas were hired for the “heaven” setup; much of Devin Townsend’s performance was improvised; and an airline temporarily misplaced most of the band’s clothing and gear, forcing the production to assemble formalwear and substitute instruments until the band’s own equipment arrived for the final setup. This accounts for the instrument changes between the “heaven” and “hell” sections. Mike Milia is identified as co-producer and Director of Photography.

The same retrospective biography reports that “Wrong Side” was nominated for MTV2 Headbangers Ball’s Best Video of 2006.

The clip was later included among the promo videos on Strapping Young Lad’s retrospective Chaos Years DVD.

David Brodsky recalls “Wrong Side” as one of Allison Woest’s first shoots as a MyGoodEye crew member. During the shoot she effectively became Gene Hoglan’s drum tech after turning out to be the person on hand with a drum key. Woest remembers being star-struck by Hoglan and later finding him exceptionally kind. Brodsky also remembers the location as extremely hot. Devin Townsend performed in a tuxedo and, between takes, would often drop onto the scaffolding as though completely spent, only to spring immediately back to full intensity when action was called. Brodsky describes Townsend as an extraordinary live performer whose energy in front of the camera was unusual even by professional standards.

“This was one of Allie’s first videos as a crew member. She wound up becoming Gene Hoglan’s drum tech for the day for the simple reason that she happened to have a drum key on her. She remembers being completely star-struck by Gene, who, as it turns out, is a wonderful guy. The location was brutally hot, and Devin was performing in a tuxedo. Between takes, especially when we had him up on the scaffolding, he would just collapse into a heap like every ounce of energy had left his body. The second we yelled action, he exploded back to life at an energy level that was honestly unusual even for great performers. Amazing performer. Incredible talent.”

“Since this video already rocked the ballerinas made it epic.”

“Haven't heard this song in years. One word to describe it - Genius.”