About Us

The SHADES are a classic rock
and pop music band that play in
and around Tri-Cities WA. The
SHADES offer popular live music
performances that are enjoyed
by many age groups.

Bobby Nelsen - Is the Founder
and guitarist for The SHADES
and has been playing music
professionally even before his
teen years. Bobby plays
awesome lead guitar and is a
seasoned dynamic singer. He
played in various full time west
coast road bands including:
Dillinger, Spread Eagle and
Dancer before forming "The
SHADES" in Seattle in 1982. Email
Bobby at: theshadesguitarist@yahoo.com

Faith Martin - Sings and plays
guitar. She has a strong and
beautiful voice. Faith performed
with Private Reality, Intention, Act
of Faith and Rokbox before joining
The SHADES in 2004. Faith is a
career radio announcer and is
currently on the air in the
afternoons on Eagle 106.5fm.
Email Faith at: info@faithmartin.com

Bruce Kirton - is an extremly
talented musician, bass player
and singer. The SHADES
welcomes Bruce as our newest
member and we are proud and
honored to have him in our group.
Bruce has toured internationally
as a professional musician with
various bands and musicians
including "Gary Glitter" before
moving to the Tri-Cities.

Billy Hitt - is an excellent singer
and accomplished drummer.
Billy provides the energy and
"drive" that enables The SHADES
to rock solid! Billy has been a
professional musician since his
early years and used to play with
"The Cavaliers" of the hit record
"Last Kiss." He was also a
member of the Dallas Symphony
Orchestra for many years and
joined The SHADES in 1995. Email
Billy
at: billyhitt@yahoo.com

History of The SHADES

The SHADES were formed in
1982 in Seattle WA by lead
guitarist Bobby Nelsen. Original
members included singer Mark
Levick from "The Machine,"
guitarist Glen Eagleson from "No
Cheese Please," bassist Dan
Zoch from "Baby Knockers," and
drummer Mike Painter from
"Night Monsters."

The SHADES signed with the
WSA and FarWest booking
agencies, primarily playing road
dates throughout Washington,
Oregon Idaho, Montana and
Alaska. The SHADES also played
dates with artists such as TKO,
Doucette, The Charlie Bird Trio,
Elvin Bishop, and Boy Toy. In the
early years you may have seen
them at AK's and Dominiks while
they traveled through the
Tri-Cities between 1980-1990.

In 1994, Bobby Nelsen relocated
to the Tri-Cities and joined the
local band "Steel Wheels" with
Ronny Stephens before reforming
The SHADES in 1995. The
SHADES perform popular rock
and pop music from the 50's
through today for regional clubs,
taverns, company parties
,wedding receptions and special
events. Many of the band
members write and have
recorded original songs
individually but The SHADES
mainly play cover tunes to keep
the music familiar for their
audience.