before "Grunge" there was
BOMBSHELTER VIDEOS
and a lot of great bands rockin' this town!

"I hope that this website can preserve some fond memories of a past era, before the Web, when bands played music, Seattle was cool and labels didn't care." -Frank Harlan, Creator of Bombshelter Videos

Fans of Bombshelter Videos will always remember the program's V.J. (Video Jock), Bill Bored, who appeared on KSTW TV11 (Nov 1987-Nov 1988) and KTZZ TV every weekend (May 1989-Sept 94) in the Pacific NW region. This weekly broadcast television series has been credited for playing a major role in exposing and defining what ultimately became known as "Seattle's Grunge Scene".

Okay, FYI: This internet thing was pretty much non-exsistent when Bombshelter Videos was on the air. It's funny to me that more than two decades after we retired the series, we get email... Email! We are flatered that music lovers in the "know", know about our projects.

HELP ME put the Bombshelter Video Series
and all of your favorite NW bands(1987-1994)on YouTube! Here's What I need: Transfers of VHS Sub Masters and Betacam to a digital format.

If you can help email me with your contact info: info@frankonline.com

Did You Know?

In 1987 BSV Producer, Frank Harlan produced the first TV commercial for Soundgarden's Screaming Life EP on Sub Pop and premiered live concert footage of Alice In Chains as well as premiering music videos by Sir Mix-a-lot, Nine Inch Nails and other pre-Grunge rejects from MTV.

Trivia Notes: Bill Bored collectible trading cards (above and right).Only 1,000 of each was released to the general public in 1992. You got one?

Rumor has it that they're worth up to $35 bucks if the card is in excellent condition.
That's pretty cool. (eBay... what a great concept!)

1. Just click here BSV Set Wallpaper.
2. Wait for the image to load.
3. Right click your mouse on image.
4. Click on "Set as Wallpaper" and that's it!

"Change is good. Life is good. Ya, I'm Good. How bout you?" -bill

Did You Know?

Before the Bombshelter Video’s Seattle premiere in November of 1987 on KTZZ TV-11, Frank Harlan originally began producing and developing the series in 1982 as a 1-hour format for independent UHF Station Channel 22 in Anchorage, Alaska. After being released from his position as program producer and late night Video Jock, he found himself taking refuge at the local Community Access facility in Anchorage. While there he experimented with the format and created sketch comedy-style TV commercials to fill in the blanks (like a real TV show). Once he decided to develop the program for broadcast television, he began working in a 30 minute format that included six minutes of commercial breaks (1 minute less than a normal 30-minute series). This gave him a lot of practice knocking out 30-second spots on the cheap, which can be observed in the commercials created for program sponsors. Harlan says, “Even though all of the viewers tuned in for the bands and their videos, a majority of the fan mail praised the TV commercials.”

Here is the YouTube link to a demo reel of BSV ads, check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2FUqNljwLs

This video clip features commercials that represented the sponsors of Bombshelter Videos and includes premiere TV commercials for KCMU 90.3 FM, KNDD 107.7 FM and Scarecrow Videos! Plus, Joey Kline's U-Coffee, Tattoo Emporium, LUNA, C/Z Records as well as promo for the show and the unforgettable program opening that viewers saw every week featuring the song people are still singing, "Bomb Shelter" by Naked Raygun.

Experience This!

Since Paul Allen opened his Experience Music Project (EMP) there has been a surge in information gathering regarding Bombshelter Videos. Not because it plays role in the museum but the fact that it doesn't. We donated nearly 3,000 alternative rock videos collected from 1982 to 1994. About 400 were from NW Artists.

There was also 100+ Episodes of Bomshelter Videos and About 50 episodes of another series we also produced called NorthWest Rock.

Also if you're totally interested, or you have some super-natural power, and can help. I woud like to to make all of the BSV and NWR programs available to all our cyber-friends for viewing, possibly on YouTube.

Bill Bored says: "UNDERGROUNDGARAGEBANDARTTHRASHNOISEMUSIC"still lives!

"I think Bombshelter Videos not being recognized for its role in Seattle's "Grunge" phenomenon by the creators of EMP (Experience Music Project) proves that the Musical Underground is still alive. And it continues to thrive by doing what it has always done, challenging and constantly changing the true history of music." -Frank Harlan 1997

Did You Know?

Bombshelter Videos tormented Seattle, Washington's
Late Night TV viewers from 1987-1992


Nov.1987-Nov. 1988 KSTW TV11
May 1989-Sept. 1992 KTZZ TV22 / Cable 10
preceded by NorthWest Rock Music Videos May 1992-Sept 1994