Here’s a story that will make you rethink everything you know about punk rock and financial success: Roddy Bottum, the keyboardist for Faith No More, became a multi-millionaire by investing in Apple stock back in the early 1990s—a move that was as unconventional as his music. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this wasn’t just a lucky guess; it was the result of a rebellious mindset and an unlikely mentor. In a recent episode of The Hustle: Music & Money podcast, Bottum shared the full story, which he also details in his memoir, The Royal We. Let’s dive in.
Back in the 1990s, San Francisco was a hotbed of counterculture—bicycle messengers, punk rockers, and kids who prided themselves on being unapologetically judgmental about everything from highbrow arts to punk ethics. Bottum and his crew were the epitome of this scene, constantly pushing boundaries and doing things just because they were considered uncool. And this is the part most people miss: one of those uncool things was obsessively following the stock market. Why? Because it was the last thing anyone in their circle would expect from a dreadlocked, pot-smoking punk. But here’s the twist: it wasn’t about the money—they had none. It was about the provocation, the sheer absurdity of it all. Bottum’s then-boyfriend, a bit older and insanely smart, became his unofficial tutor, teaching him the ins and outs of the stock market purely for the thrill of it.
Fast forward to when Bottum earned his first substantial paycheck—$12,000 from Faith No More after a year and a half of touring. At the time, he was living rent-free in a studio apartment, still working as a bicycle messenger, and had no immediate need for the money. But here’s where it gets controversial: his ‘insanely bipolar’ boyfriend convinced him to invest the entire $12,000 in Apple stock. This was long before Steve Jobs’ return, the iPhone, or Apple’s meteoric rise. It seemed like a wild gamble, but Bottum went for it—and the rest is history. That investment grew exponentially, turning him into a multi-millionaire.
In The Royal We, Bottum doesn’t brag about this stroke of luck. Instead, he frames it as a testament to his ability to see potential in the most unexpected places—even in people others might write off as ‘maniacal.’ Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is financial success ever truly just luck, or is it about recognizing opportunities that others overlook? Bottum’s story challenges us to think differently about risk, relationships, and what it means to be ‘successful.’
Now, you might think Bottum’s sitting pretty, living off his Apple fortune and kicking back. But here’s the thing: he’s still making music every day. From finishing a record with Imperial Teen to collaborating on new projects with Crickets and Man on Man, Bottum’s artistic drive hasn’t slowed down. And this is the part that’s truly inspiring: he doesn’t make music for money—he makes it because it’s who he is. The Apple money? It’s a cushion, a luxury, but it hasn’t changed his passion.
The Royal We, released on November 4, 2025, via Akashic Books, is more than just a musician’s memoir. It’s a raw, humorous, and deeply personal journey through Bottum’s life—from his early days in San Francisco to forming Faith No More, battling heroin addiction, and becoming a queer icon. The book is packed with stories of historical moments, like his encounters with Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, and Guns N’ Roses, but it’s the personal reflections on tragedy, resilience, and love that make it unforgettable. Bottum’s writing is bold, unapologetic, and utterly captivating—a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
If you’re eager to hear more, Bottum will be discussing The Royal We at bookstores across the U.S. in January and February. Here’s where you can catch him:
- Jan. 26: Brooklyn, NY @ Greenlight Bookstore, 7:30 p.m., with Frank Haines
- Jan. 29: Stamford, CT @ Ferguson Library, 6:30 p.m.
- Jan. 30: Baltimore, MD @ Atomic Books, 7 p.m., with Rahne Alexander
- Jan. 31: Washington, DC @ Politics & Prose (Union Mkt), 6 p.m., with Rich Morel
- Feb. 1: Havertown, PA @ Moore Books, 1 p.m., with Alex Auder
- Feb. 2: South Hadley, MA @ Odyssey Books, 7 p.m., with Andrea Lawlor
- Feb. 3: Cambridge, MA @ Porter Square Books, 7 p.m.
- Feb. 8: Providence, RI @ Riffraff Books, 6 p.m., with Amra Brooks
- Feb. 10: Chicago, IL @ City Lit, 6:30 p.m., with Nate Lippens
- Feb. 12: Portland, OR @ Powell’s City of Books, 7 p.m.
- Feb. 13: Seattle, WA @ Elliott Bay Book Company, 7 p.m.
- Feb. 15: Atlanta, GA @ A Cappella Books, 4 p.m., with Chad Radford
- Feb. 16: Nashville, TN @ Novelette Booksellers, 6:30 p.m.
Photo credit: Joey Holman
So, what do you think? Is Bottum’s story a testament to luck, or is there more to it? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
