Imagine turning a modest $12,000 into a multi-million-dollar fortune by betting on a company that would revolutionize the world. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? But that’s exactly what Roddy Bottum, the keyboardist for Faith No More and Imperial Teen, did when he became an early investor in Apple. In a recent episode of The Hustle: Music & Money podcast, Roddy shared the fascinating story behind his financial windfall, a tale he also explores in his memoir, The Royal We. Here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just luck—it was a blend of curiosity, rebellion, and an unlikely mentor that set him on this path.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Roddy’s journey into the stock market wasn’t driven by a desire for wealth; it was an act of defiance. Growing up in the punk rock, bicycle-messenger scene of 1990s San Francisco, Roddy and his crew prided themselves on being provocateur. They were the kids who wore black, embraced highbrow arts, and scoffed at mainstream norms. So, what’s more rebellious than a dreadlocked, pot-smoking punk kid obsessively following the stock market? Exactly. Roddy’s first boyfriend, a slightly older and insanely smart guy, introduced him to the world of stocks—not as a way to get rich, but as a middle finger to the establishment. They didn’t have money to invest; they just followed the market to stir the pot and brag about it later. And this is the part most people miss... It was this very act of rebellion that planted the seed for Roddy’s future fortune.
Fast forward to the early 1990s, when Roddy received a $12,000 check from Faith No More’s management after a year and a half of touring. At the time, it was more money than he’d ever seen. His dad was overjoyed, but Roddy, still living rent-free in a San Francisco studio apartment, had no immediate need for the cash. Enter his bipolar but brilliant boyfriend, who convinced him to invest the entire sum in Apple stock. This was long before Steve Jobs’ return, the iPhone, or Apple’s dominance—the stock was at its absolute lowest. Roddy took the leap, let the investment sit, and watched it grow into a life-changing fortune.
Here’s the bold part: Roddy doesn’t see this as a bragging point. In The Royal We, he frames it as a testament to his ability to see the light in even the most chaotic people. His boyfriend, though ‘unbearable’ at times, was a genius who changed Roddy’s life. It’s a story of risk, friendship, and the unexpected payoffs of trusting your instincts—even when they lead you to the uncool side of the punk rock ethos.
Now, you might think Roddy’s sitting pretty, living off his Apple money and kicking back. But here’s the twist: he’s busier than ever. Sure, he has the financial cushion to make music without worrying about money, but that’s not his motivation. Imperial Teen just finished a record, he’s working on another with Crickets, and he’s collaborated on two albums with Man on Man in the past two years. So, is he resting on his laurels? Absolutely not. Roddy makes music because it’s in his DNA, not because he needs the paycheck.
The Royal We, released on November 4, 2025, via Akashic Books, is far more than a musician’s memoir. It’s a raw, humorous, and deeply personal journey through Roddy’s life—from his early days in San Francisco to forming Faith No More, battling heroin addiction, and surviving the AIDS crisis. Along the way, he reflects on his relationships with icons like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, and the highs and lows of arena rock. But what makes this book truly unique is its unflinching honesty. Roddy writes with a clear-eyed, self-assured voice, turning his struggles into a story of unorthodox heroism that’s both captivating and inspiring.
Here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Is Roddy’s success a product of luck, or is it the result of his willingness to take risks and trust the ‘maniacal’ people in his life? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think his story is a fluke, or is there a method to his madness?
If you’re as intrigued as we are, catch Roddy discussing The Royal We at these upcoming bookstore events across the U.S. in January and February:
- 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
