Remembering BowieNet: Looking Back on David Bowie’s Early Internet Obsession

David Bowie was an innovator in a lot of different aspects. Musically, stylistically, aesthetically, he was frequently ahead of the curve. That’s why it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that he was obsessed with early iterations of the 90s-era internet.

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Bowie was one of the first artists to release a song exclusively online, and the first to stream a concert over the internet. In 1996, he released “Telling Lies” as a downloadable song, and in 1997 essentially utilized an early version of streaming for a concert on his Earthling Tour.

However, with the creation of BowieNet, the rockstar went even further. He launched his own ISP (Internet service provider) through the existing company Concentric Network Corp, according to a report from Hackaday. In 1998, BowieNet was born. It was $19.95 per month, and featured use of a unique davidbowie.com email address and 5MB of web hosting.

Imagine Xfinity, Google Fiber, or Spectrum, but completely David Bowie branded. That was the experience of getting your Internet through BowieNet.

Over Time BowieNet Became More of a Website for David Bowie Than an ISP

Peak BowieNet boasted 100,000 subscribers, which seems minuscule by today’s standards. However, BowieNet offered the unique experience of being able to chat with David Bowie himself in a lowkey and intimate environment.

Bowie often popped up in the chatrooms and forums to hang out with fans and answer questions. Sometimes his appearances were scheduled, but other times he was just a regular BowieNet user.

Fans gained access to exclusive track releases, such as performances from his Earthling Tour live album. They could also access early ticket sales, as well as explore something called BowieWorld. Apparently, this was something akin to ToonTown, or, say, Second Life—a 3D world for fans to interact in.

BowieNet lasted until 2006, when it was shut down. It was pared down to more of a fan club, but in 2012 was retooled again. The experience was streamlined into a simpler website for news and content related to the rockstar.

Still, Bowie’s penchant for innovation and exploration gave us one of the more interesting things on the Internet. Imagine moving into a new apartment and the only provider in your area is BowieNet. I’d stay there forever.

Featured Image by Mick Hutson/Redferns