Bowie Bonds Drove Changes in Markets Leading to Esoteric Finance
January 11, 2016 by Alastair Marsh
David Bowie, 1974. Photographer: Terry O’Neill/Getty Images
David Bowie’s innovation in rock music and fashion also stretched to financial markets.
The musician, who died on Sunday, was the first to securitize royalty streams,
selling $55 million of Bowie Bonds in 1997 that were tied to future earnings
from hits including “Space Oddity” and “Changes.” Securities backed by royalties allow artists to raise money without selling off their works completely or waiting years for payments to come in.
The notes paved the way for a now-thriving market for esoteric asset-backed securities. Entertainers from Rod Stewart to heavy metal band Iron Maiden have sold similar securities, while bonds backed by everything from timeshare rentals to shipping containers and even dirty laundry have proved popular with investors seeking higher yields.
“Bowie’s bonds were as groundbreaking as his music,” said Rob Ford, a London-based money manager at TwentyFour Asset Management, which oversees 5.3 billion pounds ($7.7 billion). “Not only were they followed by a number of other artists, but they set the template for deals backed by a whole range of assets.”
Bowie, 69, died after an 18-month battle with cancer, according to a statement on his social-media accounts.
