David Bowie launched his own internet service provider (ISP) in 1998. The ISP operated in the US and UK, competing with AOL and Claranet. For a monthly fee, members would get exclusive access to news feeds (powered by Lycos lol!) music videos, audio recordings and chat rooms that David would often participate in. Users would also get an email address ending in @davidbowie.com and 20MB to build their own custom homepages. SICK! BowieNet also offered 3D avatar chats, a user-controllable web-connected camera for viewing live concerts and BowieNet Radio, an online radio station with Bowie as DJ. At the launch of the ISP, Bowie announced a songwriting contest. The winner would later meet Bowie to record the song live on a webcast – see: "David Bowie Records First Cyber Song 'what's Really Happening' Live On The Web."
How wild right? Most bands/artists were still struggling to get online in 1998. This dude was so far ahead of his time. Hope some of this is covered in the Brett Morgen's new film – see below:
Check out the trailer for the upcoming Bowie doc, "Moonage Daydream." It looks really good.