Only queer man in Faith No More reflects on his experience in rock music industry
When Roddy Bottum embarked on the writing journey for his autobiographical work, “The Royal We,” he was determined to avoid the clichés often found in rock memoirs. Bottum, the keyboardist for Faith No More, expressed his distaste for the typical, name-dropping nature of such books during a video call from Oxnard, California, where he was busy with Imperial Teen’s new album.
Unlike conventional rock memoirs, “The Royal We” skips the name-dropping entirely, with Bottum opting not to even mention his bandmates’ surnames. While he briefly touches on the band’s origins and evolution, the narrative primarily focuses on his experiences in San Francisco before the city’s transformation by the internet. Particularly, Bottum delves into his sexual awakening, highlighting the impact of the secrecy and shame surrounding his early encounters with men, which began when he was only 13 or 14 years old.
Bottum’s unapologetic retelling of his teenage escapades, including cruising areas for clandestine encounters, is purposely provocative. He recognizes the inappropriate nature of some of these stories but feels compelled to share his truth loudly in the face of prevailing racism, anti-trans and homophobic attitudes, especially in the current political climate. His intention is clear – to challenge the norms and shake up perceptions, perhaps even causing discomfort to his Christian relatives at their next Thanksgiving gathering.
The memoir traces Bottum’s transition to San Francisco from Los Angeles in 1981, noting the stark differences between the two cities. Joining Faith No Man, later known as Faith No More, proved to be a pivotal moment for Bottum. Alongside Billy Gould and Mike Bordin, Bottum brought a unique element to the group with his keyboards, a rarity in rock bands at the time. Their journey, fraught with lineup changes and the brief presence of the enigmatic Courtney Love, unfolds as a blend of chaos and creativity.
In his portrayal of Love, Bottum challenges the popular image of the grunge icon as a tragic figure, showcasing her humor, intelligence, and agency. Their close friendship, which at times crossed into a brief sexual encounter resulting in a pregnancy terminated by abortion, is a testament to the complexities of their relationship. Bottum’s insights into Love’s character shed light on a side of her rarely seen by the public.
As Faith No More navigated their early years, they faced challenges, including a less-than-ideal frontman and a style that defied easy categorization. Their eventual breakthrough with hits like “We Care a Lot” led to unexpected success, culminating in a Grammy nomination by 1990. Despite their achievements, the band encountered disillusionment during a tumultuous tour with Guns N’ Roses and Metallica, a period that prompted Bottum to reassess his identity and prioritize authenticity.
Bottum’s decision to come out as gay in a time when few others in the music industry were openly queer was a bold move. Defying his managers’ caution, he chose to disclose his truth in a prominent publication, becoming a trailblazer for LGBTQ representation in rock. By sharing his story, Bottum aimed to inspire acceptance and understanding among fans while standing up against the toxic elements prevalent in the music industry of that era.
With “The Royal We,” Roddy Bottum has crafted a memoir that transcends the typical rock narrative, offering a raw and unfiltered account of his life’s journey. From his early struggles with self-acceptance to his later triumphs in music and activism, Bottum’s story serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in the face of adversity.