The birth of crowdfunding: Mark Kelly at TEDxBedford

In 1981, just a year into one of the most important of all musical decades, Mark Kelly was plucked from the psychedelic group Chemical Alice to play keyboards in one of the most influential British rock bands of the time -- Marillion. In 1997, when the internet was still very much in uncharted economic territory, Kelly came up with and implemented an idea that would -- albeit some 15 years later -- revolutionise and democratise the way creative projects were funded. No-one, had yet uttered the compound noun 'crowdfunding', yet it was Mark Kelly who tuned into the idea and even more impressively managed to harness its power. Admittedly, it has been around since the collective financing of book print in the 17th century, but, coupling it with the power of the information superhighway, Kelly invented a phenomenon. By tapping into the collective power of their US fan base, Kelly changed the game. He posted a simple message online regretting that Marillion would not be able to tour the US due to lack of record company financing. He went on to coordinate a campaign that raised $60,000, enough money to underwrite an entire American tour. Internet Crowdfunding was born.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[TheUnsignedbands]

Their fan club was called “the web”, long before the internet. These guys were ahead of the game. Very approachable and nice folk. That’s why their loyal fans stay with them . Thanks guys.

[andrewwildman]

Mark Kelly saved the music industry, end of. Look how many bands are using this model now. He deserves to be on the honours list.

[orenhertz]

Great talk Mark! I show this video when I teach Strategic Management. It always sparks a lively discussion. Well done!

[g.d.]

I was there, gave my share, got the signed CD, saw them in T.O., still my favourite band ever, the end!

[ADBJester]

I had to give a deposition today in the KickStarter vs. ArtistShare suit. [sigh] Bloody lawyers. Mark has this nailed spot on. - Jeff Woods

[MagnoLudovicusSunCitySound]

A Man with great ideas. Long live Kelly and long live

[KVOSCI]

I love this band and this is a great example of the loyalty of fans. Great talk Mark. This was the exact topic I always thought would make a great TEDtalk.

[catire]

Marillion deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

[Texture]

Great comments by everyone here. Great video Mark. Marillion were 'KickStarter' 12 YEARS before 'KickStarter'.

[MARBLES]

Good bloke. Marillion are the best band in the world

[grantwallace]

Looking forward to my pre ordered Marillion album coming this March.

[PhilSimon]

Nice talk, Mark. Informative, inspirational, and humorous.

[aleksanderponiewierski]

Absolutelly great. I will describe in my book.

[fawngoodman]

I proudly contributed :) (great tour in 1997 -- I saw two shows...)

[ditchuk]

I remember contributing so US Marillion fans got to see them. It was a great community thing in Freaks.

[marillo]

Mark Kelly what a nice chap I always preorder Marillion

[renehuisintveld]

Dear Mark, you may not have invented 'crowdfunding' (because that was done centuries ago and started off the banking-system), yet you have invented the 'crowdfunding-model'. That implies the basis as to what the 'crowdsourcer' is to deliver or give to the 'crowdfunder' and what the 'crowdfunder' could expect from the 'crowdsourcer'. The legal issues that arose later on as you mentioned (referring to Michael Jackson's death) only firmly stated as to what rights a 'crowdfunder' is entitled to from the 'crowdsourcer' in case the expectancy from the 'crowdfunder' cannot be met by the 'crowdsourcer' . Yet that is basically an 'add-on' to the crowdfunding-model of which you practically laid the basis. It's like in astrology where one observer discovers a comet whereas another one discovered where it came from. Subsequently the comet gets the name of both astrologists. In my opinion the crowdfunding-model should at least be named after you and whoever the other one is...(???)..., is yet to be decided on...

[robert_john_godfrey]

Mark Kelly (Keyboardist with Marillion) claims that his band was the first to do crowdfunding when he knows quite well that RJG received his Visionary Award for amongst other things, crowdfunding The Enid first in 1984 (The Stand). At this time, Marillion was still signed to EMI.