Rock stars aren’t only living legends — they’re some of the wealthiest people. From extravagant lifestyles to indulging in the world’s most expensive foods, these stars know how to enjoy their success. But who are the richest rock stars in the world, and how did they earn so much money?
These individuals have accumulated revenues from chart-topping singles, sold-out world tours, and lucrative business investments.
In this blog, we’re breaking down the world’s 18 richest rock stars. Check out the list below.
18. Dave Grohl
Net worth: $330 million
Kicking off our list is Dave Grohl – the frontman of Foo Fighters. He is the youngest person on this list at just 55 years old. But before Foo Fighters, Grohl was the drummer of the legendary Nirvana, whose iconic status has generated royalties and licensing income. Even now, with the Foo Fighters, he is earning substantial revenues from touring, songwriting, and producing.
17. Ringo Starr
Net worth: $350 million
One of the two remaining Beatles is on our list next, mostly due to the royalties from The Beatles’ catalog. Beyond music, Starr has appeared in several films and TV shows, including a made-for-TV movie called “Ringo.” He has also founded Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, where he tours with a rotating lineup of famous musicians, selling out venues worldwide.
However, compared to Paul McCartney, Ringo’s fortune is somewhat lower because McCartney had a more prolific solo career, greater involvement in songwriting and production, and more extensive business investments.
16. Phil Collins
Net worth: $350 million
Phil Collins took the vocal duties of the lead singer of Genesis after Peter Gabriel’s departure, but he started as a drummer first. After Genesis, Collins went on to have a widely successful solo career with a discography that spans from hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Another Day in Paradise” to composing the soundtrack to Disney’s “Tarzan.” Therefore, he enjoys royalties from his vast music catalog, which continues to be used in commercials, films, and other media.
15. Lars Ulrich
Net worth: $350 million
Lars Ulrich’s net worth primarily stems from his role as a drummer and a core founder of Metallica. The band became one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, bringing Ulrich royalties and box office revenues from album sales and world tours. Fun fact: Metallica is the only musical act to have performed on all continents, including Antarctica.
Apart from music, Metallica’s merchandising has been very successful. But above that, Ulrich has accumulated a lot of wealth due to his investments in technology startups and co-founding Metallica’s own record label – Blackened Recordings.
14. Larry Mullen Jr.
Net worth: $350 million
The drummer Larry Mullen Jr. of U2 also lands a spot in our ranking. He shares some of the band’s royalties from blockbuster album sales, iconic singles, and highly lucrative world tours.
13. Cher
Net worth: $360 million
Cher is a multi-genre singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spans over seven decades. Her platinum-selling albums continue to bring her royalties, including her hit single “Believe,” which is one of the best-selling singles in the history of music.
The box office from her performances and acting roles contributes to Cher’s fortune. She has also capitalized on her brand through endorsements, fashion lines, and beauty products.
12. Gene Simmons
Net worth: $400 million
Gene Simmons is the bass player and co-vocalist of Kiss, the iconic band known for its distinctive makeup, theatrical performances, and iconic hard music. This has helped Simmons generate substantial income through touring, merchandising, and licensing.
But apart from music, Simmons is a seasoned entrepreneur. He owns and operates several restaurants, has published books, and has produced TV shows like “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” all of which have contributed to his net worth.
11. The Edge
Net worth: $400 million
The Edge—the second member of U2—follows right after. His vast fortune also stems from U2’s extraordinary success, spanning decades of sold-out world tours and number-one albums. However, The Edge has also pursued a solo career, collaborating with other artists and exemplifying his earnings.
10. Adam Clayton
Net worth: $400 million
Adam Clayton, the bass guitarist of U2, is not far from his bandmates on this list. In addition to his success with U2, Clayton has also ventured into real estate and other entrepreneurial projects.
9. Eric Clapton
Net worth: $450 million
Eric Clapton’s career dates back to the early 1960s. He’s been in various bands, including Cream, The Yardbirds, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos, and launched a highly successful solo career. He is the only three-time inductee at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has 18 Grammy Awards.
Apart from touring, Clapton also benefits from licensing his music for use in films, television shows, and commercials, solidifying his net worth.
8. Jon Bon Jovi
Net worth: $410 million
Bon Jovi is one of the most successful bands in history, with a discography that spans from “Livin’ On a Prayer” to “Always.” Over 130 million records sold worldwide have made the frontman, Jon Bon Jovi, one of the richest rock stars in the world.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Bon Jovi has diversified his income through investments in the real estate and hospitality industry, including shares in hotels and restaurants. He also co-founded the JBJ Foundation – a philanthropic venture that elevated his public profile.
7. Keith Richards
Net worth: $500 million
You can’t really imagine The Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger and not the legendary guitarist Keith Richards. “Keef” is right next to Mick on this list, thanks mainly to the band’s highly profitable world tours and album sales. Like Jagger, Richards has also pursued a solo career, authored autobiographies, and participated in various media appearances, such as in the fourth installment of “The Pirates of the Caribbean.”
6. Mick Jagger
Net worth: $500 million
Mick Jagger is 81 and still recording new music and touring. Decades of number-one albums and sold-out tours with The Rolling Stones have earned him substantial income. Mick Jagger has also made a successful solo career and has acted in several films, such as “Ned Kelly” and “Performance.” His fortune has also grown thanks to his investments in real estate and various production companies.
5. Elton John
Net worth: $650 million
In our ranking of the richest rock stars, Sir Elton John takes fourth place. His last Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour generated $939 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing tours of all time.
In addition to royalties and sold-out shows, Elton John has earned a lot of money by writing award-winning scores for films and Broadway shows, such as “The Lion King” and “Billy Elliot the Musical.” His smart investments in real estate have further boosted his revenues.
4. Bono
Net worth: $700 million
The frontman of the Irish rock band U2 is also its richest member. While the band was at its peak during the 80s and the 90s with albums like “The Joshua Tree” and “Achtung Baby,” they are still a popular live act.
Bono’s fortune also comes from his non-music-related ventures. He co-founded the private equity firm Elevation Partners, which invests in technology and entertainment. He is also involved in real estate and other entrepreneurial ventures.
3. Madonna
Net worth: $850 million
While not traditionally considered a rock star, Madonna is a multi-genre performer and the best-selling female musician in the world. To this day, she earns royalties from her chart-topping singles, including “Like a Virgin,” “Vogue,” and “Hung Up.” She is also known for having some of the highest-grossing tours in history, which have generated billions of dollars.
Madonna has also diversified her income streams through acting roles in “Evita” and “A League of Their Own,” as well as fashion lines and fitness centers. Her involvement in music production and ownership of various intellectual properties have further boosted her net worth.
2. Bruce Springsteen
Net worth: $1.1 billion
The “Born in the USA” singer is the newest and only other member of the billionaire rock stars. Springsteen has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, earned royalties for songwriting credits, and toured for decades with the E Street Band.
In 2021, he sold his entire music catalog, which includes classics like “Born to Run” and “American Land” to Sony Entertainment. The deal was reportedly worth around $550 million, which significantly boosted his earnings.
1. Paul McCartney
Net worth: $1.3 billion
Finally, Paul McCartney—one of the core members of The Beatles—tops our list. The exclusive club of billionaire musicians is made up of only six people. Two of these musicians are on this list, and one of them is Sir Paul McCartney. In fact, he’s also one of the world’s richest people and third richest musician, surpassed only by Jay-Z and Rihanna.
The Beatles are, to this day, the best-selling musical act in history, and songwriting royalties on most of their songs continue to earn him vast revenues. Even today, McCartney continues to sell out arenas across the world at 82 years old!
This concludes our list of the world’s richest rock stars. Although already well-established in music, as well as financially, their legacy will no doubt linger for generations to come.
