Article original :
http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/richest-rock-lead-singers-world/
By Brian Warner on February 20, 2013
Who are the richest lead singers in the world? The vocalists on this list have sung for bands like The Beatles, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and The Rolling Stones to name a few. But which lead singer is also the lead money maker? There’s no better job on the planet than being the front man/woman for a major rock band. Not only do lead singers get most of the glory, attention, accolades and groupies… they also make a TON of money. As we compiled the list below, we learned that if you want to make a huge fortune as a lead singer, it definitely helps if you also happen to be a prolific song writer. Furthermore, it doesn’t hurt that these top earners have been in some of the most famous bands in music history with 30+ year careers touring stadiums all over the world and selling millions upon millions of records. The fact that many of the richest lead singers are still performing today is a testament to their talent (or maybe they just love making millions of dollars and getting showered with adulation). Oh, and even if you don’t have an amazing voice, there’s still a ton of money to be made in a band as we learned with our list of the richest drummers in the world. But for today we are going to take a look at the richest lead singers, did your favorite artists make that cut?
Richest Lead Singers in the World
***The figures contained in this list were acquired from all publicly available information including salaries, real estate holdings, divorces, record sales, royalties and endorsements. The final net worths come from a formula that takes out taxes, manager’s fees, agents’ fees, and lifestyle.***
The 50 Richest Lead Singers in the World:
- #1: Paul McCartney Net Worth – $800 Million (The Beatles)
- #2: Bono Net Worth – $600 Million (U2)
***There was a time when Bono’s net worth could have topped $1 billion. Through his private equity venture Elevation Partners, Bono purchased a 1.5% private stake in Facebook long before the IPO. Had the company achieved a $100 billion market cap, Bono may have been the first billionaire rock star. Currently Facebook’s market cap is $44 billion.***
- #3: Jimmy Buffett Net Worth – $400 Million
- #4: Elton John Net Worth – $320 Million (Solo)
- #5: Mick Jagger Net Worth – $305 Million (The Rolling Stones)
- #6: Gene Simmons Net Worth – $300 Million (KISS)
- #7: Sting Net Worth – $290 Million (The Police, Solo)
- #8: Phil Collins Net Worth – $250 Million (Genesis, Solo)
- #9: Dave Matthews Net Worth – $250 Million (Dave Matthews Band)
- #10: Prince Net Worth – $250 Million
- #11: Dave Grohl Net Worth – $225 Million (Foo Fighters, Nirvana on drums)
- #12: Rod Stewart Net Worth – $220 Million
- #13: David Bowie Net Worth – $215 Million
- #14: Bruce Springsteen Net Worth – $200 Million (The E Street Band)
- #15: Don Henley Net Worth – $200 Million (The Eagles, Solo)
- #16: Lionel Richie Net Worth – $200 Million (Commodores, Solo)
- #17: James Hetfield Net Worth – $175 Million (Metallica)
- #18: Billy Joel Net Worth – $160 Million
- #19 : Axl Rose Net Worth – $150 Million (Guns N’ Roses)
- #20: Roger Waters Net Worth – $145 Million (Pink Floyd)
- #21: David Gilmour Net Worth – $130 Million (Pink Floyd)
- #22: Steven Tyler Net Worth – $130 Million (Aerosmith)
- #23: Jon Bon Jovi Net Worth – $125 Million (Bon Jovi)
- #24: Paul Stanley Net Worth – $125 Million (KISS)
- #25: Anthony Kiedis Net Worth – $120 Million (Red Hot Chili Peppers)