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Rock stars live wild, fun, crazy lives, and seem to have way more fun at work than the rest of us do! There’s something about commanding an audience on a massive stage that just doesn’t seem like work at all to those of us that are admiring them from a distance. However, endless hours of song production, rehearsals and hard work go into producing the concerts that millions of fans line up to see. Once a rock star attains fame within his band, it’s easy to fall from grace. The lifestyle is a wild one, and it’s easy to lose grasp of reality and fall victim to expensive spending habits. There are few rock stars that are truly talented and passionate about their craft. These music geniuses see beyond the spotlight and carry their careers forward with their entrepreneurial skills. They are able to use their talent and fame to continue to develop their careers through music as well as other investment channels. Let’s take a look at the 10 Richest Rock stars of 2019….
Paul McCartney $1.2 Billion
The Beatles have attained world fame and were regarded as one of the most successful rock bands in the history of rock music. Earning his claim to fame with the band, Paul McCartney went on to build an empire of wealth. He continues to receive royalties each time his songs are played, or someone covers them. It would be tough to find someone who doesn’t know who he is, despite the fact that his career spanned over a time that wasn’t inclusive of the internet or social media. That’s true testimony to his long-time investment and dedication to the industry that he now fully reaps the benefits of.
Bono $600 Million
Known publicly as ‘Bono’, Paul David Hewson is the lead singer of U2, and is a front-man whose face is easily recognized across the world. Touring with his band and getting paid for his incredible talent in music represent just one of his streams of income. Merchandise sales and appearances have also added to his wealth over the years. Bono also gets handsomely paid through his massive investments in Facebook as well. He saw an opportunity in generating wealth with Facebook at the very beginning stages, and made a fortune when he snatched up a whole lot of shares in the company.
Jimmy Buffet $550 Million
Jimmy Buffet loves to tour and spends a considerable amount of time on the road. Tour money is big money, and given his massive fortune, we’re sure he can attest to that. It takes a lot of grit to tolerate the demands of the touring lifestyle, so he’s certainly put in his dues. Living out of a suitcase and losing track of which state you’re in can’t be easy. Some musicians tire of the demanding schedules and miss the comforts of home. As a result, they can’t stay on the road for long, Jimmy seems to have mastered the craft and has found a way to make it enjoyable and successful. He owns many restaurants, casinos, and resorts, all of which have added to his incredible wealth.
Elton John $480 Million
Elton stands alone as the only Knighted man topping our charts. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the success of this incredibly talented musician. As one of the richest rock stars of 2019, this 6-time Grammy winner has a career which spans over 4 decades, and a fan base which spans over various age demographics. Whether he is belting it out on a microphone, or his fingers are dancing across a piano, Sir Elton John is a captivating, passionate entertainer that has mastered his craft and continues to be paid well for his artistic skill.
Mick Jagger $360 Million
As the lead vocalist for the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger is no stranger to the spotlight, but this time, the spotlight is on his wealth and fortune, and how it all came about. The obvious income came from the band, tours, and merchandise that are sold globally. He has also earned an impressive income by acting in several movies and has dabbled in producing as well. He has dedicated 50 years to the entertainment industry, and his earnings have substantiated his dedication and hard work.
Ringo Star $350 Million
Straight out of Liverpool, this British star catapulted to fame as the drummer of the Beatles. He has been known to spread his wealth among various charitable organizations over the years. It’s nice to see that a man who is worth this much money opts to make continuous donations to charities that will spread the wealth and assist those in need. He continues to earn a substantial income through residual payments and downloads of his music, with no end in sight.
Bruce Springsteen $350 Million
Bruce Springsteen is a living legend. The Boss is known to people of all ages, all over the world. His tour with the E Street Band was a massive income-generator, and he continues to sing, produce, perform, and write. There’s likely nothing that this man can’t do. He’s been a staple of rock culture for longer than we can list and shows no signs of slowing down. He recently debuted his concert documentary Western Stars at the Toronto International Film Festival, with rave reviews and much media attention.
Keith Richards $340 Million
The name Keith Richards is synonymous with exceptional guitar-skills. Best known for his role in the band Rolling Stone, Keith has achieved worldwide fame and has gone on to pursue other passions in addition to continuing his music career. He’s dabbled in acting and song-writing, and has been earning a considerable income since he aligned himself with Louis Vuitton and Gibson. These endorsements add to his already magnificent valuation and net worth.
Dave Matthews $300 Million
Dave Matthews has certainly come a long way from his days as a bartender in a club! His career began as he took the stage with the live bands at this club, and the rest, as they say, is history. As the founder of the Dave Matthews Band, he has earned a massive fortune by singing, song writing, and producing with the band. Dave has also tried his hand at acting and has earned millions with his incredible talent. His current net worth is sure to continue to grow.
Gene Simmons $300 Million
Gene Simmons is best known for his devotion to Kiss which spiraled him into a world of fame and fortune. His concerts are always sold-out and his fan base is a truly dedicated, and sometimes obsessed one! This rock and roll legend knows no limits and has launched many successful ventures outside of the band. While his song writing and singing skills can definitely be credited for his original launch to wealth, he continued to put his face forward on television with his reality TV show and numerous other appearances. His entrepreneurial skills have secured him in the list of top earning rock stars, and his wild shenanigans and fun personality will surely continue to entertain us for years to come!