KEY POINTS

  • Paul McCartney is the richest rock star in the world today
  • U2 frontman Bono is the second wealthiest with an estimated net worth of $700 million
  • Other musicians on the list of richest rock stars include Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi and two members of the Rolling Stones

Paul McCartney, one of the most successful musicians and composers in the history of pop music, is the richest rock star today with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.

But while there are no other billionaire rock stars so far, several musicians have accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars in net worth through their successful careers, tours and business ventures.

Here's a list of the 10 richest rock stars in the world apart from McCartney, courtesy of Celebrity Net Worth (CNW).

10. Jon Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi, the frontman of rock band Bon Jovi, reportedly has an estimated net worth of $410 million. In a typical touring year, the band reportedly earns somewhere between $100 million to $150 million.

The band’s hit songs include “It’s My Life,” “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “Always.”

9. Eric Clapton

The “Wonderful Tonight” singer reportedly has a net worth of $450 million.

He reportedly earned the bulk of his fortune through his music career. Clapton, who is behind the hit song “Tears in Heaven,” also has significant real estate, art and vehicle assets, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

8. Mick Jagger

Jagger, the lead vocalist and songwriter of the Rolling Stones, is worth an estimated $500 million.

The band, whose hit songs include “Time Is On My Side,” "Get Off of My Cloud” and “Ruby Tuesday,” has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, according to CNW.

7. Keith Richards

Richards, the secondary vocalist of the Rolling Stones, has a net worth of $500 million. He and Jagger wrote nearly all of the bands' original music.

The Rolling Stones reportedly still tour nearly every year. In 2018, they earned $117 million from performing just 14 shows, the outlet noted.

6. Elton John

John, the singer behind “Candle In The Wind” and “Cold Heart,” is one of the most commercially successful artists of all time. He has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide to date.

John, who reportedly makes $80 million in a touring year, has an estimated net worth of $500 million.

5. Bob Dylan

Considered one of the best and most prolific songwriters of all time, Dylan is famous for his songs “Blowin' in the Wind,” “Like A Rolling Stone,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Knockin' On Heaven's Door” and “Make You Feel My Love.”

He reportedly has an estimated net worth of $500 million. In December 2020, Dylan sold 100% of his song catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group for an undisclosed amount said to be between $300 million and $400 million, Variety reported.

4. Sting

The English musician achieved success as the lead singer of the Police from 1977 to 1984 before launching his solo career in 1985. As part of the Police and as a solo artist, Sting has sold more than 100 million records.

Aside from singing, he also has an acting career and has appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Quadrophenia,” "Dune" and "The Larry Sanders Show.”

Sting is said to be worth an estimated $550 million.

3. Jimmy Buffett

Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett has released several hit songs, including "Margaritaville" and "Come Monday"

His net worth today reportedly stands at $600 million.

Aside from his earnings from his music career, his wealth is also derived from his various business ventures, including Margaritaville, a casual dining restaurant chain named after his hit song that has locations in Jamaica, Mexico and the U.S.

2. Bruce Springsteen

Springsteen, the leader of the E Street Band, is the third-richest rock star in the world today. He is said to be worth an estimated $650 million.

During a touring year, Springsteen’s annual earnings can easily top $80 million, according to CNW.

Springsteen reportedly sold over 135 million albums worldwide, putting him among the 35 best-selling musical artists in history.

1. Bono

Irish singer Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, has an estimated net worth of $700 million, according to CNW, making him the richest rock star today after McCartney.

Over the years, U2 has released 14 studio albums and earned 22 Grammy awards. Their hit songs include “One,” “Beautiful Day” and “New Year's Day.”

Aside from being a musician, Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is also an investor and philanthropist.

Paul McCartney turns 80 on Saturday and is still performing
Paul McCartney turns 80 on Saturday and is still performing AFP / Leon Neal