The richest musicians in the world are topped by Dr Dre, according to the annual Forbes list.
This rapper and musical entrepreneur has emerged as the highest earning musician over the past year, with earnings of approximately $100m this year. Much of this figure likely comes from the sale of his Beats by Dre line of headphones, which generated significant income earlier this year. Following HTC’s acquisition of a 51 percent controlling stake in the company for $300m last year, Dr Dre amassed $100m before taxes.
The list also features high placements for Roger Waters, Elton John, and U2, along with pop stars such as Take That, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber, all securing spots in the top ten. Additionally, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Paul McCartney outperformed the Foo Fighters, whose frontman Dave Grohl and bandmates earned about $47m over the past year. It was also noted that Beyoncé out-earned her husband Jay-Z in 2012.
Below is the complete list:
01. Dr Dre – $100 Million
02. Roger Waters – $86 Million
03. Elton John – $81 Million
04. U2 – $77 Million
05. Take That – $72 Million
06. Bon Jovi – $62 Million
07. Britney Spears – $59 Million
08. Paul McCartney – $56 Million (tie)
08. Taylor Swift – $56 Million (tie)
10. Justin Bieber – $56 Million (tie)
10. Toby Keith – $56 Million (tie)
12. Rihanna – $53 Million
13. Lady GaGa – $51 Million
14. Foo Fighters – $47 Million
15. Diddy – $45 Million (tie)
15. Katy Perry – $45 Million (tie)
17. Kenny Chesney – $42 Million
18. Beyoncé – $39 Million
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – $37 Million
20. Jay-Z – $35 Million
21. Coldplay – $33 Million
22. Adele – $31 Million (tie)
22. Kanye West – $31Million (tie)
24. Michael Bublé – $29 Million
25. Sade – $26 Million
by Wallace McTavish
