Roger Waters earned more than any other rock musician during 2012, amassing $88m over the year, says Forbes Magazine.
The former Pink Floyd mainman was also the second-biggest earner overall, with only rap star Dr Dre bringing in more money – a total of $110m.
But while Dre made around $100m from a business deal related to his headphones range, Waters’ income was almost entirely from his Wall world tour. He’s believed to have taken $158m from 63 concerts – and recently announced a new series of open-air Wall shows including one in London next year.
U2 brought in $78m,
Bon Jovi made $60m and
Paul McCartney stacked up $57m.
Foo Fighters and the
Red Hot Chili Peppers both also reached the top 20 earners.
Forbes compiled the list from data available between May 2011 and May 2012, including record sales, touring, endorsement deals and other ventures minus management fees, legals costs and tax.
Touring income remains the biggest earner for most big-name musicians. Gary Bongiovianni, editor of trade magazine Pollstar, says (via ClassicRockMagazine): “The concert business had another solid year as both artists and promoters used more caution in trying to achieve their objectives.” But he added: “The good seats for major artists continue to be priced at a premium.”
Forbes’ Highest-Paid Musicians 2012
1. Dr Dre – $110m
2. Roger Waters – $88m
3. Elton John – $80m
4. U2 – $78m
5. Take That – $69m
6. Bon Jovi – $60m
7. Britney Spears – $58m
8. Paul McCartney – $57m
8. Taylor Swift – $57m
10. Justin Bieber – $55m
10. Toby Keith – $55m
12. Rihanna – $53m
13. Lady Gaga – $52m
14. Foo Fighters – $47m
15. Diddy – $45m
15. Katy Perry – $45m
17. Kenny Chesney – $44m
18. Beyonce – $40m
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – $39m
20. Jay-Z – $38m
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