Ringo Starr Is Wealthiest Drummer

Drummers may long have been the but of all band related jokes, but it would seem that they’re actually laughing all the way to the bank.

A poll by Celebrity net worth has produced a list of the top 30 wealthiest drummers in rock and roll.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was The Beatles’ Ringo Starr who topped the list, being worth a whopping $300 million. The top ten also included Dave Grohl, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones.

The full list is featured below:

01. Ringo Starr (Beatles): $300m
02. Phil Collins (Genesis): $250m
03. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters): $225m
04. Don Henley (Eagles): $200m
05. Lars Ulrich (Metallica): $175m
06. Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones): $160m
07. Larry Mullen (U2): $150m
08. Roger Taylor (Queen): $105m
09. Joey Kramer (Aerosmith): $100m
10. Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot): $90m
11. Travis Barker (Blink 182): $85m
12. Stewart Copeland (Police): $80m
13. Alex Van Halen (Van Halen): $75m
13. Nick Mason (Pink Floyd): $75m
15. Tommy Lee (Motley Crue): $70m
16. Bill Ward (Black Sabbath): $65m
17. John Fishman (Phish): $60m
18. Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band): $55m
19. Rick Allen (Def Leppard): $50m
20. Tre Cool (Green Day): $45m
21. Danny Carey (Tool): $40m
21. Tico Torres (Bon Jovi): $40m
23. Max Weinberg (E Street Band): $35m
24. Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead):$30m
25. Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead): $25m
26. Neil Peart (Rush): $22m
27. Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters): $20m
28. Questlove (Roots, Jimmy Fallon): $16m
29. Steven Adler (Guns n’Roses): $15m
30. Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac): $8.5m

As CNW notes, "most people steer their kids away from learning the drums in favor of less noisy instruments. You may want to reconsider that decision after you find out how rich these thirty musicians became from banging on a drum."

Comments

[Floyd Phoenix]

"perhaps unsurprisingly"
Don't you mean completely bl***y obviously?

[Highelf04]

I thought Travis Barker would have been higher, given all his rap collabs....

[Slashiepie]

Why u no use article? you is guitarist.

[burnummaster]

Hard to believe Danny Carey is worth more than Neil Peart! Not an insult to either of them, I'm just surprised. Both are amazing though.

[nailsarecruel]

Surprised at Alex Van Halen and Nick Mason though. Given their bands, I thought they would have been higher in the list.

[King Zeppelin I]

They might not have writing credits etc. Also, some of the guys higher up on the list have had solo projects as well.

[Most_Triumphant]

I'm surprised about Neil Peart.

[RoxxHunter]

Anyone else ever get the feeling that Bon Jovi is a lot like KISS? 2 people leading the band and the rest just get treated like sidemen? Tico Torres should be way up the list. But then Bon Jovi still won't add the bassist they use in the band instead he's just a sideman.

[ragnarr023]

I would like to see a metal list comparing the wealth of drummers.

[guitar7masta]

Surprised Neil Peart is so low on the list

not to say 22 million isn't a shit load of money, but wow

[Maiden95]

That's what I thought at first..but then I remembered his 24 kt gold drum set.

[guitar7masta]

true it probably cost him a million dollars just to re-skin his drum set after each show

[eVwaylon]

Its their worth. Not how much is in the bank. Thats like all the shit they bought with that money over time too.

[Vinjar]

Maybe he's is worth more in canadian dollar?

[Johnny_Ibanez]

Those 'Thomas The Tank Engine' voice-overs really pay dem bills.

[Commandaunt]

Where are the talented drummers?

[jkubed]

"Hurrrrr metal bands are only musicians with talent."

[bassthunder]

I think the point he was making is that a lot of the drummers on this list seem to be riding on the coattails of their more talented bandmates (i.e. Alex Van Halen, Tico Torres).

[alfie9000]

Adler ****ing did pretty good, considering he only did one album anyone cares about

[Nameless742]

Ringo and Lars some of the richest yet notoriously sub par drummers.

[Most_Triumphant]

Lars yes, Ringo no. Sure Ringo wasn't the greatest player, but he sure could get his own sound.

[rageahol]

Lars has his own sound too, just listen to St. Anger!

[bassthunder]

Lars had a pretty distinctive sound on the first few albums, but I suppose it's hard to care with all those back-beats.

[Blackdog71]

Ringo Starr is often referred to in this way but he is excellent. Check out Rain for example. He did what he had to do and did it pretty well. Drummer in the biggest band ever - kudos

[KISSmyass666]

How can qusetlove be richer than steven Adler?
Not much but still. :wtf:

[KISSmyass666]

*Questlove*
Sorry grammer Nazis

[tukk04]

Actually, your mistake is under jurisdiction of the spelling gestapo. They'll be arriving at your place residence promptly for "questioning."

[SlashWannabe1]

This list is money left after drugs lol Questlove probably didn't do as many drugs as Steven lol.

[SlashWannabe1]

This list is money left after drugs lol Questlove probably didn't do as many drugs as Steven lol.

[AARWave]

Wut? Travis Barker above Alex Van Halen? Those guys sure knew how to spend money on having fun in the golden 80's...

[Agent 00Awesome]

Not to be a douche but I think its 'butt' of a joke.

Anyway, it was surprising some big name drummers weren't on this list.

[whywefight]

this, and i thought the butt of the joke always was on the bassists?

[head-case]

Holy shit....seeing these numbers attached to these names is crazy. How could someone have that much money?!

[Synyster430]

Where's Dave Lombardo, Chris Adler, Mike Portnoy,Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan, Charlie Benante, Joey Jordison, Justin Foley, John Dolmayan, Jaska Raatikainen, Vinnie Paul, Dave McClain???! All of these guys are worth more than Lars!!

[Xp3ns1v3]

Not monetarily.

[iommi600]

No amount of money will make him get over this affirmation:

"Lennon was the soul of the Beatles. Harrison was the spirit. Paul was the heart and Ringo was the drummer." - George Martin

[SomeBlueKind]

For everyone asking where their favorite drummer is, take a look at the top ten and recognize that they all come from immensely popular, well received, and massively toured bands. Your favorite fast metal drummer will never make this list because they only meet one (at best) of the above stated observations.

[killerkev321]

Danny Carey almosts double Neil Peart? I would think the opposite

[Root Beer]

That's what I was thinking.

[Diony x]

Lars, good old Ulrich xDD

[KerNeL_KLuTcH]

dave grohl shouldn't be on this since he is also a guitairst kind of skews the results.

[LostLegion]

Can't wait to see the non-existent wealthiest bassist list...

[benjixoath]

surprising i would have though that lars would hve been higher up

[guitar7masta]

5th place not good enough? Hell even Lars doesn't complain about it

[<<I>>]

"Drummers may long have been the but of all band related jokes" aren't that bassists?

[Root Beer]

I dont know, it's close. Someone should do a poll. Hint hint.

[theonecalledjoe]

Well duh.

Hes Ringo F*kn Starr

[Root Beer]

The only thing that really surprised me was that Neil Peart was worth considerably less than Danny Carey.

Oh, and it's sickening to see how much Lars is worth.

[mop10893]

Why is it sickening? Yes there are plenty of drummers who are better and he isn't close to being my favorite drummer, but his drumming is a huge part of Metallica's sound. He is also the heart and soul of the band and had the vision of them being one of the biggest bands in the world, and it was a lot of his decision that made them as big as they are. He earned that money. I thought he would be first on the list to be honest.

[theunforgiven13]

not to mention they're one of the biggest selling acts on the planet

[Himynameisben95]

Mark Hoppus is worth about $5million less than Travis Barker (he ties with Tom DeLonge), and Paul McCartney would of course top the list of wealthiest bassist.

[Himynameisben95]

This was supposed to be in response to "Can't wait to see the non-existent wealthiest bassist list..."

[lmgoodwi]

Carter Beauford does not simply "bang on a drum".

[fenderstrattele]

I was expecting Peter Criss to be on the list

[CallumTiller]

Ah, wealthiest drummer article, facts not opinions makes for a much nicer comments section.

[masterofpuppies]

Mick Fleetwood only $8.5? He's been gigging/making albums since the 60s, and some of those albums, like Rumours, are the biggest selling of all time.

[dicky_fish]

Surprised Mick Fleetwood is worth comparatively little. Bet he's been bankrupted a fair few times in his life...

[Vash_15]

"the but"
Ugh, UG needs some editors.

[jeleopard]

I thought this same thing.

"the butt".

[cypherdid]

Bon Jovi is a band with the highest income, and Tico Torres is at 21st place? Jon BJ is hell of a boss

[NoMoreNoMore66]

definitely surprised about steven adler. i thought he's always claiming he lost all of his money.

[Salvo416]

Well no st he's the beatles drummer after all.

[Josh Reubenking]

No Dave Lombardo? Or Travis Barker? Figured Mick Fleetwood would've been a little higher up on this list too. Not surprised by Phil Collins being second. He's an amazing drummer.

[cypherdid]

Phil Collins and Don Henley...two great musicians.

[MichaelScarn]

barker is 11th

[Heminator89]

This is not a popularity list for heaven's sake. EVERY bloody list on UG has all these comments "Why isn't xxx here", "yy should be higher"

[JPMann]

How is this possible.. Ringo Starr is the wealthiest drummer? Thats sad, Neil Peart is 10x the drummer of most of these.. And how is it possible Mike Portnoy is not on this list? And what about Kenney Aronoff?

[dicky_fish]

Probably because Ringo was in one of the biggest selling bands of all time, whereas the others you've mentioned (although fantastic drummers) are pretty much niche market. They don't call Rush the biggest cult band in the world for nothing...

[JPMann]

Ya I suppose so, but Kenney has played for how many bands? It almost seems impossible that he doesn't make that much money..

[MichaelScarn]

retard, hes in the biggest selling musical act of all time, no crap hes gonna be number 1, this has nothing to do with musicianship

[AARWave]

It's not about how good drummer you are but how the albums sell and how you spend your money.

Why Ringo has 5 times more money than Tommy Lee and twice as much as Joey Kramer? Well, drugs, alcohol and parties etc.
Beatles guys didn't live in the 80's and weren't known for their toxic usage unlike many other guys in the list.

[JPMann]

I guess, but he must just be making all this money from selling Beatles music. Which I thought McCartney tried getting all the rights to or something like that..

[Metallica8]

The reason those guys are higher than people such as van halen and motley crue is because they also didnt blow all of their money as musicians are prone to do

[Nero Galon]

Was expecting to see Joey Jordison...

Also, imagine if John Bonzo was still here o.O

[Armagedn]

It's weird to me that the guy from the Dave Matthews Band is worth double Neil Peart. I'm not saying he's bad, I'm just saying when you compare their levels of fame and how long they've been around.

[Tyler.Allain]

This isn't about who is the better drummer. They all are certainly talented individuals, but it all comes back to who sold the most.

Dave Grohl kinda skews the list though. Surely the Foo Fighters have earned him more money than Nirvana.

[ashers67]

I agree, although Dave Grohl does mostly hear and write the drum parts to songs whilst writing the core guitar and vocals for the songs, then teach them to Taylor to play and record, with the exception of the eponymous debut album.

[neversleeps84]

I thought bass players were the butt of all band related jokes?

[MichaelScarn]

a lot of musicians, especially drummers, are stupid with their money, so that could play a lot into this list... and then theres some like travis barker who make a bunch of their money off of other businesses (famous stars and straps)

[coco-loco]

I honestly thought it was Bono on the UG homepage...until I read it

[SmittyMan90]

Makes sense.

[dennis.1960]

Ringo #1 surprises me because The Beatles didn't own their publishing rights directly. When the Northern Songs Ltd ownership period ended and the rights went up at auction, Michael Jackson outbid Paul McCartney and has unfortunately owned the Beatles publishing ever since. I guess Ringo learned from that mistake and owns the publishing on all his post-Beatles music. He probably earned a pretty penny (or is that a pence) from his "Ringo and his all Starr Band" tours. Good for him.

[kirisu7egomen4]

that was only for the lennon-mccartney songs, ringo and harrison stil own their songs

[dennis.1960]

Really? I thought everyone's publishing went to Northern Songs Ltd...How could Ringo & George have signed a different deal than John & Paul?

[IbanezJFS]

Still over rated.

[rmp0012002]

Phil Collins would have been at the top but I believe his divorce a couple years ago was for $100M +.

[dennis.1960]

I would bet most of his money wasn't made during the years he was the Genesis drummer, but after he started a solo career.

[austhrax]

Cool,it's well noted that Bon jovi runs the band, he's the boss and the others are just employees,prob the best system,they have security!

[AmalgamOfMeat]

People don't give Ringo enough credit. Even if he only made a few less-than-stellar songwriting contributions while in The Beatles, he's still a fantastic drummer and his talent has been acknowledged and admired by countless musicians. When I listen to The Beatles' music, it actually amazes me that he came up with some of the stuff that he did, and that it fit nearly every song so perfectly. I can't think of any other drummer that would complement The Beatles' music better than he did.

[AmalgamOfMeat]

Compliment*

[dennis.1960]

Ringo was the perfect drummer for the Beatles, innovative but not obtrusive. Could you imagine the Beatles with Neil Peart

[Scourge441]

Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in The Beatles, according to John Lennon.

That said, I agree that his style fit perfectly for what they did.

[Himynameisben95]

Either Lennon was saying that tongue-in-cheek, or he was going through his "The Beatles were shit and I'm going to be a dick to everybody" phase.

[shreducator]

I'm honestly shocked that Mick Fleetwood is that low, I figured he'd be worth waaaaay more than that.

[eVwaylon]

Its there worth total. Not how much is in the bank. Its like all their shit they bought with that money over time too.

[mainethrasher]

wat about chris adler and jason bitner? lars should be atleast number 3.

[RoxxHunter]

So who would the top bassists be I wonder? Paul McCartney then probably John Paul Jones...Gene Simmons (ohhh no I said his name!!! haha) Duff Mckeagan?

[RoxxHunter]

and Sting and Geddy Lee

[iamryanallen]

what about les claypool, victor wooten, flea, etc?

[aureliusgtr]

hmmm...funny how ringo is also the worst drummer on this list...

[bigkel23]

Matt Cameron?? Pearl Jam and Soundgarden surely makes you some folding??

[GrandeAcure]

Really surprised to see Steven Adler in this list.

[ndrummerc]

Fleetwood would be higher if it weren't for cocaine.

[Alpha_Wolf]

Rename the article "Top 30 Overrated Drummers" and we got a deal.

[HowIshotguitar?]

Actually Ringo is a rather underrated drummer.

[MichaelScarn]

this has gotta be incomplete, what about more modern guys like rob bourdon from linkin park? hes gotta be at least worth 10 million, unless he was incredibly stupid with his money...

[Maniac206]

According to http://www.celebritynetworth.com/,
Chester Bennington is worth $25 Million and Mike Shinoda $23 Million. I don't know how much Rob is worth, but I guess 10 Million would be fair.

[MichaelScarn]

that seems little low... but like i said, they coulda been dumb with their money

[vinnym86]

i'm just chiming in to say:

Wait... Drummers have been at the butt end of band jokes? Is that some kind of cruel "We don't even recognize the bassist as a band-member" joke??

[sickassfoo]

this goes to show, that you can be the most talented drummer in the world and still not be the richest. im not saying everyone on this list sucks, i just dont see lombardo anywhere.

[H3n3d3r3i]

'Knock knock.'
'Who's there?'
'Ringo Starr's most complex drumming.'

[Cardbored]

I'm not a big fan of the Foo Fighters but has Dave ever done drums for the band?

[Rbastid]

He played everything on the first record and has drummed on many of the tracks and during like shows. He's also drummed for Tenacious D and Queens of the Stone Age on records and numerous other bands live

[Rbastid]

Guessing their only counting cure cash? Cause Nick Mason has well over $100 Million in Cars alone

[Rbastid]

rather "They're"

[crissfoo06]

questlove is the coolest guy ever.

[Spenner2810]

What is this based upon ? I suspect this is just guess work. How many records sold divided by average royalty divided by members in the band and add on a bit for touring. It takes no account of what they've invested or what they've spent. If Steven Adler is so wealthy then why is he so desperate to get "the real GnR" back together ?

[Spenner2810]

Also, what about Ian Paice, Nicko McBrain, Phil Rudd, John Densmore and Frank Beard to name just a few who's bands have sold more records than Phish and Tool

[AusMakka]

Great to see Roger Taylor right up there. Sure he's gotten on in years now but is still an amazing drummer....and his son kicks arse too!

[Sundben]

Got nothing against the man, but to me it seems unfair place Dave Grohl so high up on the list... I mean, he made a lot of thoose bloody millions singing and playing guitar. Probably not as many as he made with Nirvana, but still.

[bassm99]

Love or loathe his drumming Ringo has never gone out of his way to say he was the best drummer on the planet. The Beatles used Ringo to the best of his ability & he helped create some of the most amazing music ever made.
Once The Beatles split Ringo had no one to push his drum playing skills, then again he has nothing to prove to anyone, only to himself.
I'm sure he smiles at his bank balance but considering his background & upbringing he has earnt every penny made.
I do remember Phil Collins jumping to the defence of Ringo stating that he was a much better drummer than given credit for. Phil Collins is no slouch behind the drum kit & he knows what he's talking about!

[seabear70]

The real surprise is Mick Fleetwood. The guy is kind of Iconic and has been around forever. I would have placed him in the top 10.

[Acacia69]

Bill Ward all that money and still won't play with Sabbath

[Mouloudo]

I hardly doubt this is accurate, for example Nick Mason's car collection is probably worth more than his supposed wealth according to this article...

And I doubt that Grohl is richer than Ulrich, I'm pretty sure Metallica sold more than nirvana and Ulrich has his name under almost every metallica song, the same for Roger Taylor from Queen, maybe if you ad nirvana roylaties to foo fighter's it's getting close to them but cmon Queen had like 12 albums and sold more than 300 million records, if Taylor had one dollar for each album sold he would have 300millions not even counting concert tickets, merchandising, sponsoring, radio play, dvd's etc...

[AaronianKenrod]

Don't forget Grohl has done a lot more than just Nirvana.

[iamryanallen]

it was suprising, or at least a little comical, that taylor hawkings(the DRUMMER of foo fighters) gets beat by $205mil by dave grohl(...the guitarist)

lol, i understand he still plays drums, and in my mind will always be in the top 10 drummers list of al time, but amazing how much more he makes. its obvious that the wealth here is not based solely upon actually playing drums, but celebrity status

[iamryanallen]

also....how the HECK does mickey hart get more than bill kreutzmann??? bill's the ORIGINAL, mickey was his parter in crime, at best, and only there for about 22 years of their 30 year career...playing backup percussion