U2 Tops 2018 Highest-Paid Musicians List
Despite the recent news that Bono’s foray into the world of fashion has led to a massive $86.4 million loss since 2004, he and his U2 bandmates have proven their money-making power when out on the road.
Forbes has recently released their 2018 Highest-Paid Musicians List, and the iconic Irish band topped it earning a whopping $118 million. Rounding out the top five is Coldplay ($115.5 million), Ed Sheeran ($110 million), Bruno Mars ($100 million) and Katy Perry ($83 million.) The full top 30 list along with each artist’s earning is below.
The list is based on an artist’s pretax earnings from June 1, 2017 through June 1, 2018. Factors determining each artist’s earnings include music sales/streaming revenue and touring revenue, which is the biggest moneymaker of them all.
Forbes – Highest-Paid Musicians of 2018
1. U2 ($118 million)
2. Coldplay ($115.5 million)
3. Ed Sheeran ($110 million)
4. Bruno Mars ($100 million)
5. Katy Perry ($83 million)
6. Taylor Swift ($80 million)
7. Jay-Z ($76.5 million)
8. Guns N’ Roses ($71 million)
9. Roger Waters ($68 million)
10. Diddy ($64 million)
11. Beyoncé ($60 million)
12. Kendrick Lamar ($58 million)
13. The Weeknd ($57 million)
14. The Eagles ($56 million)
15. Depeche Mode ($53 million)
16. Pink ($52 million, tie)
16. Luke Bryan ($52 million, tie)
18. Jimmy Buffett ($51 million)
19. Lady Gaga ($50 million)
20. Calvin Harris ($48 million)
21. Paul McCartney ($47.5 million)
22. Drake ($47 million, tie)
22. Jennifer Lopez ($47 million, tie)
22. Foo Fighters ($47 million, tie)
25. Elton John ($46 million, tie)
25. Metallica ($46 million, tie)
27. Garth Brooks ($45.5 million, tie)
27. The Chainsmokers ($45.5 million, tie)
29. Billy Joel ($43.5 million)
30. Rolling Stones ($39 million)
Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
