McCartney Tops Richest Lead Singer List

Reportedly richer than Sting, Bono, Elton and Prince, Sir Paul McCartney’s net worth is estimated to be $800 million in a study that factored in variables such as taxes, agent’s commissions and “lifestyle.”

Photo: AP Photo / The Canadian Press

2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, Hyde Park, London, UK

The folks at Celebrity Net Worth did the number-crunching, coming up with a list that also includes Jimmy Buffett, Mick Jagger, Phil Collins and Rod Stewart. Saying that it helps “to be a prolific songwriter,” the list’s top five richest lead singers are no slouches when putting pen to paper and/or coming up with a memorable melody.

1. Paul McCartney – $800 million
2. Bono – $600 million
3. Jimmy Buffett – $400 million
4. Elton John – $320 million
5. Mick Jagger – $305 million

Sting’s estimated net worth of $290 million was good enough for sixth place while Prince was slotted at ninth place with an estimated net worth of $250 million.

Celebrity Net Worth notes that there was a time when Bono was predicted to become the world’s rock’s first billionaire, mainly because of his 1.5 percent private equity stake in Facebook. That is, before the social network’s somewhat lackluster IPO.

For the first lady on the list you have to go all the way to position No. 27 which is occupied by No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani, estimated to have a $80 million net worth.

Photo: Andy Argyrakis / ConcertLivewire.com

McCartney isn’t the only former Beatle topping a list based on moola. Celebrity Net Worth has also has a world’s richest drummer list with Ringo Starr’s $300 million topping such rhythm masters as Phil Collins, Don Henley and Lars Ulrich.