Moneymakers Of 2012

The maker of those fancy headphones topped all comers, by far, with $110 million in the bank for 2012, according to Forbes. Most of that money comes from HTC, which paid $300 million for a 51 percent stake in the Beats headphone system, and Dre got about, oh, $100 million out of the deal.

After that, the musicians were all pretty much road warriors, although the ultimate figures are amalgamations of Pollstar’s numbers plus those of managers, the RIAA and others.

Roger Waters, with The Wall Live tour, came in second with $88 million. Elton John got $80 million. U2, which wrapped the 360 Tour, ultimately gathered $78 million, according to Forbes. And rounding out the top five was Britian’s Take That with $69 million.

Next up were Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber.

After that, Toby Keith, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Foo Fighters and Diddy.

Want more? Katy Perry, Kenny Chesney, Beyoncé, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jay-Z.  That’s right – Red Hot made $39 million and Jay-Z only made $38 million.  Also down the list is Adele who scraped in a measly $35 million, tying with Kanye West for No. 22.

The list lists 25 acts, then stops. We assume, though, that No. 26 is our favorite musician of all time.