Which muscal acts raked in the most money last year? If you’re an incredibly popular band or act and you tour, revenues are high. The band may not see all of that money — it goes to a number of different people like managers, promoters, agents, etc. — but the numbers are staggering to those of us who are not quite as famous, working to earn a living.
Here are the top ten money-earning musical acts, from Forbes.com.
1. The Rolling Stones (proof that drugs help you live long and earn more): $168,000,000
2. U2: $150,000,000
3. Kenny Chesney (who?): $110,000,000
4. Green Day: $99,000,000
5. The Eagles: $84,000,000
6. Paul McCartney (of Fidelity fame and some band): $83,000,000
7. Celine Dion: $81,000,000
8. 50 Cent: $79,000,000.50
9. Dave Matthews Band: $74,000,000
10. Elton John: $66,000,000
Updated July 16, 2010 and originally published February 12, 2006. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.
Rank: Platinum
Luke Landes founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 and has been building online communities since 1990. Luke, also known as Flexo, has contributed to PC World Magazine, US News, Forbes, and other publications. 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
What do you mean “who” on #3? Have you been locked in a closet? ;-)
(Hint: Married/divorced RZ quickly).
I must have been, because “RZ” loses me, too. Oh, umm… Renée Zellweger?
50 cent earns more than Elton Jon? WHAT?!?!?! :-0
On the contrary, it’s amazing Elton John is still making as much money as he’s making this far into his career. Few artists have that kind of staying power. Anyhow, nobody in that Top Ten is going hungry…
I’m surprised that the Dave Matthews Band is that big. I mean, I knew they were big, but I didn’t know they were seventy-four million big.
re: fiddy’s earnings…HA! good one ;)
The list is alarming…..fortunately in the UK there’s an ocean protecting us from Celine Dion, Keeny Chesney & dave Matthews.
Yes, Flexo (on RZ). See, there’s hope for you after all. ;-)