Post by Pete on Jun 19, 2011 2:50:47 GMT -5
Perhaps to no one's surprise, U2 and Bon Jovi have topped the Forbes magazine 2011 list of the highest-paid musicians, after their recent tours raked in big money for both groups. U2 scored the #1 spot by hauling in more than $195 million, due in no small part to their record-breaking 360 tour, which has grossed more than $700 million over two years. Bon Jovi came in second by earning $125 million in the last year. According to Forbes, the calculated earnings are based on pretax income earned from May 2010 to May 2011, before subtracting agent and manager fees.
Elton John came in third on the list with $100 million, Lady Gaga was fourth with $90 million, and Michael Bublé was fifth with $70 million. However, Forbes noted that the cost of an artist's stage show can deeply affect their bottom line. For example, Gaga grossed nearly as much in 12 months of touring ($168 million) as Elton John ($204 million), but the costs of her elaborate production caused her actual income to be much lower.
Rounding out the Top 10 on the list are Paul McCartney at #6 ($67 million); Black Eyed Peas at #7 ($61 million); The Eagles at #8 ($60 million); Justin Bieber at #9 ($53 million); and Dave Matthews Band at #10 ($51 million). The list spans in age from Bieber (age 17) to McCartney (age 68), and only five solo female acts made the Top 25, as opposed to 13 men. Jay-Z and Beyoncé were the only couple to make the list, as Hov landed at #17 with $38 million and B was #18 with $35 million.
Elton John came in third on the list with $100 million, Lady Gaga was fourth with $90 million, and Michael Bublé was fifth with $70 million. However, Forbes noted that the cost of an artist's stage show can deeply affect their bottom line. For example, Gaga grossed nearly as much in 12 months of touring ($168 million) as Elton John ($204 million), but the costs of her elaborate production caused her actual income to be much lower.
Rounding out the Top 10 on the list are Paul McCartney at #6 ($67 million); Black Eyed Peas at #7 ($61 million); The Eagles at #8 ($60 million); Justin Bieber at #9 ($53 million); and Dave Matthews Band at #10 ($51 million). The list spans in age from Bieber (age 17) to McCartney (age 68), and only five solo female acts made the Top 25, as opposed to 13 men. Jay-Z and Beyoncé were the only couple to make the list, as Hov landed at #17 with $38 million and B was #18 with $35 million.