The music industry is full of rock and pop acts that sell millions of records every year, but which are the richest bands of all time? From the current superstars of the pop world, to the most famous 70’s rock and rollers, we’ve looked at these bands’ accumulated earnings over the years and ranked them according to their wealth as a group. Although some of the musicians on this list have passed away long ago, their bands still gain money through syndication rights of the songs, tribute records and world tours.
Unlike the top 10 one hit wonders of all-time, which we covered in a previous article, these bands all released several successful albums and enjoyed lengthy carriers, resulting in their fortune. For the most part, the bands on this list are either British or American, due to the rock genres’ popularity in those countries, but there are a few exceptions. So, here’s our compilation of the richest bands of all time.
9. Queen
Certified unit sales: 61 million
Since their first was released in 1973, Queen has been an unstoppable force of nature, selling a total of 95 million records (61 million in certified unit sales). Even after Freddy Mercury deceased, the band kept on playing concerts and special tours, which are extremely popular due to their iconic status. The result is a total of over $200 million in earnings.
8. The Rolling Stones
Certified unit sales: 66 million
With over 66 million certified albums sold worldwide, Mick Jagger and company have been rocking the stages of the world since 1962 and are still very much active today. In fact, the Rolling Stones are one of the most intensely touring bands in history, with over 2000 played concerts throughout their trajectory. The result is an earnings estimate of over $200 million, just from the tours.
7. Aerosmith
Certified unit sales: 66.5 million
It’s hard to believe that with all the drug scandals and overdoses associated with these rock stars, they managed to produce as many albums as they did. Since their formation in 1970, Aerosmith released a total of 15 studio albums, selling 66.5 million certified copies and Toys in the Attic, which sold 8 million copies, remains their most popular album today.
6. AC/DC
Certified unit sales: 71 million
As one of the most power-punch-rock-and-rollers in the industry, this Australian band has kept us on our toes since 1973 and they’ve been rewarded for their musical skills with 71 million certified album sales. Back in Black remains AC/DC’s top-selling record and if we consider unofficial record sales, the numbers escalate to 108 million albums sold worldwide. This translates into a combined net worth of over $200 million for the band.
5. Pink Floyd
Certified unit sales: 74.5 million
Another Brit act to make it big in the music industry, Pink Floyd enjoyed a 30 year career trajectory between 1965 and 1996. In this timespan, the band sold 74.5 million certified album copies and well over 100 million if you add unofficial sales. After multiple world tours, the band managed to generate over $250 million in earnings, but unfortunately was very unwise when it came to administrating their money. With most of the band members broke, they’ve taken up touring once again to retrieve at least a piece of their fortune.
4. The Eagles
Certified unit sales: 100 million
Although this band had quite the inconsistent trajectory – forming in 1971 and breaking up in 1980, to then reunite in 1994 – their music’s popularity can’t be denied. With 100 million certified album sales and over $250 million in earnings, the Eagles are without a doubt one of the richest bands of all time.
3. Led Zeppelin
Certified unit sales: 111.5 million
Throughout its 12 active years, Led Zeppelin managed to sell 111.5 million certified album copies, and their album IV (37 million copies sold worldwide) solidified their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. After completing several reunion tours in 1985, 1988, 1995, and 2007, the band’s earnings amount to a total of $300 million.
2. U2
Certified unit sales: 150 million
Since their first appearance on the music scene in 1976, U2 has released 12 studio albums, which sold a total of 150 million certified copies worldwide. With Bono as their charismatic and humanitarian front man, the band remains one of the most popular in the world and their numerous world tours have earned them a net worth of over $850 million.
1. The Beatles
Certified unit sales: 250 million
It should come as no surprise that the Beatles hold the crown in our list of the richest bands of all time. With 250 million certified albums sold, the British rockers created a legendary presence in the music industry that earned them $600 million in their active years between 1960 and 1970. Furthermore, Paul McCartney went on to generate even more cash as a solo artist and when combined with Ringo Starr’s earnings, the band members hold a net worth of $1 billion.
