Who Are The 30 Richest Drummers In The World?

A few weeks back, we gave you a rundown of the world’s top paid DJs displaying numbers highly reflective of the current EDM explosion in the United States and the subsequent demand for these artists (Tiesto being the top earner @ $22 million dollars in a year period). Drummers on the other hand, have been in demand since rhythm first made its way into the human consciousness, and over time, some of the world’s top-earning drummers have seen long-term incomes that have accumulated to incredibly high net worths.

Drummers have it relatively tough compared to their fellow band mates, considering that in order to practice their instrument, they either need really cool neighbors or a designated time and place to play. Not to mention a reliable set of wheels to haul their gear, the setup, the takedown, and let’s not forget about all those lousy drummer jokes –  you really need to be committed. And “committed” seems to be the common denominator among these top earning drummers, many of whom have held 30+ year careers drumming at the top of the charts with bands like The Beatles, Metallica, U2 and The Rolling Stones. So without any further adieu, let’s take a look at who’s getting the most buck for their bang (speaking of lousy drummer jokes).
Note: The figures contained in the following list were acquired from all publicly available information on these drummers including their salaries, real estate holdings, divorces, record sales, royalties and endorsements. The final net worths come from a formula that takes out taxes, manager’s fees, agents’ fees, and lifestyle.

The 30 Richest Drummers in the World 

1. Ringo Starr – $300 Million (The Beatles)
2. Phil Collins – $250 Million (Solo, Genesis)
3. Dave Grohl – $225 Million (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)
4. Don Henley – $200 Million (The Eagles)
5. Lars Ulrich – $175 Million (Metallica)
6. Charlie Watts – $160 Million (The Rolling Stones)
7. Larry Mullen Jr – $150 Million (U2)
8. Roger Taylor – $105 Million (Queen)
9. Joey Kramer – $100 Million (Aerosmith)
10. Chad Smith – $90 Million (The Red Hot Chili Peppers)
11. Travis Barker – $85 Million (Blink 182, The Aquabats)
12. Stewart Copeland – $80 Million (The Police)
13. Alex Van Halen – $75 Million (Van Halen)
14. Nick Mason – $75 Million (Pink Floyd)
15. Tommy Lee – $70 Million (Motley Crue)
16. Bill Ward – $65 Million (Black Sabbath)
17. Jon Fishman – $60 Million (Phish)
18. Carter Beauford – $55 Million (Dave Matthews Band)
19. Rick Allen – $50 Million (Def Leppard)
20. Tre Cool – $45 Million (Green Day)
21. Danny Carey – $40 Million (Tool)
22. Tico Torres – $40 Million (Bon Jovi)
23. Max Weinberg – $35 Million (Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Conan O’Brien)
24. Mickey Hart – $30 Million (The Grateful Dead)
25. Bill Kreutzmann – $25 Million (The Grateful Dead)
26. Neil Peart – $22 Million (Rush)
27. Taylor Hawkins – $20 Million (Foo Fighters)
28. Questlove – $16 Million (The Roots, Jimmy Fallon)
29. Steven Adler – $15 Million (Guns N’ Roses)

30. Mick Fleetwood – $8.5 Million (Fleetwood Mac)