News May 5, 2017

Adele finally enters UK Music Millionaires List; McCartney still on top

Global touring and recording phenomenon Adele Laurie Blue Adkins has seen her become the wealthiest UK female solo musician, after earning £40 million (A$$69.80 million) last year.

This is according to The Sunday Times’ Music Millionaires List, issued ahead of its 1000 Rich List to be published this weekend.

The singer, who is rumoured to be pregnant again, saw her fortune jumped from £85 million ($148.4 million) to £125 million ($218.3 million) in the last 12 months.

Her world tour is estimated to have grossed £138 million ($241 million) so far. The 25 album, released in 2015, added an extra 2.4 million sales around the world last year.

“What a year for Adele. Such strong record sales and a busy touring schedule propel her into our main list for the first time,”Robert Watts, compiler of The Sunday Times Rich List, said.

“Still in her 20s, if Adele’s career lasts as long as many of the other entries in our list, she has the potential to be the highest-earning British musician of all time.”

So far Adele has been topping the newspaper’s Under 30s list. Now she’s entered the main ranking – and still only makes it to #19 while older white men dominate.

These include Paul McCartney who, combined with his wife Nancy Shevell, holds top spot with £780 million (A1.3 billion).

The 74-year-old continues to tour – with rumours he might play Australia this year – and was apparently paid £8 million ($13.9 million) by the Desert Trip festival in California.

He’s joined on the list by Ringo Starr, as well as George Harrison’s widow Olivia and son Dhani who’re down £10 million ($17.4 million).

There are three Rolling Stones who collectively increased their fortunes by £50 million ($87.3 million) with Mick Jagger’s bank manager smiling the widest.

But the highest earnings growth was by U2, who added £48 million ($83.8 million) to their total value of £548 million ($957.1 million).

THE MUSIC MILLIONAIRES LIST

1. Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell (£780 million)

2. Lord Lloyd-Webber (£740 million)

3. U2 (£548 million)

4. Sir Elton John (£290 million)

5. Sir Mick Jagger (£250 million

6. Keith Richards (£235 million)

7. Olivia and Dhani Harrison (£210 million)

8. Michael Flatley (£200 million) / Ringo Starr (£200 million)

10. Sting (£185 million)

11. Eric Clapton (£170 million) / Sir Rod Stewart (£170 million)