Sir Paul McCartney has topped The Sunday Times Rich List of musicians with a net worth of £730 million.
The 72-year-old Beatles legend’s worth has increased by an estimated £20 million since last year thanks to a significant boost from his wife Nancy Shevell’s £150 million stake in her family’s American trucking business.
McCartney is well ahead of his nearest rival on the list, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is estimated to be worth £650 million and Irish band U2 at third place with £431 million.
Pop veteran Sir Elton John and Rolling Stones’ frontman Sir Mick Jagger follow with their fortunes, thought to be worth £270 million and £225 million respectively.
For the third year running, singer/songwriter Adele, 26, has topped the list for young music millionaires under the age of 30 in Britain and Ireland, with an estimated fortune of £50 million, while the four members of One Direction plus former bandmate Zayn Malik share the second spot with an estimated wealth of £25 million each.
One of the fastest rising new young stars is Sam Smith, who has already amassed £12 million since rising to fame in late 2012 and his debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour’ became a worldwide hit.
The Sunday Times Rich List:
Top 10 music earners
1. Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell £730m
2. Lord Lloyd-Webber £650m
3. U2 £431m
4. Sir Elton John £270m
5. Sir Mick Jagger £225m
6. Keith Richards £210m
7. Michael Flatley £195m
=8. Ringo Starr £180m
=8. Sting £180m
9. Roger Waters £160m
Sir Paul McCartney worth £730m
