Heavy metal is a genre of music that has been around for decades. While there are many different heavy metal bands out there, only a select few can be considered the richest. These bands have made a lot of money over the years from album and ticket sales, merchandise, and more. Here is a list of the richest heavy metal bands, as well as how much money they have made.
1. Metallica – $1 billion
METALLICA is considered by many to be one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time. They have sold over 110 million records worldwide and have won numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards. In terms of wealth, METALLICA is estimated to be worth $1 billion. This is largely due to their successful tours and merchandise sales.
2. The Rolling Stones – $660 million
THE ROLLING STONES are another iconic band that has been around for decades. They have released 25 studio albums and have sold over 200 million records worldwide. THE ROLLING STONES are also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $660 million. This is largely due to their lucrative touring schedule and extensive merchandising operation.
3. U2 – $600 million
U2 is another hugely successful band that has been making music for over 40 years. They have released 14 studio albums and have sold more than 150 million records worldwide. U2 is also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $600 million.
4. Bon Jovi – $450 million
BON JOVI is one of the most popular rock bands in the world. They have been touring and making new music for over three decades, with a loyal following that has stuck with them throughout the years. They have released 13 studio albums and have sold more than 130 million records worldwide. Bon Jovi is also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $450 million. Despite some lineup changes, they have remained a successful and iconic group.
5. Led Zeppelin – $425 million
LED ZEPPELIN is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. They have released nine studio albums and have sold between 200 and 300 million records worldwide. LED ZEPPELIN is also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $425 million.
LED ZEPPELIN released their first album in 1969 and it quickly became popular. Over the years, they released eight more albums and toured extensively. In 1980, drummer John Bonham died and the band broke up. In 1995, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
6. Kiss – $400 million
KISS are known for their outrageous stage shows and their catchy songs. KISS has released 24 studio albums and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. KISS is also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $400 million.
7. Aerosmith – $350 million
AEROSMITH is an American rock band that has been making music since the 1970s. They have released 14 studio albums and have sold more than 150 million records worldwide. AEROSMITH is also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $350 million.
The group was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970. The original members were singer Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Ray Tabano, bassist Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Kramer.
8. AC/DC – $290 million
AC/DC is without a doubt one of the most successful rock bands in history. With sales of more than 200 million records worldwide, AC/DC is also one of the richest bands in the world, with an estimated net worth of $290 million. The group has released 18 studio albums, including their latest release Power Up in 2020.
9. Black Sabbath – $280 million
BLACK SABBATH is an English rock band that was formed in the late 1960s. They are considered to be one of the pioneers of heavy metal music. BLACK SABBATH has released 19 studio albums and has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, earning them a net worth of $280 million.
10. MÖTLEY CRÜE – $235 million
MÖTLEY CRÜE is an American glam metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1981. The group is composed of bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, vocalist Vince Neil, and guitarist Mick Mars. MÖTLEY CRÜE has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has been declared “the world’s most notorious rock band” by Rolling Stone magazine. The group has a net worth of $235 million.
