Although U2 were named the Top Earning Musicians of 2010, according to figures compiled by Forbes magazine, veteran rock group AC/DC came a close second, earning $114 million from a tour which grossed $226 million – $2.3 million per night.
Beyonce Knowles was named the highest earning female of the year, taking third place with a stash of $87 million, thanks to a world tour, sales from her House of Dereon fashion line and endorsement deals. Beyonce’s husband Jay-Z also featured in the list, taking the sixth spot after raking in $63 million from record sales, a tour and his stakes in the New Jersey Nets basketball team, 40/40 nightclub chain and hit stage show ‘Fela!’.
He was beaten by Bruce Springsteen and Britney Spears, who amassed $70 million and $64 million respectively. Eccentric singer Lady Gaga was a new addition, featuring at number seven with $62 million earnings, thanks to CD and download sales, her ‘Monster’s Ball’ world tour and endorsement deals, narrowly beating her idol Madonna, who took eighth place with $58 million. Country star Kenny Chesney landed at number nine after filling his bank with $50 million, while the final spot was tied between Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Toby Keith who all earned $48 million.
Forbes magazine’s Top Earning Musicians of 2010:
1. U2 – $130 million
2. AC/DC – $114 million
3. Beyonce Knowles – $87 million
4. Bruce Springsteen – $70 million
5. Britney Spears – $64 million
6. Jay-Z – $63 million
7. Lady Gaga – $62 million
8. Madonna – $58 million
9. Kenny Chesney – $50 million
10 = Black Eyed Peas – $48 million
10= Coldplay – $48 million
10= Toby Keith – $48 million