Forbes’ annual ranking of the top-paid entertainers includes some stand-out musicians. The totals are based on earnings from June 2015 to June 2016, with figures from Nielsen, Pollstar, Songkick, Box Office Mojo and other sources.
15. The Weeknd – $55 million
Can the Canadian-born singer still feel his face? He catapulted into arena tour status with his 2015 hit album “Beauty Behind the Madness.”
15. U2 – $55 million
The Irish rockers may have lost some steam since their record-shattering 360 tour from 2009-2011, but they still can pack in fans.
13. Kenny Chesney – $56 million
The country star has become a fixture on the summer arena tour circuit, supplementing his income with endorsements for Corona beer, Costa sunglasses and his own brand of rum.
13. Justin Bieber – $56 million
The Biebs had a very good year, with a hit album, “Purpose,” arena concerts, merchandise sales and a Calvin Klein modeling gig.
12. Paul McCartney – $56.5 million
The former Beatle continues to be a prolific touring artist, and he earns a fortune from music publishing rights.
11. Bruce Springsteen – $60.5 million
The Boss makes a mint touring with the E Street Band and plans a new solo album for late 2016.
10. Diddy – $62 million
Though he’s planning a Bad Boy Reunion tour for the second half of 2016, the rapper makes the bulk of his money from his clothing line and a big-bucks deal with Diageo’s Ciroc vodka.
9. Calvin Harris – $63 million
The Scotsman (and T. Swift ex) is the top-grossing deejay in the world, with the bulk of his revenue coming from high-paying Las Vegas gigs.
8. Rolling Stones – $66.5 million
The British rockers played only 27 gigs in the period Forbes studied — but mostly to near sell-out crowds in humongous U.S. stadiums.
7. AC/DC – $67.5 million
The metal giants only seemed to boost the success of their concert tour when they replaced ailing lead singer Brian Johnson with Axl Rose.
6. Garth Brooks – $70 million
The 54-year-old country star is now on the second year of his comeback concert tour, with international dates planned well into 2017.
5. Rihanna – $75 million
Her album “Anti” was another No. 1 hit, and she boasts endorsement deals with Dior, Puma and Samsung.
4. Madonna – $76.5 million
The Material Girl’s Rebel Heart tour grossed more than $170 million; she also has successful clothing and perfume lines.
3. Adele – $80.5 million
In addition to sell-out arena concert performances, the British singer sold a record 3 million-plus copies of her album “25” in its first week of release last November.
2. One Direction – $110 million
Despite the exit of Zayn Malik in March 2015, the now four-man British boy band benefited from its On the Road Again tour.
1. Taylor Swift – $170 million
Her North American tour last year smashed the record set by the Rolling Stones, plus she raked in additional cash by promoting products such as Apple, Diet Coke and Keds.
