Introduction

James Hetfield is an American professional musician and songwriter with an estimated net worth of $300 Million.

Quick Facts

• Metallica earned approximately $221.5 million from 2017-2020
• The band has grossed over $1.22 billion in revenue from touring

Metallica Earnings History

Metallica first appeared on the Forbes Celebrity 100 in the late 1990s and were among the few bands to make the list. In 1998, they earned an estimated $32 million, with the lion’s share coming from the Poor Re-Touring Me Tour and sales of their latest album, ReLoad. While we’re aware that Metallica appeared on the Forbes list for several other years during the late 90s and early 2000s, it was difficult to get a hold of them. Most of the older lists redirect to broken pages, even on an archived version of the website.

That said, in 2017, Metallica reappeared for the first time in over a decade, thanks to a comeback with the WorldWired Tour. The tour began in October 2016 and ran for roughly three years, until August 2019, grossing $430 million in revenue. As a result, Metallica became one of the world’s highest-earning bands for four years straight. 

The figures we’re about to discuss relate to earnings from June 1 to June 1; Forbes calculated 2017 earnings using data from June 1, 2016, to June 1, 2017. That year, the band earned an estimated $66.5 million. This was followed by $46 million in 2018, $68.5 million in 2019, and $40.5 million in 2020. This would bring Metallica’s combined earnings from 2017 to 2020 to $221.5 million.

In this most recent tour, Metallica consisted of four members: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo. As co-founders, Hetfield and Ulrich earn the most, although touring income is split more evenly. For argument’s sake, an equal split would have earned Hetfield roughly $55.4 million over the four year period.

Metallica

After founding Metallica with drummer Lars Ulrich, the band released its first original song, “Hit the Lights,” in 1982. When the song was released on the Metal Massacre I compilation album, they landed their first live gig in March 1982. Shortly after, they were chosen to open for the British heavy metal band Saxon during their U.S. tour, which garnered them more exposure. 

After this, Metallica recorded their first demo, Power Metal, though it was never officially released to the public. However, their debut album, Kill ‘Em All, was released in 1983, and while it wasn’t a financial success, it became an underground hit. 

Topping The Charts

Metallica’s second studio album, Ride the Lightning, was released in 1984, and it reached No. 100 on the Billboard 200. Their third album, Master of Puppets, became one of their most popular, spending 72 weeks on the chart after reaching No. 29. Following this album, Metallica played at its largest show, the Monsters of Rock Festival, alongside Bon Jovi and Ratt. 

In 1989, the band received its first Grammy Award nomination, and while they were favored to win, the award ultimately went to Jethro Tull. 

Entering The Mainstream

Although it was remixed three times and ended Ulrich and Hammett’s marriages, Metallica released their fifth studio album in 1991. Titled Metallica, but commonly known as The Black Album, this release sold 650,000 copies in its first week and earned the band mainstream attention. Not only did this make Hetfield one of the richest singers in the world, but it also earned the band many more fans worldwide. 

Unfortunately, a year after its release, James Hetfield was involved in a pyrotechnics accident on stage at the Olympic Stadium. While his guitar protected most of his body, he suffered third-degree burns on his left side but managed to be back on stage 17 days later. After nearly three years of constant touring to promote Metallica, the band started working on their sixth album, Load, in 1994. 

A New Millennium

Following the releases of Reload in 1997 and Garage Inc. in 1998, James Hetfield started off the 2000s with a stint in rehab for alcohol addiction. After nearly a year, he rejoined Metallica and discussed his problems in the 2004 documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.

Their ninth studio album, Death Magnetic, was released in 2008. It debuted at no. 1 in the U.S., selling 490,000 copies. A week after its release, Metallica became the first band to have five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard. Shortly after, Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with James Hetfield joining Mick Jagger and other rock legends. 

No Slowing Down

Heading into the 2010s, James Hetfield and Metallica showed no signs of slowing down, performing at the 2014 Grammys. They later played at the 2015 X Games in Austin, Texas, and released their tenth album, Hardwired … to Self-Distruct, a year later.

Even though James Hetfield could easily retire after decades on the stage, he has shown no signs of wanting to step away from music. He is currently on the M72 World Tour to promote Metallica’s eleventh album, and he’s slated to continue the tour until September 2024. 

ESP Guitar Brand Deal

Hetfield’s collaboration with ESP Guitars has resulted in several successful signature models, including the “Iron Cross” ($8,000) and the “Truckster” ($1,000-$4,000). These models are consistently top sellers, boosting ESP’s brand value and Hetfield’s earnings.

The “Iron Cross,” inspired by Hetfield’s guitar collection, is a fan favorite, known for its distinctive design and premium build quality. Meanwhile, the more affordable “Truckster” appeals to a broader audience, making Hetfield’s sound accessible to aspiring musicians. These collaborations enhance ESP’s reputation and reinforce Hetfield’s influence as a guitarist and brand ambassador.

Legal Issues & Lawsuits

James Hetfield has faced several high-profile legal battles during his career, particularly regarding copyright and trademark protection. In 2000, Metallica famously sued Napster for enabling mass copyright infringement. The band identified 335,435 users who shared their music without permission and filed a lawsuit in a California federal court. They demanded that Napster block these users and sought damages totaling more than $10 million, calculated at $100,000 per song.

The case also implicated universities like Yale, USC, and Indiana University for allowing Napster access on their campuses, highlighting their role in facilitating music piracy. This landmark case reshaped the music industry’s approach to digital piracy and brought global attention to Metallica’s commitment to protecting artists’ rights.

That same year, Hetfield also filed a cosmetics trademark dispute with Guerlain over a perfume called Metallica. The case was settled confidentially in the Central District of California, thereby protecting Metallica’s brand identity. Guerlain’s decision to discontinue the product reinforced the band’s vigilance in safeguarding its name.

Divorce Settlement

James Hetfield’s divorce from Francesca Hetfield, filed in Colorado in early 2022, ended their 25-year marriage. The settlement divided their joint assets and extensive real estate portfolio, including their primary residence in Vail, Colorado, and properties in Marin County, California, and Maui, Hawaii.

The Vail home, located in Francesca’s hometown, reflected their family’s long-standing connection to the area, though its value at the time of the divorce was not disclosed. The Marin County property, purchased in 2000 for $4.4 million, was one of their most notable investments. Their Maui estate, reportedly acquired for an estimated $15 million, complicated the settlement process, and the final settlement figures remain confidential.

Real Estate

Hetfield’s real estate portfolio reflects his considerable financial success and varied interests. In 1999, he purchased 1,150 acres in Marin County, California, and named it “Rocking H Ranch.” Over time, he donated 330 acres for public trails and 1,000 acres to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, reducing his holdings to just 50 acres.

In 2021, Hetfield sold 20 acres of land in Arizona for $1.2 million, marking a strategic exit from non-California properties. Frustrated with Marin County politics, he moved to Vail, Colorado, in 2016, though he retained some smaller investments in California. Additionally, he owns a property in Maui, Hawaii. His relocation to Colorado provided a quieter lifestyle amid stunning mountain views, allowing him to balance his real estate, personal, and musical commitments.

Philanthropy

Through the All Within My Hands Foundation, launched in 2017, Hetfield has significantly impacted hunger relief, disaster response, and education. The foundation has invested over $10 million in the Metallica Scholars Initiative, supporting students across the U.S. in gaining trade skills.

In August 2023, it donated $200,000 to the Hawaii Community Foundation for wildfire relief in Maui, Feeding America, and local food banks. In 2016, Hetfield also co-hosted the Acoustic-4-A-Cure concert, which raised funds for the Pediatric Cancer Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

Introduction

Ronnie Wood is an English rock musician and visual artist with an estimated net worth of $200 Million.

Wood earned the bulk of his fortune as a member of the British rock band, The Rolling Stones. Now known as one of the most successful bands of all time, The Rolling Stones released their debut album in 1964 and have since sold over 250 million records worldwide, grossing $3.2 billion in tour revenue.

Quick Facts

• The Rolling Stones earned at least $1 billion between 1996 and 2022
• Grossed over $3.2 billion from concert and touring revenues
• Sold over 250 million records worldwide
• The band’s peak annual income was $98 million in 2022

Net Worth Details

Ronnie Wood’s legacy in the music industry has helped him become one of the richest rock stars in the world and has reshaped the role of the bass guitarist for generations. His net worth growth over time reflects his maturation as a rock icon and his expanded role working with Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart. With ongoing royalties and reunions with the Rolling Stones generating additional revenue, his net worth is likely to grow further.

The Rolling Stones Earnings

For decades, The Rolling Stones have been one of the highest-earning bands in music. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a group that’s earned more money than the Stones over the past thirty-five years. The table above shows that The Rolling Stones earned an estimated $1 billion between 1996 and 2022, but this doesn’t tell the full story. Several years are missing from the list (roughly ten by my count), which potentially accounts for an additional $300 million to $500 million in earnings.

The missing years are either from a year when the Forbes list was lost as the internet evolved, or from several years when they didn’t quite make the cut. Another thing worth noting: the band’s impressive run on the list in the 1990s was long after they reached global fame. The Rolling Stones were already touring the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States as early as the 1960s. 

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the band’s estimated earnings between 1996 and 2022, based on the annual Forbes Celebrity 100. 

Earnings History

In the mid to late 1990s, The Rolling Stones were among the world’s highest-paid music groups, and were typically only bested by The Beatles and the Backstreet Boys. During the period, they held two world tours and a third tour in Europe and North America. Combined, these three tours grossed over $680 million in revenue, leading to the band’s inclusion on Forbes’ Celebrity 100 for five consecutive years. 

In 1996, the publication estimated that The Rolling Stones earned approximately $77 million in that calendar year. This was followed by earnings of $62 million in 1997, $57 million a piece in 1998 and 1999, and $50 million in 2000.

Their next appearance on the list was in 2003, when they earned an estimated $28 million from the Licks Tour, which grossed $311 million. The revenues from this tour also rolled (pun intended) into the 2004 calendar, increasing their annual income to $51 million. The subsequent tour, A Bigger Bang Tour ($558.3 million gross), was at the time the highest-grossing tour in history. As a result, the Stones’ earnings reached new heights in 2006 and 2007, at $90 million and $88 million, respectively.

Since 2013, The Rolling Stones have consistently earned at least $39 million annually, with several standout years being $57.5 million in 2015, $66.5 million in 2016, and $59 million in 2019. Additionally, they were named the 7th-highest-paid entertainers in the world in 2023 (based on 2022 earnings), earning a career-high $98 million.

The Rolling Stones

Following his time with The Birds, Ronnie Wood played for several bands, including The Creation and The Jeff Beck Group, before linking up with Mick Taylor and joining The Rolling Stones in the early 1970s. Following Taylor’s departure, Wood took the reins with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, and the band soon became one of the music industry’s biggest names.

Over the years, the band sold over 250 million copies of their albums and singles and continues to draw annual royalties from physical media sales and other licensing deals. Known for redefining British rock, they are widely recognized as among the most influential bands in music history.

While working with the Stones, Wood continued to collaborate with some of the world’s richest singers, including Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Prince, and David Bowie.

Real Estate

With his outstanding net worth and earning capacity, Ronnie Wood has been able to invest in some of the most expensive houses in the world, notably a castle in the UK. The estate covers 2.31 acres of lawns, and Gothic architecture is featured throughout the home’s nine bedrooms and bathrooms. In addition to the castle, the estate also includes its own cottage, lodge, pool house, and wine cellar.

Summary 

That wraps up this complete guide to Ronnie Wood’s impressive career as a bass guitar player for some of the biggest bands in the business. Wood’s ongoing commitment to creative endeavors as a musician and artist will continue to grow in the coming years, indicating his net worth will rise. We’ll update this article in the future to ensure it reflects the most accurate information, so bookmark it and check back.

Introduction

Dave Grohl is an American professional musician with an estimated net worth of $330 Million.

Grohl is the founding member and frontman of the Foo Fighters. He has an impressive background in rock music, including a stint as drummer in the ground-breaking band Nirvana. Dave has been in the music industry since the age of 15.

Some of the less well-known bands he’s played with include “Freak Baby,” “Mission Impossible,” “Dain Bramage,” and “Scream.”

Grohl is also the drummer and co-founder of a rock group called “Them Crooked Vultures” and participated in a lot of side projects, such as “Late!” and “Probot”. It’s not hard to understand why Dave has been one of the most influential rock musicians of the last twenty years.

Quick Facts

• Foo Fighters earned $133.5 million in a three-year period
• The band has grossed approximately $377.8 million in tour revenue
• Held a net worth of roughly $15 million after Nirvana

Net Worth History

There has been only one time when Dave Grohl has discussed his net worth publicly. In a 2011 interview on The Howard Stern Show, Stern asked Grohl how much he was worth after Nirvana’s success. He threw out some numbers at the musician, asking, “What were you worth? $100 million? $50 million? $25 million? $15 million?”

Dave modestly replied “no” to most of the above figures until it came down to $15 million, at which point his answer was “maybe.” Bear in mind that he was referring to his net worth in the mid-1990s, and before the creation of Foo Fighters. After adjusting for inflation, this equates to roughly $32.6 million in today’s dollars.

More than three decades have passed since then, and when we first began researching Grohl’s wealth in 2022, he was estimated to be worth $300 million. This figure has grown naturally over the last three or four years, and at the time of writing, the musician is worth in the region of $330 Million.

Foo Fighters Earnings History

The bulk of Dave Grohl’s career earnings is derived from his work with the Foo Fighters, who have been active since 1994. Foo Fighters have sold over 30 million records worldwide and grossed almost $378 million in tour revenue over the last three decades. As a result, the band has been featured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 three times.

In 2015, Foo Fighters ranked 58th on the list of the top 100, with estimated annual earnings of $38 million. Their sudden inclusion on the list was primarily thanks to the Sonic Highways World Tour, which was somewhat bittersweet. The tour itself grossed approximately $68.8 million in revenue, but midway through, Grohl broke his leg. This led to the cancellation of roughly a dozen show dates and a potential loss of $10 million in revenue.

Despite the leg break, the band reappeared on the list the following year, moving up to 45th with $48.5 million in earnings. Since the Sonic Highways tour ran from December 2014 to November 2015, the incident occurred in this calendar year, and much of Grohl’s 2016 income still derived from the tour. 

The Foo Fighters made one final appearance on the Forbes Celebrity 100 in 2018, with an estimated annual income of $47 million. Once again, their earnings were generated from tour revenue, with the Concrete and Gold Tour grossing roughly $114 million.

The years listed above total $133.5 million in earnings for the Foo Fighters over a three-year period. If we were to assume an equal split between each of the six band members, Dave Grohl would have earned roughly $19 million during this time.

Scream

Dave’s transition into the band “Scream” wasn’t entirely honest, as he lied about his age to get in. He dropped out of high school during his junior year to be in the band. For the next 4 years, Dave toured with Scream and recorded 2 live albums and 2 studio albums. While playing in Scream, Dave became a big fan of the “Melvins” and eventually befriended them. Through befriending “Melvins”, Dave got to meet Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic from the band “Nirvana”.

Once “Scream” broke up, Dave called the guitarist of Melvins seeking advice on where to go next. The guitarist mentioned that Nirvana was looking for a drummer and gave him the band’s phone numbers.

Nirvana

In no time at all, Dave passed the audition and became part of the band. Dave joined Nirvana mid-way through recording several demos, just before releasing their debut album, “Bleach”. Grohl spent the next few months visiting several labels after the band received significant interest following the demo performance. Eventually, Nirvana signed with DGC Records.

In 1991, the band recorded “Nevermind”, which was a worldwide commercial success. During this time, Grohl finished recording his own material and released “Pocketwatch” on cassette in 1992. He released the cassette under the name “Late!”.

While working on his own material, Dave became a major contributor to Nirvana’s songwriting. Cobain overheard Grohl working on a song called “Color Pictures of a Marigold” and joined in. Soon, the two began working collaboratively on the song. They released “Color Pictures of a Marigold” as a B-side version on the “Heart Shaped Box” single and simply named “Marigold”.

Dave’s talent for music blossomed when he started writing and recording music during his breaks while working with Nirvana.

Foo Fighters

Unfortunately, due to the tragic death of Cobain in April 1994, Nirvana soon found itself coming to an end. He quickly recorded a fifteen-track demo and performed all the instruments himself. When people weren’t interested, Dave wondered if his career would always be drumming for other bands. After turning down an invitation to become “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” drummer, Dave performed with “Pearl Jam” for two or three shows.

After a while, the demo he’d recorded began to attract interest from record labels. This prompted Dave to start recruiting band members, marking the beginning of the legendary Foo Fighters. After releasing four successful albums, Grohl found himself at the top of the Billboard Modern Rock chart.

After releasing six albums, the Foo Fighters released their first “Greatest Hits” collection on the 3rd of November 2009. On November 10th, 2014, the Foo Fighters released their eighth studio album, which reached number two in the United States. All told, the band has released 10 albums to date, with their 10th reaching number three on the Billboard 200 in 2021.

Real Estate

In March 1993, Dave Grohl paid $335,000 for a 3,880-square-foot, five-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in Shoreline, Washington. He owned this property for roughly five years, selling it for $345,000 in December 1998. Grohl incurred a loss on the home after taxes and agent commissions.

According to reports, in April 2003, the musician paid $2.2 million for an 8,342-square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-bathroom property in Encino, California. The home, which sits on 2.18 acres, is currently valued at roughly $6 million and carries annual property taxes of over $50,000 for Grohl.

Outside of residential property, Dave Grohl also invested $1.17 million in a warehouse in Northridge, California, in June 2004. This space was transformed into a recording studio known as Studio 606, and to the best of our knowledge, is still owned by Grohl.

Summary

Dave Grohl is something of a legend in the music industry. From working with one of the most impactful bands of all time to creating his own successful band, he’s left his mark on the music industry. He did it all because of his love of music and is a role model for many fans. Despite the tragic events he’s endured, he has grown as a musician and achieved an enormous level of respect in the music world.