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 Most of the older lists redirect to broken pages, even on an archived version of the website.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

Roger Waters is an English professional musician, singer-songwriter, and composer with an estimated net worth of $310 Million.

Waters is best known as the bassist and former co-founder of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. One of the band’s driving forces, he’s worked with several other bands and artists over the years and is a vocal advocate for various political causes.

Earnings History

As a solo artist, Roger Waters has been named among the world’s highest-paid musicians on several occasions. In 2012, Forbes ranked Waters second, with an estimated $88 million in earnings. It appears as though this was the former Pink Floyd singer’s highest-earning year as a solo artist. This is thanks to The Wall Live Tour, which grossed $458.6 million between the 15th September 2010 and the 26th September 2013. Waters also made the list the following year, despite his annual income halving to $44 million. He also earned a similar sum of $46 million in 2014. 

After a brief hiatus, Roger returned in 2018, earning an estimated $68 million. The lion’s share of his income came from the Us + Them Tour, which grossed $261.8 million. While the information above covers only a few years of Roger Waters’ solo career, he earned a combined $246 million over the four-year period.

Pink Floyd

After Syd Barrett and Bob Klose joined the band, Waters switched to bass guitar, and in 1966, they adopted the name Pink Floyd. Following Barrett’s departure from the band and David Gilmour’s arrival in 1968, Waters led the creative process, helping the band compose some of its most iconic songs. Their biggest hit came in 1973, with Dark Side of the Moon selling over 40 million copies worldwide and making them household names.

This fame was further enhanced by the release of the album The Wall in 1979, followed by the film adaptation starring Bob Geldof in the lead role. Despite creative differences with David Gilmour, Pink Floyd continued to release music in the early 1980s, with Waters eventually tackling his solo career in 1985.

Roger Waters’ solo album, The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking, received mixed reviews, but his US tour as a solo artist proved to be a huge success. Pink Floyd reunited in 2005 to play a set in London’s Hyde Park, with additional tours from Waters as a solo artist over the ensuing years.

Real Estate

In September 2007, Roger Waters paid $15 million for a 7,000-square-foot townhouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. The home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a private recording studio. As far as we’re aware, he still owns the property.

In October 2010, Waters paid $16.2 million for a 2.1-acre property in Bridgehampton, New York. He demolished the old property and began building a new 13,334-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion. Construction was completed in 2017, and recent estimates value the new home at $38.9 million. 

Summary 

There you have it, our complete guide to the life experiences and musical career that helped Roger Waters earn his fame and fortune. We expect his net worth to change over time as Waters continues touring and releasing new music. We’ll update this article to reflect these changes, including new music releases and tours that might have increased Roger Waters’ net worth.

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.