ED SHEERAN’S wealth grew by £28 million last year – more than any other British musician.
The singer-songwriter, 27, has an overall net wealth of £80 million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.
While at 35th place in the overall list of richest UK musicians, the Shape Of You singer is second-wealthiest young musician.
Sir Paul McCartney is the richest musician in the history of the Rich List.
The ex-Beatle and his wife, heiress Nancy Shevell, enjoy a combined wealth of £820 million, putting them at the top of the list.
Sir Paul’s £40 million rise in net wealth is split equally between revenue from the Beatles’ songs and income from a 37-date tour.
Composer Lord Lloyd-Webber is the second richest musician in the UK, with £740 million, followed by U2, up £21 million to £569 million.
Sir Elton John, who recently announced a three-year tour, is in fourth place with £300 million.
He is the only musician, alongside Sir Paul, to have appeared in the very first Sunday Times Rich List in 1989.
The Rolling Stones are up a collective £40 million, while Robbie Williams also enjoyed a big boost from touring, contributing to a £15 million rise in his net wealth to a total £165 million.
Mewanwhile, Rita Ora has made it on to the list of the UK’s wealthiest young musicians – despite only releasing one album.
The Anywhere singer, 27, is worth £16 million, according to figures.
Ora, who is set to release a second album later this year, is 11th in the list of wealthiest young musicians.
The Fifty Shades Freed actress has enjoyed lucrative deals with the likes of Adidas and DKNY.
Adele is the wealthiest young musician for the second consecutive year, with £140 million.
Her wealth increased by £15 million last year.
Zayn Malik is the only member or ex-member of One Direction not to have increased their wealth in the past year – although he is still worth an eye-watering £35 million.
Malik did not tour after leaving the boyband due to anxiety.
Harry Styles is up £10 million to £50 million, Niall Horan up £6 million to £46 million, and Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson are both up £2 million to £42 million.
Female artists have seen the biggest gains in the youth list.
Little Mix increased their wealth to £40 million, partly thanks to the girl band’s album Glory Days.
Robert Watts, compiler of The Sunday Times Rich List, said younger musicians would soon eclipse the veterans, despite not having been on the music scene for long.
“For years our music millionaires list has been dominated by older acts, such as the Rolling Stones and Sir Elton John, who have older audiences able to pay a premium to see their favourite acts,” he said.
“But some of the biggest risers over the past year have been amongst younger acts such as Ed Sheeran, Adele and Calvin Harris.
“Streaming services, the internet and income from endorsements are helping today’s young musicians build an international following – and with it their fortunes – far quicker than the older rockers.
“We think it won’t be long before some of these relative newcomers will surpass the wealth racked up by rock legends who in some cases have been on stage for nearly half a century.”
Wealthiest Young Musicians In The UK:
1. Adele, £140 million
2. Ed Sheeran, £80 million
3. Harry Styles, £50 million
4. Niall Horan, £46 million
5= Liam Payne, £42 million
5= Louis Tomlinson, £42 million
7. Little Mix, £40 million
8. Zayn Malik, £35 million
9. Sam Smith, £24 million
10. Jessie J, £18 million
11= Winston Marshall, £16 million
11= Rita Ora, £16 million
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