The Rolling Stones Net Worth: How Wealthy is the Band? - Musiclipse (2024)

One of the most important bands in music history, the Rolling Stones, along with the Beatles, The Who, and The Kinks, led the “British Invasion” in the 1960s and contributed to one of the most prolific and fertile periods of music in the 20th century. For this reason and many others, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

With the celebration of 60 years of career in 2022, The Rolling Stones reached astronomical numbers of album sales: they have sold over 240 million albums globally. Along with this success, the band has always been known for its legendary live performances, which also contributed in part to their incredible financial success, with numerous world tours grossing hundreds of millions of dollars, such as their 2005-2007 “A Bigger Bang” tour, which raked in over $558 million.

In a year that sees the Rolling Stones back on the road with a US tour to promote their new album “Hackney Diamonds,” this article will dive into the band’s financial empire. We’ll explore the Rolling Stones members’ net worth, royalty earnings, and the massive profits from their global tours that have cemented their status as rock legends.

Is The Rolling Stones the Richest Rock Band Ever?

They have released over 30 studio albums and 23 live albums. They have also been touring for over 60 years and are one of the strongest brands of the 20th century. This makes them one of the most successful artists of all time. What would you expect? The Rolling Stones were the most lucrative and richest rock band ever!

FOXBusiness estimates the combined net worth of all Rolling Stone’s current members, including drummer Charlie Watts, who died in August 2021, to be$1.45 billion in 2024.

Let’s break down this number and see the fortunes of the band’s four core members—Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and the late Charlie Watts.

Who’s the Richest Rolling Stones Member?

Mick Jagger, also known as Sir Michael Philip Jagger, is one of the founding members of the British rock band. The 80-year-old has a net worth of $500 million. Perhaps not surprisingly, Mick Jagger owns an extremely valuable real estate portfolio. Jagger owns $250 million worth of real estate around the globe. He owns several multi-million dollar mansions in New York and London for his and his family’s use.

As of 2024, Keith Richards, the English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer- and, of course, a founding member of “The Stones”—has a net worth of approximately $500 million, similar to Mick Jagger. Richards has a collection of approximately 3,000 guitars. He owns multiple properties, including Redlands, a Sussex estate he bought in the 1960s.

Though he joined the band only in 1975, Ronnie Wood has released 11 studio albums with the Rolling Stones. He replaced Mick Taylor on guitar, and despite reportedly being treated as a hired hand for over a decade, Ron Wood has accumulated a net worth of US$200 million, largely from the band’s massive tours. Wood is also a visual artist, selling hundreds of artworks, including paintings and sculptures.

Before his death in August 2021, drummer Charlie Watts had a fortune of $250 million. Thanks to his talent as a graphic artist, Watts also designed several of the band’s covers and touring sets. His financial wealth was largely a result of his ownership of shares in the Rolling Stones’ corporate entities. However, he explored other business ventures, including a successful Arabian horse stud farm he ran with his wife in rural England.

Who Owns The Rolling Stones Rights?

The Rolling Stones’ 2020 deal with BMG primarily focuses on collecting and managing royalties for radio and TV airplay (neighboring rights) and extending their existing music publishing agreement. BMG also represents much of Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts’ recorded catalog.

While Jody Klein, owner and CEO of ABKCO Music & Records, Inc., still owns the rights to some of the Rolling Stones’ biggest hits, including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Ruby Tuesday,” from the period 1963-1971, the Stones receive royalties for songwriting and radio/TV airplay.

Based on other recent extremely high-profile sales of catalogs from some of the top stars in the music industry, like Bruce Springsteen, for example, chances are that if The Rolling Stones sold the rights to the music that’s still available—their albums and hits post-1971—they’d make a small fortune.

Interestingly, Mick Jagger is considering leaving some of his Rolling Stones catalog to charity, stating that the money wouldn’t significantly impact his family. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), he refused to sell the band’s music catalog, stating, “The children don’t need $500 million to live well, come on,” and would rather contribute to charitable causes by saying, “Do some good in the world.” Mick Jagger, we take our hats off to you!

How Much Does The Rolling Stones Make Each Concert?

The Rolling Stones’ earnings per concert vary depending on the tour and the specific venues. However, they are consistently among the highest-grossing live acts in the world. The Rolling Stones performed more than 2000 concerts globally. According toFortune, The Stones generated more than $1.5 billion in total gross revenue between 1989 and 2001.

The band may have sold hundreds of millions of records, but the real money is clearly from their constant touring for decades. For example, with the 147-night A Bigger Bang tour of 2005-2007, they are still ranked as the world’s fourth-highest-grossing band ever, behind Guns N’ Roses, U2, and top-earner Ed Sheeran.

In another more recent occasion, and despite spanning only 58 shows across Europe and North America between 2017 and 2021, The Rolling Stones’ “No Filter Tour” defied expectations and put its name in music history as one of the top 10 highest-grossing tours of all time. With a staggering $546.5 million in total revenue, the iconic band showcased its enduring appeal and ability to pack stadiums and command premium ticket prices. The tour’s remarkable average gross of $9.4 million per show is a testament to the unwavering loyalty of their fanbase and the timeless quality of their music.

The Rolling Stones FAQS:

Who Are the Original Members of the Rolling Stones?

The core original lineup consisted of Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Bill Wyman (bass guitar), and Charlie Watts (drums).

Which Rolling Stones Album is Considered Their Best?

“Exile on Main St.” (1972) is often cited as their masterpiece, though “Sticky Fingers” (1971) and “Let It Bleed” (1969) are also frequently mentioned among their greatest achievements. Other critically acclaimed albums include “Beggars Banquet” (1968) and “Some Girls” (1978).

Who Is the Most Recent Member to Join the Rolling Stones?

Following the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, Steve Jordan officially became a member in 2023 after serving as a touring and recording drummer for the band since 2021.

Why Is the Rolling Stones’ Logo so Famous?

The iconic “tongue and lips” logo, designed by John Pasche in 1971, is a symbol of rebellion and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Its simplicity and bold design have made it instantly recognizable worldwide.

Why Did Brian Jones Leave the Rolling Stones?

Brian Jones, a founding member, left the band in 1969 due to personal struggles with substance abuse and declining health. He tragically drowned shortly after his departure.