Irish rock band U2 are the fourth highest-paid musicians in the world, according to the latest Forbes' rich list.The band was eclipsed for top spot by veteran hip-hop star Dr Dre who topped Forbes' list of the 25 biggest-earning musicians in 2012.
Dre's lucrative headphones business, Beats by Dre, helped him gross $100 million in pre-tax earnings, according to the magazine.
The list's top 10 was dominated by veteran musicians, with Pink Floyd's bassist and singer Roger Waters coming in at number two with earnings of $88 million from his lucrative The Wall Live tour, and British singer Elton John at number three with $80 million.
Last year's highest-paid musicians U2 came in at number four this year with combined earnings of $78 million from their three-year 360 tour.
1990s British boy band Take That, who reformed in 2005, rounded out the top five with $69 million, earned from an eight-date tour at London's Wembley Stadium, which became the highest-grossing single stadium tour to date.
Forbes compiles its annual highest-paid musicians list by estimating artists' earnings from music sales, live shows, endorsements and merchandising. Earlier this year, Dutch DJ Tiesto was named the highest-paid DJ in the fast-growing electronic dance music industry.
The only two artists under 30 to break the top 10 were country-pop darling Taylor Swift who tied with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney at number eight with earnings of $57 million, and Canadian pop star Justin Bieber who tied with country star Toby Keith at number with earnings of $55 million.
Pop star and "X Factor" judge Britney Spears entered the list at number seven with earnings of $58 million, cementing her comeback after a turbulent few years. Her earnings encompass her multi-million dollar "X Factor" deal, music sales and endorsements.
Spears led eight female artists in the top 25 list, including R&B star Rihanna at number with $53 million, coming ahead of Lady Gaga at number 13 with $52 million.
Grammy-winning British singer Adele notched was 22nd on the list, tied with Kanye West, with earnings of $35 million following a record year for her album "21."
Music's power couple, singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z, came in at 18th and 20th, respectively, with earnings of $40 million and $38 million.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1130/breaking30.html
