It pays well to be an ancient rock star. So well that you will be inclined to think the list of the top 10 highest-paid entertainers of 2022 was bogus. The last time I checked, it was in the best interest of the Forbes Magazine brand to tell the truth, so take a look at the list they compiled and make sure you do it over a couch or bed because you might pass out.
- Genesis. $300 million – this is the band Phil Collins fronted for years. If you are too young to know who he is, he’s the father of Lily Collins, the star of Emily in Paris. The group sold its publishing rights and cashed out.
2. Sting. $300 million – this is a familiar theme. The former lead singer of “The Police,” Sting, did what most smart iconic singers and groups are doing; selling their music catalog and only performing if they had to.
3. Tyler Perry. $175 million – the only billionaire on the list, it’s common knowledge that Perry is uber-successful, and this proves it.
4. Trey Parker & Matt Stone. $160 million – it pays to be funny. The duo behind South Park collected massive residuals, and they also have their hot Broadway hit Book of Mormon as an eight-figure revenue stream. Look for them on the list next year. They have a $935 million six-year deal with Paramount.
5. James L. Brooks and Matt Groenig. $105 million – don’t worry if you don’t know who they are; you’ve probably seen their work. They created The Simpsons, which has been printing money for three decades.
6. Brad Pitt. $100 million – if only he had good looks, imagine what he could have banked. He sold his Plan B production company in December and had a very nice Christmas because of it.
7. Rolling Stones. $98 million – They went on tour: 15 cities, $8.5 million per gig.
8. James Cameron. $95 million – he’s the real king of the world.
9. Taylor Swift. $92 million – record sales, streaming platforms, licensing, digital downloads. If there’s a way to make money off a massive fan base, she knows how to do it.
10. Bad Bunny. $88 million – The Puerto Rican rapper had a great year: Collabs, a tour, and endorsements. Look for him to hit the nine-figure club next year.
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