Ed Sheeran has skipped over Adele to become the 17th richest musician in the UK, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, with an estimated total worth of £160 million.
The singer-songwriter has managed to double his wealth in the past year following the completion of a major world tour that brought in box office takings of more than £340 million. It is believed Sheeran earned more in a single year than any other artist in history.
Sheeran, 28, and Adele, 31, are the youngest artists on a list that features plenty of veterans, including Sir Elton John, U2, Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Sir Paul McCartney. Chart-topping grime star Stormzy debuts with £16m.
Sheeran also tops the list of wealthiest young musicians, with One Direction stars Harry Styles and Niall Horan at two and three respectively. Little Mix as a group are in fourth place, while remaining 1D stars Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik occupy the fifth, sixth and seventh positions.
The list is topped by Lloyd-Webber, who has an £820m fortune, overtaking McCartney’s £750m. The solo artist and former Beatle is the only star to see his wealth reduce – down £70m on last year. Irish rock group U2 are valued together at £583m, in third place.
While Sheeran has passed Adele for now, the “Hello” singer is rumoured to be preparing the release of a new album, four years since the release of her Grammy award-winning record 25, which is one of the biggest-selling UK albums in history..
See the 10 richest musicians in the UK (2019):
1. Andrew Lloyd-Webber - £820 million
2. Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell - £750 million
3. U2 - £583 million
4. Sir Elton John - £320 million
5. Sir Mick Jagger - £275 million
6. Keith Richards - £260 million
7. Olivia and Dhani Harrison - £250 million
8. Sir Ringo Starr - £240 million
9. Michael Flatley - £204 million
10. Sting - £200 million
