Taylor Swift was the highest earning musician of 2015, earning $73.5milllion (£50,840,072).
Billboard’s list of the highest paid musicians last year puts the “Trouble” singer at the top spot, mainly thanks to her huge 1989 world tour which saw her wheel out special guests varying from Justin Timberlake to Matt Le Blanc. Additionally, the cover of her album by country star Ryan Adams brought her some royalties.
The highest Brits in the list are legendary rockers the Rolling Stones who earned $39.6million in 2015 thanks to their North American stadium tour.
One Direction, who are currently on ‘hiatus’, were ranked fifth despite being rocked by Zayn Malik’s departure mid-way through the year. The band earned $19.6million through touring and $3.1million through album sales.
Adele, who was recently named the UK’s richest ever female musician, came ninth earning $20.5million purely through her record sales, streaming and publishing. She was the only artist on the list who didn’t tour and being as though she’s currently in the middle of her world tour, the list could be notably different in a years time.
Other artists who have made the list who are probably more unknown to UK audiences include country singer Kenny Chesney who was the second-highest earner of 2015 and Luke Bryan who was ranked seventh.
Beyond the top 10, Madonna was ranked 14th, Elton John 15th, Ed Sheeran 17th and Fleetwood Mac 20th.
