20 Richest Drummers In The World (Plus Their Net Worth)

Behind every great band, there’s a talented drummer that lays the foundation for sonic greatness. And some of these drummers have also paved their way to enormous financial success.

From rock legends to jazz virtuosos, these drummers have propelled themselves to financial heights through their sheer talent, hard work, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

In this article, I’ll list the top 20 richest drummers worldwide, detailing their net worth and outlining how they amassed such wealth. 

Let’s discover these drummers who have plenty of beats and bucks!

The Top 20 Richest Drummers in the World

Here are the top 20 richest drummers in the world along with their impressive net worths.

Ringo Starr – Net Worth: $350 Million

Ringo Starr, born as Richard Starkey, earned his colossal net worth of $350 million through an extraordinary music career. He rose to fame in the early 1960s as the drummer for the legendary band The Beatles.

As a member of one of the best-selling music acts of all time, Ringo made millions. His wealth continued to grow even after The Beatles disbanded due to successful solo projects and profitable real estate deals worldwide.

Despite being over 80 years old, he still tours regularly with his All-Starr Band and contributes significantly to his impressive income stream.

Larry Mullen Jr. – Net Worth: $300 Million

Larry Mullen Jr., the drummer for U2, has a staggering net worth of $300 million. With his incredible talent and contribution to the iconic band, it’s no wonder he is one of the richest drummers in the world.

Larry’s success can be attributed to his long and successful music career, as well as royalties from album sales and lucrative endorsements. He has made wise investments over the years, solidifying his financial status.

Larry Mullen Jr.’s net worth is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.

Lars Ulrich – Net Worth: $300 Million

Lars Ulrich, the drummer for the iconic rock band Metallica, has accumulated a net worth of $300 million. Through his successful music career, Ulrich has not only earned money from album sales and royalties but also from touring and merchandise sales.

In addition to his drumming skills, he is known for his business ventures in the music industry, including co-founding the record label Elektra Records. Ulrich’s immense wealth is a testament to his talent and entrepreneurship in both the world of drumming and beyond.

Phil Collins – Net Worth: $260 Million

Phil Collins, with a net worth of $260 million, is among the richest drummers in the world. Known for his talent behind the drums and as a singer-songwriter, Collins has achieved significant success both as a solo artist and as a member of Genesis.

His massive wealth comes from successful music careers, royalties from album sales, and various business ventures. With his unmistakable voice and iconic drumming style, Phil Collins continues to be an influential figure in the music industry.

Dave Grohl – Net Worth: $280 Million

Dave Grohl, the talented drummer and frontman of the Foo Fighters, has amassed a net worth of $280 million. With a successful music career spanning decades, Grohl’s wealth comes from his contributions to iconic bands like Nirvana and his own band, Foo Fighters.

In addition to album sales and royalties, Grohl’s net worth is boosted by his ventures in producing and directing documentaries. Furthermore, he has also dabbled in acting and endorsed various brands throughout his career.

Dave Grohl’s remarkable talent behind the drums has not only earned him immense popularity but also substantial financial success.

Don Henley – Net Worth: $200 Million

Don Henley, with a net worth of $200 million, is among the top 20 richest drummers in the world. As a founding member of the iconic rock band Eagles, his success and wealth have been built through both his talent on the drums and his contributions as a singer-songwriter.

With hits like “Hotel California” and “Desperado,” Henley has not only made significant earnings from album sales but also royalties from continuous airplay on radio stations worldwide.

In addition to his music career, he has ventured into business investments and launched successful solo projects, further adding to his impressive net worth.

Charlie Watts – Net Worth: $200 Million

Charlie Watts, with a net worth of $200 million, is famous for being the drummer for the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones. Known for his steady rhythm and excellent timing, Watts is an integral part of the band’s success.

Apart from performing with The Rolling Stones since 1963, Watts has also pursued solo projects and collaborated with various artists. With decades of experience in the music industry, Charlie Watts has established himself as one of the wealthiest drummers in the world.

Roger Taylor – Net Worth: $200 Million

Roger Taylor, the legendary drummer of Queen, has accumulated a net worth of $200 million. Known for his energetic and powerful drumming style, Taylor’s contributions to Queen’s success cannot be overstated.

Apart from his work with the band, he has also pursued a successful solo career and collaborated with numerous artists over the years. With his talent and dedication to music, it’s no wonder that Roger Taylor has achieved such impressive wealth.

Nick Mason – Net Worth: $150 Million

Nick Mason, known for his role as the drummer in the legendary band Pink Floyd, has a net worth of $150 million. With over five decades of success in the music industry, Mason has not only contributed to some of Pink Floyd’s most iconic songs but also co-written and produced many of their albums.

Apart from his work with Pink Floyd, he has collaborated with various other artists and released solo projects. His extensive career and contributions have made him one of the richest drummers in the world.

Joey Kramer – Net Worth: $100 Million

Joey Kramer, the renowned drummer of Aerosmith, has a net worth of $100 million. With his exceptional drumming skills and contributions to the band’s success, Kramer has amassed substantial wealth throughout his career.

He is known for his energetic and precise drumming style, which has made him a fan favorite and helped propel Aerosmith to international fame. In addition to his work with the band, Kramer has also pursued various business ventures that have further contributed to his impressive net worth.

Alex Van Halen – Net Worth: $95 Million

Alex Van Halen has amassed a net worth of $95 million throughout his successful career as a drummer. Known for his powerful and dynamic drumming style, Alex gained fame and fortune as the co-founder of the rock band Van Halen.

Alongside his brother Eddie Van Halen, Alex contributed to hit songs like “Jump” and “Panama,” which helped propel the band to massive success. Beyond music, he has also made lucrative investments that have further boosted his wealth.

With an impressive net worth of $95 million, Alex Van Halen stands among the wealthiest drummers in the world.

Chad Smith – Net Worth: $90 Million

Chad Smith, the iconic drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has amassed a staggering net worth of $90 million. Renowned for his energetic and powerful drumming style, Smith has gained recognition as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time.

Aside from his contributions to the band’s chart-topping albums and electrifying performances, Smith has also ventured into other musical projects and collaborations with notable artists.

His immense talent and passion for music have not only solidified his status as a legendary drummer but have also contributed to his impressive financial success. 

With a net worth of $90 million, Chad Smith continues to inspire aspiring musicians worldwide while reaping the rewards of an illustrious career in music.

Stewart Copeland – Net Worth: $80 Million

Stewart Copeland, with a net worth of $80 million, is one of the wealthiest drummers in the world. Known for his work as the drummer for The Police, he has also composed numerous film scores and collaborated with various artists throughout his career.

Copeland’s success stems from his talent behind the drums and his ability to seamlessly fuse different genres into captivating music. With a rich musical legacy under his belt, Copeland continues to inspire aspiring musicians worldwide while enjoying his impressive fortune.

Tommy Lee – Net Worth: $70 Million

Tommy Lee, with a net worth of $70 million, has made his mark as both a punk drummer and a musician. 

He gained fame as the founder and drummer of the rock band Mötley Crüe. In addition to his successful music career, Tommy Lee has also pursued other ventures such as acting and reality television.

With ongoing endorsements and royalties from his music, Tommy Lee continues to build his wealth while leaving an enduring impact on the world of drumming.

Bill Ward – Net Worth: $65 Million

Bill Ward, with a net worth of $65 million, has made quite a name for himself as one of the richest drummers in the world. Having been the drummer for the iconic rock band Black Sabbath, Ward’s successful music career has undoubtedly contributed to his massive wealth.

Alongside his work with Black Sabbath, Ward has also collaborated with other notable artists and bands, solidifying his status as a respected musician in the industry. With such an impressive net worth, it’s clear that Bill Ward’s talent and dedication have paid off tremendously.

Jon Fishman – Net Worth: $65 Million

Jon Fishman, with a net worth of $65 million, is one of the richest drummers in the world. Known for his work as the drummer for the band Phish, Fishman has achieved incredible success both on stage and off.

With his skillful drumming techniques and contributions to the music industry, he has cemented his place among the top earning drummers globally. Alongside his musical career, Fishman has also made strategic investments and business ventures that have contributed to his substantial net worth.

Overall, Jon Fishman’s financial success reflects not only his talent as a drummer but also his savvy entrepreneurship.

Carter Beauford – Net Worth: $65 Million

Carter Beauford is a highly skilled drummer with a net worth of $65 million. Known for his incredible talent and versatility, Beauford has gained fame as the drummer for the Dave Matthews Band.

He is revered for his exceptional drumming technique and ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres such as rock, jazz, funk, and world music. Beauford’s success can also be attributed to his contributions as a songwriter and backing vocalist for the band.

With an impressive net worth of $65 million, Carter Beauford has solidified himself as one of the richest drummers in the world.

Rick Allen – Net Worth: $50 Million

Rick Allen, with a net worth of $50 million, has made a name for himself as the drummer for the iconic rock band Def Leppard. Despite facing adversity early in his career when he lost his left arm in a car accident, Allen persevered and developed a unique drumming technique using custom-made electronic drums.

His determination and talent have not only earned him success but also turned him into an inspiration for aspiring musicians around the world. Through his contributions to music and relentless drive, Rick Allen continues to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

Tre Cool – Net Worth: $50 Million

Tre Cool, the drummer for the iconic punk rock band Green Day, has a net worth of $50 million. Known for his energetic and dynamic drumming style, Tre Cool has been an integral part of Green Day’s success since joining the band in 1990.

With numerous hit songs and albums under their belt, Green Day’s popularity has played a significant role in contributing to Tre Cool’s impressive net worth. In addition to his work with Green Day, Tre Cool has also collaborated with other artists and bands throughout his career.

His talent and dedication have solidified him as one of the richest modern drummers in the world.

Travis Barker – Net Worth: $45 Million

Travis Barker, with a net worth of $45 million, is one of the wealthiest modern drummers in the world. Known for his energetic and fast-paced drumming style, Barker gained fame as a member of the rock band Blink-182.

In addition to his success with the band, he has also collaborated with various artists and groups throughout his career. Beyond music, Barker has ventured into other business opportunities including being a part-owner of Famous Stars and Straps clothing line.

With his diverse ventures and lucrative career in music, Travis Barker has amassed an impressive fortune that continues to grow.

The Factors Contributing to Their Massive Net Worth

These drummers have amassed massive net worths due to their successful music careers, royalties and album sales, endorsements and sponsorships, as well as their business ventures and investments.

Successful music careers

These drummers have achieved incredible success and wealth through their successful music careers. They have dedicated their lives to mastering the drums and have been a driving force behind some of the most iconic songs in history.

With their exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication, they have earned their spot among the richest drummers in the world. Their music has resonated with millions of fans worldwide, making them household names and ensuring that they continue to enjoy lucrative careers in the music industry.

Royalties and album sales

These drummers have achieved massive net worths not only through successful music careers but also through significant royalties and album sales. Their talent, hard work, and popularity have allowed them to earn substantial income from their recorded music.

With millions of albums sold worldwide, these drummers continue to receive royalties every time their music is played or purchased. Their contributions to iconic bands and solo projects have made them household names in the music industry, ensuring a steady stream of income from album sales for years to come.

Endorsements and sponsorships

Drummers on this list have not only achieved massive success through their music careers but have also capitalized on their fame by securing lucrative endorsements and sponsorships.

These partnerships with brands in the music industry and beyond have significantly contributed to their already impressive net worths. By lending their names and images to products, these drummers are able to generate substantial additional income streams.

From drum manufacturers to clothing lines, these endorsements and sponsorships showcase the widespread influence and appeal of these talented musicians. Their ability to leverage their status as successful drummers into profitable business opportunities has solidified their positions among the richest in the world.

Business ventures and investments

Some of these drummers have further boosted their net worth through successful business ventures and investments. They have used their fame and fortune to explore different entrepreneurial opportunities, whether it’s launching their own clothing lines, starting record labels, or investing in real estate.

By diversifying their income streams beyond music, these drummers have been able to secure additional sources of wealth and ensure long-term financial success.

The Legacy and Influence of These Drummers

These drummers have been pivotal in inspiring aspiring musicians and revolutionizing drumming techniques. Discover their incredible legacy and influence here.

Impact on the music industry

These drummers have made a significant impact on the music industry. Their talent, creativity, and innovation have shaped the sound of countless songs and influenced generations of musicians.

From Ringo Starr’s iconic beats with The Beatles to Lars Ulrich’s thunderous rhythms in Metallica, these drummers have pushed boundaries, experimented with new sounds, and set new standards for what can be achieved behind a drum kit.

By captivating audiences all over the world with their performances and contributing to some of the most memorable songs ever recorded, these drummers have helped shape the course of music itself.

Inspiration to aspiring musicians

These drummers serve as a tremendous source of inspiration to aspiring musicians worldwide. Their immense success and wealth are the result of their dedication, talent, and hard work.

By achieving such extraordinary heights in their careers, they prove that dreams can become a reality with passion and perseverance. These drummers showcase the possibilities that await those who strive for excellence in their craft, encouraging aspiring musicians to hone their skills and chase after their own ambitions.

With determination and an unwavering commitment to their art, these drummers have set a remarkable example for future generations of musicians to follow.

Influence on popular culture

These drummers have had a significant impact on popular culture. Through their contributions to the music industry, they have influenced and inspired countless fans around the world.

Their unique styles and talents have shaped the landscape of rock and roll, with many aspiring musicians looking up to them as icons. These influential drummers have not only made their legacy in music but also left an indelible imprint on popular culture as a whole.

Their influence extends beyond just their musical abilities; it encompasses their fashion choices, attitudes, and even lifestyle trends that they set. Many of these drummers have become cultural icons themselves, with their names recognized far beyond the realm of music.

Conclusion: The Drummers Who Have Achieved Incredible Success and Wealth

These drummers have achieved incredible success and amassed vast wealth throughout their careers. 

Their talent, dedication, and contribution to the music industry have made them not only some of the richest musicians in history but also influential figures who inspire aspiring musicians worldwide.

They have left an indelible mark on popular culture and continue to be celebrated for their remarkable achievements.