Sir Paul McCartney has joined the billionaire club. Forbes reported on Monday that the 84-year-old British musician is worth $1.4 billion, according to The New Times and Capital FM. That makes him the world's third-richest musician. Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z leads the list at $2.8 billion, with Taylor Swift second at $2 billion.
The Sunday Times Rich List named McCartney the UK's first billionaire musician in 2024, Capital FM noted. That figure included the wealth of his wife, Nancy Shevell. The Forbes valuation counts his fortune alone. Capital FM also pointed out that Jay-Z and Rihanna built their fortunes largely on spirits, fashion and beauty brands. McCartney made his money from owning songs and from touring.
The business side began with frustration. Early Beatles record deals paid the band a fraction of what they generated, both outlets reported. In 1969, McCartney founded his own publishing company, MPL Communications. It now owns the rights to thousands of songs. They include music from Grease, "Blue Suede Shoes" and Christmas favourites such as "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Blue Christmas".
Beatles money still flows in. According to Forbes, Apple Corps, the band's company, earns more than $50 million a year. The money comes from streaming, vinyl sales and merchandise. McCartney, Ringo Starr and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison each take 25%. Forbes estimates each share is worth more than $150 million. McCartney fought for years to regain his US publishing rights. He now earns at least $10 million a year from his share of Beatles songs. Forbes values those rights at no less than $200 million.
His chart record backs the numbers. The Beatles hold the record for the most No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with 20, The New Times reported. McCartney added nine more through his solo work and Wings, the band he formed in 1971. He also has eight No. 1 albums of his own or with Wings, on top of the Beatles' 19.
Touring has also paid off. Capital FM reported that McCartney has grossed hundreds of millions on the road. Most recently, he played 79 dates on his Got Back world tour between 2022 and 2025. He also owns property in the UK and the Hamptons. His art collection includes works by Pablo Picasso and René Magritte. Reflecting once on art and commerce, McCartney said: "I think the two can coexist. I'm happy to enjoy both."