Metallica are a money making machine! In the last few months, we've learned how much both James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich are currently worth, but you know the old saying… it takes money to make money. While the band didn't do much extensive touring in the United States, they did do the European summer festival circuit and, of course, hosted their own festival. Turns out they made some big cash with their limited appearances.
Pollstar released their annual list of Top 50 worldwide tours (PDF here) 8th with $86 million in revenue over 30 shows (an average take of over four million dollars a show). beating out artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jennifer Lopez and (thank god) Nickleback as well.
In case you're wondering, the top earner of the year was Madonna at $296 million (with an average ticket price of $140) followed by Bruce Springsteen & The East Street Band and Roger Waters.
The only other "metal" band on the list is Scorpions at #38 with 32.7 million dollars in touring revenue last year.
To be fair, the band does give back. Nearly every band on the Orion festival this summer had great things to say about how they were treated (and to be honest, the press area was the most accommodating I've ever been to). The band are known for being the most gracious of hosts to openers on their tours. Also, a story recently popped up about them creating a scholarship in the name of a fan who was killed while hitchhiking home from one of their concerts. They also donated money to the reward for any information leading to the killer's arrest. They are all class!
Yesterday, we wrote about how Lars revealed Metallica is currently working on new material and planning to release a 3D movie this summer, surely enough to make them even more money.
