It’s been quite a year for artists like Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora and Calvin Harris — three musicians which have all seen huge chart success. In turn, they’ve made the prestigious Sunday Times Rich List with some of the biggest financial rises of the past year.
Calvin Harris is the only new entry in the overall top 20, with an estimated £140m (up £20m). Other notables include artists under 30, Ed Sheeran at £80m (up £28m) and new entry Rita Ora with £16m. And, of course, those topping the overall and more youthful lists, from Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell to Adele.
Sunday Times Rich List curator Robert Watts points out a new wave of wealthy musicians: 
“For years our music millionaires list has been dominated by older acts, such as the Rolling Stones and Sir Elton John, who have an older audiences able to pay a premium to see their favourite acts. But some of the biggest risers over the past year have been amongst younger acts such as Ed Sheeran, Adele and Calvin Harris. Streaming services, the internet and income from endorsements are helping today’s young musicians build an international following — and with it their fortunes — far quicker than the older rockers.”
In this day and age, artists can truly become overnight celebrities. Or better yet, overnight millionaires.
Richest Musicians in UK and Ireland
1. Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell – £820m – up £40m
2. Lord Lloyd-Webber – £740m – no change
3. U2 – £569m – up £21m
4. Sir Elton John – £300m – up £10m
5. Sir Mick Jagger – £260m – up £10m
6. Keith Richards – £245m – up £10m
7. Olivia and Dhani Harrison – £230m – up £20m
8. Sir Ringo Starr – £220m – up £20m
9. Michael Flatley – £202m – up £2m
10. Sting – £190m – up £5m
Richest Musicians Under 30 in UK and Ireland
1. Adele – £140m – up £15m
2. Ed Sheeran – £80m – up £28m
3. Harry Styles – £50m – up £10m
4. Niall Horan – £46m – up £6m
5=. Liam Payne – £42m – up £2m
5=. Louis Tomlinson – £42m – up £2m
7. Little Mix – £40m – up 16m
8. Zayn Malik – £35m – no change
9. Sam Smith – £24m – up £4m
10. Jessie J – £18m – up £1m
11=. Winston Marshall – £16m – up £1m
11=. Rita Ora – £16m – new Entry
