Adele tops music rich list

The Take It All singer topped the Sunday Times Rich List in the under-30s category, after scoring £125m two years after her latest album’s release.

“What a year for Adele,” said Robert Watts of the Times.

“Such strong record sales and a busy touring schedule propel her into our main list for the first time,” he added.

“Still in her 20s, if Adele’s career lasts as long as many of the other entries in our list, she has the potential to be the highest-earning British musician of all time.”

According to the paper, the 28-year-old singer is also the richest female solo musician in the country and the 19th richest in the overall Music Millionaires list, topped by Sir Paul McCartney and his wife Nancy Shevell.

The couple has a combined net worth of £780m, with Sir Paul scoring as much as £8m for a solo performance.

Former Beatles band mate Ringo Starr and the family of the late George Harrison are also on the list.

The highest increase this year comes from Irish rock band U2, who saw their wealth grow by £48m to £548m.

But many older bands like The Rolling Stones also saw a “striking” rise in earnings.

“Many of these groups continue to play lucrative gigs well into their 70s,” Mr Watts said.

“It seems rock music – be it performing or watching – is no longer just for the young.”

Sunday Times Music Millionaires List:

1. Sir Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell, £780m

2. Lord Lloyd-Webber, £740m

3. U2, £548m

4. Sir Elton John, £290m

5. Sir Mick Jagger, £250m

6. Keith Richards, £235m

7. Olivia and Dhani Harrison, £210m

8. Michael Flatley, £200m

9. Ringo Starr, £200m

10. Sting, £185m

11. Eric Clapton, £170m

12. Sir Rod Stewart, £170m

13. Roger Waters, £165m

14. Sir Tom Jones, £160m

15. Sir Tim Rice, £152m

16. Robbie Williams, £150m

17. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, £140m

18. Charlie Watts, £130m

19. Adele, £125m

20. Brian May, £125m