You might know their beats, but you probably had no idea just how much money these drummers have stacked behind the scenes.
Lars Ulrich – $300 million
As the drummer for Metallica—widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time—Lars Ulrich has earned numerous accolades and bragging rights.
His achievements include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, nine Grammy Awards, and an impressive net worth exceeding $300 million.
Don Henley – $200 million
In addition to drumming for The Eagles, Don Henley also serves as the band’s lead vocalist.
His success extends beyond the group, with four acclaimed solo albums to his name.
As a result, Henley ranks among the wealthiest musicians in the world, boasting a net worth of over $200 million.
Travis Barker – $45 million
Drummers are often the least visible members of a band, but Travis Barker is arguably the most recognizable name in Blink-182.
Beyond his successful music career, he has ventured into reality TV and launched his own clothing line, amassing an estimated net worth of around $45 million.
Tre Cool – $50 million
While Tré Cool—born Frank Edwin Wright III—rose to fame as Green Day’s drummer, he wasn’t part of the band’s original lineup.
The role initially belonged to John Kiffmeyer, who left to focus on his studies.
Wright stepped in, a move that ultimately paved the way for his success and a net worth of $50 million.
John Fishman – $65 million
Jon Fishman co-founded Phish alongside Mike Gordon while they were students at the University of Vermont.
Though not as mainstream as some other bands on this list, Phish has released 16 successful studio albums.
Thanks to the band’s enduring popularity, Fishman has amassed a net worth of approximately $65 million.
Carter Beauford – $65 million
Though Carter Beauford has collaborated with various artists and groups throughout his career, he is best known as the drummer for the Dave Matthews Band.
With multiple hit albums—six of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200—Beauford has built an impressive career, amassing a net worth of at least $65 million.
Tommy Lee – $70 million
Tommy Lee is arguably the most famous member of Mötley Crüe, thanks in part to his high-profile, turbulent marriage to Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
Beyond drumming for one of the most successful rock bands of all time, he also dabbled in reality TV, further adding to his impressive net worth of $70 million.
Stewart Copeland – $80 million
Though not as famous as his bandmate Sting, Stewart Copeland has built an impressive fortune throughout his music career.
In addition to drumming for The Police, he has released solo projects and composed scores for multiple films, bringing his estimated net worth to $80 million.
Rick Allen – $50 million
Rick Allen left school at just 16 to tour with Def Leppard, embarking on a career that would span decades.
As one of the best-selling bands of all time, Def Leppard’s success has brought wealth to its members, including Allen, whose net worth is estimated at at least $50 million.
Charlie Watts – $200 million
Though less eccentric than his bandmates, Charlie Watts was just as successful.
Before his passing in 2021, he spent over five decades as the Rolling Stones’ drummer, amassing a net worth of more than $200 million.
Keith Richards has repeatedly credited Watts as a key factor in the band’s enduring success.
Chad Smith – $90 million
In 1988, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons left to pursue a solo career, leading to Chad Smith joining the band after a successful audition.
The following year, Mother’s Milk propelled them to global fame.
More than two decades later, the band remains a powerhouse, and Smith has built a net worth of around $90 million.
Phil Collins – $260 million
While Phil Collins is best known for his singing career, he began as a drummer for Genesis and Brand X.
After years with these bands, he launched a solo career that brought him massive success, ultimately amassing a net worth of $260 million.
Joey Kramer – $100 million
As a founding member of Aerosmith, Joey Kramer has built a long and successful career.
In addition to drumming, he played a key role in writing many of the band’s best-selling songs, earning substantial rewards for his contributions.
Kramer also founded Rockin’ & Roastin’ Coffee, and his business ventures have helped him achieve a net worth of $100 million.
Larry Mullen Jr – $300 million
Though not as instantly recognizable as Bono or The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr. has been with U2 since its inception.
As a founding member of one of the world’s most successful bands, he has reaped significant financial rewards, amassing a net worth of approximately $300 million.
Mick Fleetwood – $30 million
Despite their well-documented personal conflicts, the members of Fleetwood Mac managed to put their differences aside for a hugely successful career of albums and tours.
All of them are multimillionaires, including drummer Mick Fleetwood, though his net worth dropped to $30 million in 2023 following a costly divorce.
Ginger Baker – $2 million
Widely considered one of the most influential drummers of all time, Ginger Baker first gained fame with Cream before forming the supergroup Ginger Baker’s Air Force.
Though he passed away in 2019 with a net worth of $2 million, his fortune was once significantly larger, but his wild and self-destructive lifestyle depleted much of his wealth.
Questlove – $16 million
Best known as the drummer for The Roots, Questlove has also collaborated with numerous artists and is regarded as one of hip-hop’s most influential musicians.
In recent years, his role as the drummer on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has further elevated his career and helped grow his net worth to $16 million.
Nick Mason – $150 million
Nick Mason is the only Pink Floyd member to appear on every album and contributed to many of the band’s songs.
Beyond drumming for one of the most iconic rock bands in history, his investments have also played a role in amassing his estimated $150 million net worth.
Taylor Hawkins – $40 million
In 2022, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins was found dead in a hotel room in Bogotá, Colombia, with an autopsy later confirming substance-induced cardiac arrest as the cause.
Before his tragic passing, Hawkins was among the highest-paid drummers in the world, amassing a net worth of $40 million.
Alex Van Halen – $95 million
As his name suggests, Alex Van Halen is a founding member of Van Halen.
Though not as renowned as his brother Eddie, he has still reaped substantial rewards from the band’s success.
In 2008, Van Halen was the highest-paid live act in the world, and Alex’s net worth now stands at $95 million.
Steven Adler – $10 million
A founding member of Guns N’ Roses, Steven Adler had a successful run as the band’s drummer before being dismissed in the ’90s due to substance abuse issues.
While he never reached the same level of success afterward, he continues to perform with various bands, maintaining a net worth of around $10 million.
Neil Peart – $22 million
Before his passing in 2020, Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart had a net worth of approximately $22 million.
Known as “The Professor” for his intricate and technical drumming style, Peart drew inspiration from legends like Ginger Baker and John Bonham.
He tragically succumbed to an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Roger Taylor – $200 million
Best known as Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor has also collaborated with artists like Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, and Foo Fighters.
A skilled multi-instrumentalist, his contributions span numerous albums, helping him amass a net worth of around $200 million.
Bill Ward – $65 million
After gaining modest recognition as the drummer for Mythology in the early ’60s, Bill Ward left to join the newly formed Black Sabbath—a decision that proved highly rewarding.
As a founding member of one of the most influential metal bands ever, Ward built a successful career and also hosts the Rock 50 radio show.
His net worth is currently estimated at $65 million.
Dave Grohl – $280 million
Like Phil Collins, Dave Grohl is better known today as a frontman than a drummer.
However, before leading Foo Fighters, he was the powerhouse drummer behind Nirvana.
With his contributions to some of the most iconic albums in music history, Grohl has built an impressive fortune, with his net worth estimated at around $280 million.
Bill Kreutzmann – $25 million
Widely celebrated for their eclectic, psychedelic approach to rock ‘n’ roll, the Grateful Dead had the unique distinction of featuring two drummers: Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart.
Kreutzmann, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, built a net worth of around $25 million through his years of performing and recording with the band.
Max Weinberg – $30 million
Max Weinberg, best known as the drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, also served as the bandleader on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
The father of Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg, he has an estimated net worth of around $30 million.
Phil Rudd – $50 million
Phil Rudd has been drumming for AC/DC since the 1970s, building a net worth of $50 million.
Legal troubles in New Zealand led to his temporary replacement in 2015, but in 2020, the band confirmed his return to the lineup.
Tico Torres – $40 million
In 2018, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Besides his music career, he is also a successful painter, with his artworks selling for significant sums.
As of 2023, his net worth is estimated at $40 million.
Danny Carey – $40 million
In Rolling Stone‘s list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time, Danny Carey ranked 26th.
Best known as Tool’s drummer, he has also collaborated with artists like Skinny Puppy, Pigface, and Adrian Belew.
His net worth is estimated at $40 million.
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