Paul McCartney Enters Billionaire Elite, Now World’s Third‑Richest Musician

Published on 10 November 2026 – 9:06 GMT+1

Paul McCartney has joined a very elite club by becoming a billionaire.

According to Forbes, which cites his catalogue, legal manoeuvers, tours and art collection as the bulk of his fortune, the 84‑year‑old ex‑Beatle has a net worth of approximately $1.4 billion.

With this ranking, he becomes the world’s third‑richest musician, behind Jay‑Z ($2.8 billion) and Taylor Swift ($2 billion).

According to Forbes, a sizeable chunk of McCartney’s wealth originates from MPL Communications, his publishing company launched in 1969, which manages his own catalogue as well as other artists’ copyrights.

The publication notes that McCartney’s acquisition of catalogues from artists such as Buddy Holly, along with Broadway musical scores and Christmas standards like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Blue Christmas,” contributes significantly to his net worth.

As one‑fourth of the Beatles, McCartney receives 25 % of earnings from the Beatles’ Apple Corps holding company. The entity generates roughly $50 million annually from streaming, vinyl sales and merchandise. Forbes estimates that the income stream is worth more than $150 million for each member or their estate.

McCartney remains active as a musician, most recently releasing his 20th solo album, *The Boys of Dungeon Lane*, this year.

In Euronews Culture’s review of *The Boys Of Dungeon Lane***, we wrote: “It may not be a late‑period masterpiece, but McCartney achieves what he sets out to do: unabashedly embrace the past, take a trip down its long and winding road, and delight in remembrance. All without toppling into maudlin territory.”

McCartney earned his first ever Mercury Prize nomination this year for the album. Additionally, a huge immersive Beatles fan experience is set to open in Liverpool in 2028, aiming to rival attractions such as Graceland and Dollywood.

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