Paul McCartney Becomes UK’s First Billionaire Musician at 81
Paul McCartney has made history as the first musician in the United Kingdom to reach billionaire status, according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2024, published on Friday.
The 81-year-old Beatles legend, alongside his wife Nancy, has seen their combined net worth soar to £1 billion ($1.3 billion), up from £950 million ($1.2 billion) the previous year. The Sunday Times attributes this financial milestone to McCartney’s enduring popularity and cross-generational fan base.
A significant contributor to McCartney’s increased wealth was Beyoncé’s recent album “Cowboy Carter,” which features her reimagined version of the Beatles’ 1968 classic “Blackbird,” originally penned by McCartney. This album made Beyoncé the first Black woman to top the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, an achievement McCartney publicly praised.
In addition to Beyoncé’s homage, McCartney has been actively releasing music. Last November, the Beatles unveiled “Now and Then,” a track marketed as the band’s final song. This release, which integrates John Lennon’s 1977 demo vocals, George Harrison’s guitar, and newly recorded parts from McCartney and Ringo Starr, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the Beatles’ 35th Top 10 hit.
The McCartneys’ wealth has been on a steady incline over the past six years, rising from approximately £750 million in 2018. Notably, in 2022, McCartney headlined the Glastonbury Festival, the UK’s largest music festival, for the first time since 2004.
Looking ahead, McCartney is set to release the live studio album “One Hand Clapping” this June. Originally recorded by his band Wings in 1974, this release is expected to further enhance his net worth. Despite famously singing that he doesn’t care too much for money, McCartney’s financial success continues to grow, solidifying his legacy in both music and wealth.
