Top 10 Highest Earning Musicians

Forbes has recently released the list of the top earning musicians of 2010. The top spot belonged to Irish rock band U2, which earned $131 million. AC/DC came in at number 2 with $114 million. Beyonce was the highest paid female singer at number 3, earning $87 million. Bruce Springsteen made it to number 4 with $70 million. Britney Spears raked in $64 million which landed her in the 5th spot. Jay-Z was at number 6 with $63 million. Lady Gaga was close at number 7 with $62 million. Madonna earned $58 million for the number 8 spot. Kenny Chesney raked in $50 million at number 9. The number 10 spot saw a three-way tie with the Black Eyed Peas, Toby Keith and Coldplay earning $48 million each.

U2 Rakes In Loads of Money

If the money they rake in is anything to go by, I guess that U2 still has it. The band’s latest tour 360 Degrees is still at the top of the Billboard’s 2010 Money Makers list, pulling in $108 million in 2009. Bruce Springsteen is a far away second with $57 million while Madonna takes third place at $47 million. The list is reportedly compiled by money earned through tours, CD and digital sales, and publishing royalties. That’s definitely not bad for any of them. Congratulations for the success. While most people can only dream about that kind of money, they’re merely rolling around it.

Bruce Springsteen Fans Get Refund

Justice has been served for Bruce Springsteen fans as Live Nation Entertainment Inc.’s Ticketmaster unit has reached a settlement with federal regulators and will be refunding money to the rock singer’s fans who were misled to buy more expensive tickets to his concerts. The shady transactions were brought to light last year when people who tried to buy tickets for Bruce’s shows were told that there were no tickets found and then got re-directed to Ticketmaster’s TicketsNow.com, a resale site, which were selling them for two to four times the value. There were still tickets available and Ticketmaster just set up the bogus message. The Federal Trade started an investigation which found the company guilty of using bait and switch tactics.

Pearl Jam Singer Engaged

Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder is heading down the aisle as the musician has finally gotten engaged to Jill McCormick last week. What the heck took him so long? The couple attended the Kennedy Center Honors gala, where Eddie performed in tribute to honoree Bruce Springsteen. While in Washington DC, Eddie popped the question and Jill said yes. The couple already has two children together, 5-year old Olivia and 15-month old Harper Moon. Congratulations to the happy couple! I wish them all the best with all the wedding plans and a happy marriage. Let’s hope they don’t turn out to be one of those couples that work when not married and fall apart when married.

Bruce Springsteen Cancels Show

Bruce Springsteen cancelled a concert in Kansas City earlier this week after his cousin, Lenny Sullivan was found dead in his hotel room. The singer announced the death on his official website, saying that there was a death in the family. The statement was later updated to say “Lenny Sullivan, Bruce’s cousin and the assistant road manager of the E Street Band for the last ten years, passed away today at the age of 36. A warm and sensitive person, he was beloved by Bruce, the Band, the crew, and the entire Thrill Hill family.” Lenny worked for Bruce and his band for 10 years as an assistant tour manager. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently still under investigation.

Kennedy Center Gala Honorees

Bruce Springsteen, Robert DeNiro and Mel Brooks have been chosen to be honored at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors Gala as “extraordinary individuals whose unique and abundant artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world.” The Boss is being honored for his “gritty and honest songs that speak to the everyman”, Robert for his “legendary commitment to his characters” and Mel “for the hilarity of his movies and musicals”. The celebration of their careers will take place in Washington DC at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with President Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle Obama in attendance.

Springsteen, Bono, Beyonce to perform in Obama pre-inaugural

Big stars like Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Beyonce are set to perform during US President-elect Barack Obama’s pre-inauguration concert on January 18 at Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The list of celebrities who wanted to perform for Obama’s pre-inaugural and actual inauguration ceremony is endless but only a few were chosen due to the sensitivity of the event and the very tight security procedures.

The show is aptly titled “We Are The One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration” considering the united front shown by the various big stars who will grace the show. To join Springsteen, Bono and Beyonce on stage are Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Shakira, Josh Groban and Usher. You can also watch the show in any cable station beginning 7 PM. Event producer George Stevens said it took only 45 minutes to get three yeses from Garth Brooks, Bono and Springsteen when they were asked to perform in the show. This is however not a showbiz event but a historical moment for the Americans.