Glastonbury's Richest Stars: Top Performers Ranked

The Gilded Stage: A Look at Glastonbury's Wealthiest Ever Performers.

Glastonbury Festival is known for many things: its incredible music, its muddy fields, and its big heart, with lots of money going to charity. While artists don't get paid a fortune to play Worthy Farm – it's more about the prestige – many of the musicians who grace its stages are global icons with jaw-dropping personal fortunes.

It's worth remembering that Glastonbury keeps artist fees under wraps, and a huge chunk of the festival's profits support good causes. Founder Michael Eavis has even shared that headliners like Paul McCartney and Coldplay typically earn around £200,000 for their sets, which is peanuts compared to what they could get elsewhere. But this article isn't about what they earn at Glastonbury; it's about the staggering wealth some of these artists have built throughout their careers.

Here's a look at some of the richest people who've ever played at Glastonbury:

The Billionaires Club

1. Jay-Z (Estimated Net Worth: $2.5 Billion) Talk about a glow-up! Jay-Z isn't just a music legend; he's a business empire. From Roc Nation to Armand de Brignac champagne and D'USSÉ cognac, his ventures are as diverse as his rhymes. His headline set in 2008 was a game-changer, proving hip-hop belonged on the Pyramid Stage.

2. Paul McCartney (Estimated Net Worth: £1 Billion) A true living legend, Sir Paul's immense wealth comes from his unparalleled time with The Beatles, his hugely successful solo career, and his vast songwriting catalog. He's a Glastonbury regular, having headlined in 2004 and again in 2022.

3. Rihanna (Estimated Net Worth: $1 Billion) While her music made her famous, Rihanna's billionaire status largely comes from her incredibly successful Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands. She might not have headlined, but her 2017 performance with Kendrick Lamar on the Pyramid Stage certainly showed her global superstar power.

Multi-Millionaire Icons

4. Beyoncé (Estimated Net Worth: $780 Million) Queen Bey's title as one of the highest-earning musicians is well-deserved. Her massive tours, chart-topping albums, and numerous endorsements have made her a force. Her unforgettable 2011 headline performance at Glastonbury is etched into the festival's history.

5. Dr. Dre (Estimated Net Worth: $800 Million) A hip-hop pioneer, Dr. Dre's wealth stems from his revolutionary music, co-founding Death Row Records, and, most notably, the sale of Beats Electronics to Apple. While he hasn't had a solo headline slot, his influence is undeniable, and many of his collaborators and protégés have graced the festival's stages.

6. Celine Dion (Estimated Net Worth: $570 Million) The Canadian vocal powerhouse has built a significant fortune through her incredibly successful music career, including record sales, extensive touring, and long-running Las Vegas residencies.

7. Barbra Streisand (Estimated Net Worth: $510 Million) A genuine entertainment icon, Barbra Streisand's wealth comes from her legendary career in music, film, and theatre. Her appearance in the coveted Legends slot at Glastonbury in 2019 was a highly anticipated moment.

8. Dolly Parton (Estimated Net Worth: $450 Million) Country music legend Dolly Parton's enduring career, her vast songwriting catalog (she wrote "I Will Always Love You," after all!), and her theme park Dollywood have made her one of music's wealthiest women. Her 2014 Glastonbury performance in the Legends slot drew one of the biggest crowds the festival has ever seen.

9. Elton John (Estimated Net Worth: £470 Million) Sir Elton John's unparalleled career, spanning decades of hit songs, sold-out tours, and a prolific songwriting partnership, has cemented his place as one of music's wealthiest figures. His triumphant headline set in 2023 was one of the most-watched performances in Glastonbury history.

So, while Glastonbury might not be a huge payday for these artists, the sheer prestige and global spotlight the festival offers clearly make it a must-play for some of the world's most successful and wealthy musicians. Their presence truly adds an extra layer of magic and history to an already legendary event.

Glastonbury 2025: Everything We Know So Far

People Also Ask

What’s so special about Glastonbury?
Glastonbury Festival is more than just a music event—it's a cultural phenomenon. With its mix of world-famous headliners, underground acts, immersive art, activism, and free-spirited atmosphere, it captures the heart of British festival culture. From the iconic Pyramid Stage to healing fields and late-night raves, Glasto is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels like its own universe.

What date is the next Glastonbury?
The next Glastonbury Festival is scheduled for June 25–29, 2025, at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. Tickets usually sell out within minutes, so if you’re hoping to go, make sure you’re prepared for the ticket release dates later this year.

Who is buried at Glastonbury?
Legend has it that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried at Glastonbury Abbey. While historians debate the truth of the tale, the myth is part of what gives Glastonbury its mystical charm. The town has long been associated with spirituality, folklore, and the mythical Isle of Avalon.

Can I bring alcohol to Glastonbury?
Yes, you’re allowed to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol for personal consumption to Glastonbury Festival. However, glass bottles are strictly banned, so make sure your drinks are in cans or plastic containers. Remember: once you’re inside the festival, re-entry is not permitted—so pack wisely!

Is Glastonbury on in 2026?
The next Glastonbury Festival will not take place in 2026 due to a scheduled fallow year — a break taken roughly every five years to allow Worthy Farm to recover timeout.com+5thesun.co.uk+5apnews.com+5. Following this gap, the festival is expected to return in 2027, though the exact dates haven’t been announced yet.