To form the list, forbes considered pretax income from June 1, 2016 through June 1, 2017, and did not take out fees charged by agents, managers and lawyers. They gathered data from Nielsen SoundScan, Pollstar, the RIAA and interviews with industry insiders.
The list is split into 5 page
10. Metallica ($66.5 million)
A pioneer of thrash metal active since the early 1980s, Metallica recently released its tenth studio album, Hardwired… To Self-Destruct, to commercial and critical success. But the bulk of profits this year came from the band’s WorldWired global tour, which is set to continue through the spring of 2018.
9. Adele ($69 million)
The singer broke her Album of the Year Grammy in half to share with Beyoncé – accidentally, perhaps – but these earnings are all hers. Despite turning down millions in endorsement deals over the years, the belting Brit still cashes in with consistent touring.
