Breaking down Metallica's net worth from album sales and tours to business ventures
The combined Metallica's net worth is around $1 billion. The American heavy metal band was formed in 1981 and has become one of the most commercially successful bands ever, with over 150 million albums sold worldwide. Each band member has also accumulated significant wealth over the years.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Metallica is among the world's highest-grossing bands, thanks to consistent album sales, massive tours, and decades of loyal fandom.
- It is an American heavy metal band that was formed in 1981 by two individuals, guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich.
- The band has sold over 150 million albums through royalties and performance rights.
- Their All Within My Hands Foundation donated funds for World Central Kitchen's Ukraine war relief and granted $200,000 for relief efforts after the destructive 2023 Hawaii wildfires.
- Lars Ulrich is the wealthiest member of the band with an estimated net worth of $350 million. He is followed by James Hetfield, whose net worth is $300 million, and Kirk Hammett, whose net worth is $200 million.
What is Metallica's net worth?
Metallica's net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion. The band has been around for decades, performing tours and releasing numerous albums. They have over 150 million records sold worldwide, making them one of the highest-earning bands in history.
Source: Getty Images
Album sales and streaming royalties
Metallica has sold over 150 million albums worldwide since they started. The Black Album, one of their most famous albums, has sold over 30 million copies. Songs like Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, and Enter Sandman continue to generate revenue from music streaming services such as Spotify.
Tour revenue
The band also earns through its many tours. The WorldWired Tour, which took place in 2016, was one of their highest-grossing tours, generating $433.8 million. During this tour, they released their tenth studio album, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct.
The tour ran for four good years, and Metallica managed to play in 143 shows spanning four continents. Over four million metalheads were treated to performances of songs from the band.
Merchandise sale
The band also sells merchandise to generate revenue. They sell hoodies, hats, T-shirts, and posters. They have also collaborated with partners like Vans and Nixon, and their signature is named Blackened American Whiskey.
Individual net worths of Metallica members
Metallica is one of the most successful bands. Over the years, the band has built an empire, and each member has made a fortune from their share of album sales, live performances, and personal ventures. Here is a look at each Metallica member's current net worth.
1. Lars Ulrich - $350 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lars Ulrich
- Date of birth: 26 December 1963
- Place of birth: Gentofte Municipality, Denmark
Lars Ulrich is a Danish musician. He is the founding member of the Metallica band, serving as the drummer. Lars writes most of the songs together with his colleague James Hetfield. According to HotNewHipHop and Celebrity Net Worth, Lars Ulrich's net worth is alleged to be $350 million. He is the wealthiest member of the band.
He has generated most of his income from the band, real estate investments, and other business ventures. In 2020, he sold one of his mansions in San Francisco for $10.3 million. He also earns millions from art as a collector. In 2002 and 2008, he sold two Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings from his collection at auction for $5.5 million and $13.5 million, respectively.
2. James Hetfield - $300 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: James Alan Hetfield
- Date of birth: 3 August 1963
- Place of birth: Downey, California, United States
James Hetfield is also a founding member of the band. He is a rhythm guitar player and songwriter. He has profited from the band's efforts for the previous four decades. According to Celebrity Net Worth, James Hetfield's net worth is $300 million. He has a classic automobile collection and multiple houses in the United States.
3. Kirk Hammett - $200 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Kirk Lee Hammett
- Date of birth: 18 November 1962
- Place of birth: San Francisco, California, United States
Kirk has been the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Metallica since 1983. Kirk Hammett's net worth stands at about $200 million. Hammett co-wrote several of its best songs, including Enter Sandman, Master Of Puppets, The Unforgiven, and Fade To Black.
In addition to earning money for music, Kirk Hammett collects rare horror memorabilia and has published a book about his collection. Kirk is considered one of the best guitarists in music history.
4. Robert Trujillo - $40 million to $65 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz
- Date of birth: 23 October 1964
- Place of birth: Santa Monica, California, United States
Roberto has been the bassist for the band. He joined Metallica in 2003 and received a $1 million advance. Before joining Metallica, he was a member of several rock bands, including Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, and Ozzy Osbourne's. According to HotNewHipHop and Celebrity Net Worth, Robert Trujillo's net worth is estimated to range between $40 million and $65 million.
Trujillo also participates in side music projects and has worked as a composer and producer. He has had minor roles in television and film, including a non-speaking role in the 1978 Walter Matthau film House Calls and a minor role in Scout's Honour.
FAQs
- What is Metallica's total net worth? Metallica's total net worth is estimated to be nearly $1 billion.
- Who is the richest member of Metallica? Lars Ulrich is the richest, with an estimated net worth of $350 million.
- How does Metallica make money besides music? Besides music, Metallica makes money from merchandise, licensing deals, business ventures like whiskey, and its record label.
- Who are the founding members of Metallica? The founding members of Metallica are James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.
- How many Metallica members are left? The Metallica members who are left include James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Robert Trujillo.
- Who are the former members of Metallica? Former members of Metallica are Dave Mustaine, Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, and Jason Newsted.
- How many Grammys has Metallica won? Metallica has won nine Grammy awards. The band won their first Grammy in 1990 for their song One.
- Who is the Metallica member who died? The Metallica member who died was Cliff Burton. He played bass for the band from 1982 until he died in 1986 at 24.
- What is Jason Newsted's net worth? According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jason Newsted's net worth is about $60 million. Newsted replaced Burton in 1986 and remained with the band until 2001.
Wrapping up
Metallica's net worth of around $1 billion results from decades of hard work, global tours, consistent music sales, and merchandise. The band's active members are James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Robert Trujillo.
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Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
