Hamptons Musicians are Among FORBES Highest Paid

Various Hamptons celebs were among the FORBES top 25 “World’s Highest-Paid Musicians of 2012.”

The list, released Wednesday on FORBES.com, put hip-hop producer and rapper Dr. Dre at the top with earnings of $110 million, thanks in large part to his popular line of “Beats” headphones. Longtime Sag Harbor resident and Pink Floyd founding member Roger Waters took the number two spot for bringing in $88 million—almost all of it from his The Wall Live tour—during the designated 12-month period (May 2011-May 2012).

Hamptons rocker Jon Bon Jovi’s band Bon Jovi was the sixth highest earner with $60 million, much of it gained from the group’s world tour last summer. Amagansett rock legend Paul McCartney landed in the top 10 and tied with country/pop crossover star Taylor Swift at number eight with his $57 million paycheck. One of two remaining members of The Beatles, McCartney made his money playing 36 shows and cashing his Beatles royalty checks.

East Hampton rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” “Puff Daddy” Combs tied for 15^th with pop sensation Katy Perry for earning $45 million, which includes profits from his Ciroc vodka, acting jobs, his marketing company Blue Flame and Sean John clothing line. Meanwhile, Cold Play—fronted by Amagansett rock icon and husband of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin—earned $37 million and placed 21^st following the release of their fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto and the accompanying 50-show tour.

The FORBES list was based on the total earnings from record sales, touring, endorsements, merchandise and all other ventures before legal costs, management fees and taxes. The magazine was assisted by Pollstar, RIAA and compiled data from various industry insiders, including lawyers, concert promoters, lawyers, managers, agents and even the musicians themselves.