Metallica Net Worth: Who is the Richest Member?
Metallica is one of the most successful and influential heavy metal bands of all time. Formed in 1981, the band has released 11 studio albums, sold over 125 million records worldwide, and won nine Grammy Awards. But what is Metallica’s net worth, how much are the members of Metallica worth, and who is the richest among them?
Metallica’s Net Worth: $1 Billion
Metallica is not only one of the most successful and influential heavy metal bands of all time, but also one of the richest. Metallica’s net worth as a band is $1 billion.
The band has earned most of its fortune from its record sales, tours, merchandise, and royalties. Since its debut album in 1983, Metallica has sold over 125 million records worldwide, making it one of the best-selling music artists in history. Some of its most popular albums include Master of Puppets, The Black Album, and Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.
Metallica has also been a huge draw for live concerts, having performed in over 50 countries and in front of millions of fans. The band has been ranked among the highest-grossing touring acts by Forbes and Pollstar, earning tens of millions of dollars per year. In 2019, Metallica was the sixth highest-paid celebrity in the world, with an income of $68.5 million.
The band has also diversified its income sources by venturing into other businesses, such as launching its own record label, Blackened Recordings, in 2012, and its own whiskey brand, Blackened American Whiskey, in 2018. The band has also collaborated with other brands, such as Vans, Nixon, and Stance, to create Metallica-themed products.
Metallica is a band that has achieved fame and fortune with its music, and has also used its wealth to give back to the community. The band’s net worth is a reflection of its hard work, talent, and passion for metal.
Metallica’s Current Lineup
Metallica’s current lineup consists of four members: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo.
James Hetfield Net Worth: $400 Million
James Hetfield is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and co-founder of Metallica. He is also the main songwriter for the band, having written or co-written most of their songs. Hetfield’s net worth is estimated at $400 million, making him the joint-richest member of Metallica.
Hetfield, Marcella Francesca Hetfield‘s father, owns several properties, including a ranch in Colorado, a mansion in Hawaii, and a former home of Johnny Cash in Tennessee. He also has a collection of classic cars and motorcycles, some of which he donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Lars Ulrich Net Worth: $400 Million
Lars Ulrich is the drummer and co-founder of Metallica. He actively serves as the band’s spokesperson and manager, participating in numerous business decisions and legal battles.
Ulrich’s estimated net worth is $400 million, solidifying his position as the other joint-richest member of Metallica. Ulrich owns several properties, including a mansion in Tiburon, California, and a penthouse in New York City. He is also an avid art collector, having sold some of his paintings for millions of dollars.
Kirk Hammett Net Worth: $250 Million
Kirk Hammett is the lead guitarist of Metallica. He joined the band in 1983, replacing Dave Mustaine, who later formed Megadeth. Known for his fast and technical guitar playing, Hammett showcases his exceptional solos as a highlight of Metallica’s live shows.
Hammett’s estimated net worth stands at $250 million, securing his position as the third-richest member of the band. Hammett owns several properties, including a cliffside mansion in San Francisco, and a farmhouse in Hawaii. He is also a fan of horror movies, and has a collection of memorabilia and merchandise related to the genre.
Robert Trujillo Net Worth: $25 Million
Robert Trujillo is the bassist of Metallica. He joined the band in 2003, replacing Jason Newsted, who left in 2001. Known for his energetic stage presence, Trujillo earns praise for the precision and groove in his bass playing.
Trujillo’s estimated net worth is $25 million, positioning him as the least wealthy member of Metallica. Trujillo owns a home in Venice, California, and a ranch in Malibu, California. He is also a producer and director of documentaries, such as Jaco, which tells the story of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius.
Metallica’s Former Members
Metallica has had several former members, who left the band for various reasons. Some of them are:
Jason Newsted Net Worth: $60 Million
Jason Newsted was the bassist of Metallica from 1986 to 2001, but what was his net worth? He joined the band after the death of Cliff Burton, and played on five of their albums.
Newsted left the band in 2001, citing personal and musical reasons. He then pursued other projects, such as Voivod, Echobrain, and Newsted. Newsted’s net worth is estimated at $60 million.
Dave Mustaine Net Worth: $20 Million
Dave Mustaine was the original lead guitarist and co-songwriter of Metallica. He was fired from the band in 1983, due to his drug abuse and personality clashes with the other members.
Mustaine then formed Megadeth, another successful and influential heavy metal band. Mustaine’s net worth is estimated at $20 million.
Cliff Burton Net Worth: $1 Million
Cliff Burton was the bassist of Metallica from 1982 to 1986 but what is his net worth. He was a key member of the band, and contributed to the writing and recording of their first three albums.
Burton died in a bus accident in 1986, while on tour in Sweden. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Metallica in 2009. Burton’s net worth at the time of his death was $1 Million, but he reportedly left a trust fund for his family.
The Bottom Line
Metallica is a band that has achieved fame and fortune with their music. Metallica boasts an estimated net worth of $1 billion, with each member holding a distinct share of the wealth.
The richest members of Metallica are James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, who are both worth $400 million. The third-richest member is Kirk Hammett, who is worth $250 million. The least wealthy member is Robert Trujillo, who is worth $25 million. However, they all remain significantly affluent compared to the average person, actively creating music and touring the world.