Let's hear it for the musicians rocking – or nearly rocking – their AARP years. A number of vintage bands and musicians from the 1970s and 1980s (and one each from the 1950s and 1960s) are still hitting the road and drawing crowds. From Billy Joel to Guns N Roses, these rockers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s aren't slowing down anytime soon. (To be fair, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Josh Klinghoffer is 37, but he is not an original band member.) Eight different musicians or bands from decades past made the list of the highest-paid entertainers, proving you don't have to be young to rock out.
Billy Joel: The Piano Man
Age: 68
Billy Joel has been making music for 50 years. This year he played 28 shows, during which he showcased his powerful voice on a plethora of his most well-known and loved songs. Merchandise sales and a sponsorship by Citi also helped the Piano Man bring home $35 million.
Bon Jovi: Still Going Strong
Ages: Jon Bon Jovi 55, David Bryan 55, Tico Torres 63, Phil X 51, Hugh McDonald 66
The hair band era is long since past, but Bon Jovi keeps on rocking. The New Jersey band's latest album "This House Is Not For Sale" hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The tour for the album hit 34 stops during the past year and brought in more than $2 million in each venue.
Jimmy Buffett: The King of Margaritaville
Age: 70
Jimmy Buffett's fans are still wasting away in Margaritaville and turning out to patronize his branded hotels and restaurants in droves. Combined with merchandise sales, Buffett is perennially on the list of the highest-paid entertainers because of his lifestyle empire. Next up for Buffett – a Margaritaville-themed retirement community.
Paul McCartney: The Legacy Continues
Age: 74
At nearly three quarters of a century old, Paul McCartney continues to tour more than men half his age. The former Beatle frontman sells out arenas across the world, grossing more than a million dollars a night. Of course, Sir Paul also makes money from the catalogs of his solo and Beatles work.
Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Funk Rock Kings
Ages: Anthony Kiedis 54, Flea 54, Chad Smith 55, Josh Klinghoffer 37
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are touring just as hard nowadays as they did in the 80s. During their 34th year on the road, the band played 108 shows. Their continued passion for music proves that age is just a number.
Metallica: Thrash Metal Titans
Ages: James Hetfield 54, Lars Ulrich 53, Kirk Hammett 54, Robert Trujillo 52.
Metallica has been playing thrash metal since the early 80s. Their 10th studio album "Hardwired…To Self-Destruct" debuted to big sales and great critical reviews. The band's WorldWired global tour began in September 2016 and plays 96 dates through May 2018.
Bruce Springsteen: The Boss of Touring
Age: 67
Bruce Springsteen continues to make the bulk of his money touring. Each gig brings in seven-figure grosses. This year he also had the $10 million advance for his memoir "Born to Run" added to his earnings as well as the compilation album "Chapter and Verse."
Guns N' Roses: Back on the Road
Ages: Axl Rose 55, Slash 52, Duff McKagan 53, Dizzy Reed 54, Richard Fortus 50, Frank Ferrer 51
Axl Rose got the band back together for the Never In This Lifetime tour. The tour began in April 2016 and plays 130 dates around the world through late November 2017. The guys hit five different continents on eight legs of the tour.
Key Takeaways from the Legends of Rock
What You Will Learn
- Age is just a number; many legendary musicians continue to thrive in their careers well into their 60s and 70s.
- Touring remains a significant revenue source for artists, contributing to their high earnings.
- Merchandising and branding, like Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, can create lasting empires.
- The passion for music drives these artists, showcasing that talent can defy age.
