The highest paid entertainer of 2022 is not who you think

Forbes just released his annual list from “The 10 Highest Paid Entertainers in the World in 2002” – and they’re not all who you’d think.

The classic English rock band Genesis took the top spot, earning $230 million in one year. Genesis, which released its first album in 1969, launched the careers of both Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, releasing hit songs like “Invisible Touch” and “That’s All.”

But those numbers already dropped in the 1980s, so how did Genesis make so much money last year? One word: publish.

In September, according to Forbes, Genesis sold the rights to their music catalog to Concord Music Group for $300 million. The deal also included some of Phil Collins’ solo work, including his hit “In The Air Tonight.”

Genesis wasn’t the only graying rocker to kill it in 2022.

Sting was the second highest paid entertainer. The former Police frontman and solo star of the 1980s sold his entire songwriting catalog, including his work with the police (“Every Breath You Take”) and his solo hits (“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free”), to Universal Music Group for $210 million.

Genesis and Sting were the latest benefactors of major music conglomerates and corporations, such as JP Morgan and BlackRock, investing in music catalogs of artists they believe are undervalued in the age of streaming.

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Who else made the list?

Not all of last year’s top earners were in their 70s. Other well-paid entertainers include Taylor Swift (#9), who earned $92 million from her record sales, streaming, digital downloads and licensing.

And that was last year.

“Crashing Ticketmaster with crazy demand for her Midnights tour in November suggests an even bigger 2023 for her,” wrote Forbes.

Latin rapper Bad Bunny was the 10th highest paid entertainer of 2022, earning $88 million, thanks to his two tours and endorsements from Corona, Cheetos and Adidas.

Here’s the whole list:

1. Genesis ($230 million)

2. Stab ($210 million)

3. Tyler Perry ($175 million)

4. Trey Parker and Matt Stone ($160 million)

5. James L. Brooks and Matt Groening ($105 million)

6. Brad Pitt ($100 million)

7. The Rolling Stones ($98 million)

8. James Cameron ($95 million)

9. Taylor Swift ($92 million)

10. Bad Bunny ($88 million)