Bassists may not receive the appreciation or the spotlight the same way frontmen and guitarists do — in fact, they’re often the butt of many a joke — but that doesn’t mean they’re not making major bank.

The Richest has published a list of the 10 wealthiest bassist in music, and while the names probably won’t surprise you, their placement might. Of course, the top spot is a given: Paul McCartney, perhaps the most famous bassist of all-time, is worth $1.2 billion, some $900 million more than the next richest. The Police’s Sting and KISS’ Gene Simmons are both worth an estimated $300 million and, thus, tied for second.



Despite having the highest-grossing tour of all-time, Roger Waters peaks at No. 4 with a net worth of $270. He’s followed by U2’s Adam Clayton and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea. At No. 7, Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones is reportedly worth $80 million, which seems a little low given the band’s place in rock history and constant reissues. The same can also be said about Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic, who places behind No Doubt’s Tony Kanal.

(Read: The 40 Highest Earning Musicians in 2013)

Check out the full list below.

01. Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion

02. Sting – $300 million

02. Gene Simmons (KISS) – $300 million

04. Roger Waters – $270 million

05. Adam Clayton (U2) – $150 million

06. Flea – $115 million

07. John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) – $80 million

08. Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) – $65 million

09. Tony Kanal (No Doubt) – $45 million

10. Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) – $40 million