*
banner

The world's richest band is revealed

It's not Black Dyke, Cory or even Brass Band of Battle Creek — but a group of pensioners...

dRUMMERS
 

Who are the richest bands in the world?

The traditionally sponsored heavyweights of Black Dyke or Grimethorpe, the giants of Cory or perhaps even Brass Band of Battle Creek or River City Brass Band from the entrepreneurial land of the free in the USA?

Nowhere near

Come off it.....

Brass band don't even figure anywhere near these bands in question according to the recently published Sunday Times Rich List of musicians.

In fact it is a band of geriatric pensioners — otherwise known as the Rolling Stones, who outstrip everyone — including those whipper-snappers at U2.

Sir Mick Jagger, worth £235m; Keith Richards, £220m; Charlie Watts, £120m and Ronnie Wood, £55m have combined fortunes of £630m, up £40m on 2015, whilst U2 have to make do with scraping along with a joint fortune of £500m, an increase of £69m on the previous year.

In fact it is a band of geriatric pensioners — otherwise known as the Rolling Stones, who outstrip everyone — including those whipper-snappers at U24BR

Adele

As for soloists? Forget David Childs, Stephen Mead and even Wynton Marsalis. Adele is worth a cool £85m.

So the next time your son or daughter wants to join a band — why not find out first what they are like on an electric guitar or drum kit before you persuade them that a possible life of William Rimmer marches and weeks on end of practicing test-pieces will give them musical riches beyond their dreams...

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


wobplay

New ownership announced for World of Brass, Wobplay and World of Sound

July 1 • The trio of leading brass band music brands have been bought as an independent business by Adam Goldsmith and Nicki Tonge.


Spring Festival

Venues and dates for 2027 & 2028 Spring Festival announced

July 1 • Town Hall Birmingham and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will host the 2027 and 2028 British Open Spring Festival contests as long term plans are put in place following feedback.


Cory

Cory set for Tibetan title challenge in Kerkrade

June 30 • The Welsh champion will head to the World Music Contest armed with a third adventure of Tintin courtesy of the pseudonym inspired Paul Raphael.


Score

Kapitol looking for York judges...

June 30 • Kapitol Promotions and the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are looking for people to start their judging journey in York in September.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Euphonium - With an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026, we're looking to fill our Solo Euphonium seat. If you're the strong player that we're interested in, please get in touch.


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Horn - We're looking to recruit a new Solo Horn player to help shape the section in our 2nd section band in South Wales. We have an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd