*
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    


podcast

Podcast: Whisky High Notes: Episode 1

March 26 • Composer agent and whisky lover, Dr. Naomi Belshaw is joined by Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place to talk about whisky and classical music...


BrookWright

BrookWright Music: New Jerusalem (Kenneth Downie)

March 26 • A upbeat march to put a concert audience in an immediate good mood from Kenneth Downie.


Guildhall

Guildhall Solo Competition entries now open

March 26 • If you are a brass or percussion player aged 9-18 and Grade 3 and above, them why not enjoy yourself in competition and in finding out more about your playing skills...


Tine Thing Helseth

Best Classical Recording Award for Tine Thing Helseth

March 26 • The Norwegian trumpet soloist has won a prestigious Spellemannprisen for Best Classical Recording for her latest release, 'Echoes'.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Chinnor Silver

March 27 • We are a friendly progressive 1st Section band who need a couple of seats filled.. Bb BASS and PERCUSSIONIST are on our wanted list so if you are looking for a new banding challenge get in contact. We rehearse on Wednesdays and have good realistic diary.


Newport Borough Brass Band

March 27 • After a respectable 4th place in the 2nd Section at the Welsh Area Contest, we are looking for FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable) 1st BARITONE, 2ND TROMBONE and Bb BASS players to come and join us on our journey under the baton of Martin McHale BEM.


East London Brass

March 27 • PERCUSSION - ELB are the look out for a percussionist to complement our existing section. We have a sensible diary of contests and concerts and are ambitious to keep progressing as a band.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd