If you had to guess the respective net worths of the Queen band members, likelihood is that late frontman Freddie Mercury would be top of your list. However, that’s not quite accurate – and it turns out there are actually three richer members than Freddie in the line-up.
Freddie died at the age of just 45 in November 1991 from complications of AIDS, after receiving his diagnosis in 1987. But over the years he racked up an impressive net worth of $50million, raking in cash from hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and Somebody to Love and from his two solo albums.
Below Freddie in terms of net worth is Adam Lambert, who joined the band in 2011 after placing runner up in the 2009 season of American Idol. Adam – who is also an actor, having starred in shows like Glee and Pretty Little Liars – has an estimated net worth of $45million, $5million less than Freddie at the time of his death.
Lambert wasn’t the first frontman to step into Freddie’s shoes. Paul Rodgers was considered the first semi-permanent frontman since Freddie when he joined the band in 2004, and racked up a net worth of around $14million.
From there, the salaries get considerably higher. Beating Freddie in third is bassist John Deacon, who has racked up a fortune of $180million despite retiring from music in 1997. He was responsible for writing hits including Another One Bites the Dust and I Want to Break Free, which he still earns royalties from.
Roger Taylor takes the second spot with an estimated net worth of $250million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But the star has a rather expensive hobby, collecting luxury vehicles including a 1979 Aston Martin V8 and a Porsche Panamera.
Guitarist Brian May tops the rich list with a net worth of $260million. He runs a guitar company alongside his musical career, and is famed for penning the hit We Will Rock You.