While the recently released Forbes magazine list of 2012’s highest-paid musicians is topped by hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre (primarily on the immense popularity of his Beats By Dre headphones line, generating a whopping $110 million) and classic rockers Roger Waters ($88 million), Elton John ($80 million) and U2 ($78 million), a handful of alternative giants represent modern rock in the Top 25.
Dave Grohl and his band the Foo Fighters claimed the Number 14 position between Lady Gaga ($52 million) and Diddy ($45 million), earning $47 million between May of 2011 and May of 2012, thanks to sales of their most recent album, Wasting Light, and the world tour that followed.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers snagged Number 19, pulling $39 million on album sales and a slew of concerts dates. That placed Anthony Kiedis and the gang right between Beyonce ($40 million) and her husband, rapper Jay-Z ($38 million).
Just behind Jay-Z at Number 21 is the rapper’s good buddy Chris Martin and Coldplay, who pulled in $37 million on the strength of their fifth studio album, Mylo Xyloto, and the well-received interactive tour that included stops at such festivals as Lollapalooza, Glastonbury and Rock in Rio.
–Scott T. Sterling, CBS Local
