*
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    


bLACK dYJE

Media spotlight on Black Dyke Band ahead of Proms return

July 17 • The national media has certainly been interested in Black Dyke Band's return to the BBC Proms for the first time since 2007.


Paul Holland

Holland takes temporary lead at Elgar International Brass Band Summer School

July 17 • Flowers MD, Paul Holland will take the main reins at the 2027 Summer School as Philip Harper takes a temporary break for NYBBGB duties.


Dobcross Training

Dobcross Youth Training Band grab attention at Symphony Hall

July 17 • The young players of Dobcross Youth Training Band recently wowed the audience and music mentors at Symphony Hall in Birmingham


Tonga

Tongan celebration of music, culture and friendship

July 17 • The Music for Peace Festival in Tonga has been a demonstration of the growing strength of brass banding in the Kingdom.


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

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


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Tintwistle Band

July 16 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled! As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


City of Norwich Brass

July 16 • City of Norwich Brass seeks Front & Back Row Cornets, Solo Euphonium and EEb/BBb Basses. Join a friendly, ambitious band with a varied programme of concerts, contests and community performances. Rehearsals in Hethersett, Norwich.


Chinnor Silver

July 14 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on MONDAY 20th at 11 am in our bandroom.. We would welcome players of all ages and abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Of course there is tea and cake !!!. And you can even choose a piece to play


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd