Ed Sheeran doubles fortune but Andrew Lloyd Webber is richest UK musician

British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber attended the 2018 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 10, 2018. Image: AFP/Angela Weiss

Broadway giant Andrew Lloyd Webber has leapfrogged Beatles legend Paul McCartney to become Britain’s wealthiest musician with an estimated fortune of £820 million, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, published Thursday, May 9.

Lloyd Webber, 71, wrote the scores for the musicals “Cats”, “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Evita” and was described by the New York Times as “the most commercially successful composer in history.”

McCartney and his American wife Nancy Shevell’s fortune has dropped by an estimated £70 million to £750 million, with Irish band U2 in third place with a joint worth of £583 million.

Singer-songwriter Elton John, subject of a new Hollywood biopic “Rocketman”, was in fourth place with £320 million, while Rolling Stones icons Mick Jagger and Keith Richards occupied the fourth and fifth spots.

Contemporary star Ed Sheeran, currently packing out stadiums around the world, was the fastest riser, doubling his wealth in the last year to £160 million, overtaking soul singer Adele.

Grime artist Stormzy also makes his debut on the top 40 list with a fortune of £16m. CE/JB

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