Paul McCartney has added another extraordinary milestone to a career spanning more than six decades, becoming a billionaire with an estimated fortune of $1.4billion, according to Forbes.
The 84-year-old former Beatle now ranks as the world’s third-richest musician, behind Jay-Z, whose wealth stands at $2.8billion, and Taylor Swift, estimated to be worth $2 billion, reports The Guardian.
McCartney’s fortune reflects much more than his success as a performer and songwriter. His music publishing business, ownership of copyrights, touring income, property holdings and art collection have all contributed to his growing wealth.
A major source of his earnings is MPL Communications, the publishing company he founded in 1969, shortly before the Beatles broke up. The company manages his own music catalogue and holds publishing rights to works by other artists, including Buddy Holly.
Its portfolio also includes Broadway musical scores and popular Christmas songs.
The business is estimated to be worth at least a quarter of a billion dollars. Its catalogue generates royalties whenever songs are streamed or musical productions are staged. Even performances of the musical ‘Grease’ by school theatre groups contribute to McCartney’s earnings.
His Beatles legacy remains another significant source of income. McCartney receives 25 per cent of the earnings from Apple Corps, the band’s holding company, which generates around $50 million annually through streaming, vinyl sales and merchandise.
He also earns an estimated $10 million a year from Beatles songwriting copyrights. Forbes values those rights at around $200million, following years of legal battles and negotiations over ownership.
Touring has further strengthened his finances. His ‘Got Back’ tour included 79 performances between 2022 and 2025, generating substantial revenue. His international property holdings and art collection, which includes works by artists such as Pablo Picasso and René Magritte, also add to his fortune.
Despite reaching billionaire status in his 80s, McCartney remains active in music. His latest album, ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’, was released in May 2026. He also appeared as the musical guest on the season finale of ‘Saturday Night Live’ that month.
In July, he performed the Beatles classic ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ for the first time in 60 years at Taylor Swift’s wedding celebration with Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden.
McCartney’s journey to the billionaire club is also a story of taking control of his music and business interests.
From establishing his own publishing company to securing a greater share of the Beatles’ songwriting rights, he has built a fortune that extends well beyond his celebrated musical career.
