U2 still number one in entertainers’ rich list

IRISH superstars don’t tend to make a song and dance about their wealth but U2 and Michael Flatley could be forgiven if they did.

Both the band and the dancer are among the world’s richest entertainers with U2 now worth €690 million while Michael Flatley has jigged his way to a €551m fortune. Bob Geldof is also catching up fast, thanks to some clever investments on his part.

U2 generated more income than any other band in the world last year, according to Billboard magazine. Digital and album sales plus box office receipts totalled over €215m last year alone. The four band members, headed by lead singer Bono, plus manager Paul McGuinness split all income five ways.

Flatley first stepped into the limelight during the interval of 1994’s Eurovision Song Contest at the Point Theatre in Dublin. His Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and the latest Celtic Tiger shows have since earned him at least €196m and his brand is estimated to be worth a further €147m. He has substantial other investments and homes in Co Cork, London, France and America with plans for another in Barbados.

Born in Chicago, his first dance lessons were from his grandmother Hannah Ryan, whom he believes watches over him. Flatley keeps a front row seat empty at every show in tribute.

Bob Geldof is a new entry to the Irish entertainers’ list, in fifth position with €51m. He spearheaded last year’s Make Poverty History campaign with Bono, having previously organised Live Aid in 1985. Although best known now for his humanitarian work, Geldof, 54, first shot to fame as the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats. Shares have soared in his Ten Alps TV company, and he has a €29m stake in reality show maker, Castaway Productions.