Sir Paul McCartney becomes Britain's first billionaire musician, says Sunday Times Rich List

According to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, Sir Paul McCartney has become Britain's first billionaire musician. McCartney's 2023 Got Back tour figures into this recent development, but his new status is also attributed to recent tours and a notable Beatles cover by Beyoncé. The 81-year-old McCartney has experienced a financial boost from Beyoncé's rendition of The Beatles' song "Blackbird," which he praised as "magnificent."

This harmonized vocal landscape of a track (linked below) is featured on her latest album, Cowboy Carter, which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. In addition, The Beatles recently returned to the top of the UK music charts with their single "Now And Then," a song developed using artificial intelligence. McCartney has also been actively touring with his Got Back Tour and has more music planned for later this year.

It's not yet clear how recent price hikes for music streaming services will impact the earning potential of non-millionaire/billionaire musicians, but higher prices can be expected anyway. Goldman Sachs' annual Music in the Air forecast has stated: "We believe that [recent] price increases are not just a one-off, and we would expect the industry to work towards implementing price increases on a recurring basis, especially in an environment of higher inflation." If more consumers decide to drop streaming services, deciding they cost too much, it will certainly have some impact on music.

Regarding Paul's money-making potential, he's still doing fine, of course. He recently released a revived live studio album recorded in the 1970s with his band Wings (read our review by clicking here). Regarding that album, a press release notes: "One Hand Clapping showcased Wings‘ new line-up, fresh off their return from Nashville where they recorded the classic single ‘Junior’s Farm’...”

As promised, here is Beyoncé's recording of The Beatles' song "Blackbird"