Who is the richest band of the Big Four heavy metal bands? Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth, or Metallica? Who has the highest net worth?
The Big Four heavy metal bands – being that of Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth, and Metallica – have forever changed the world of heavy metal.
The Big Four have not only inspired a great plethora of bands in the decades since their emergence, but have created a great number of classic songs and records that will live on throughout history.
These bands are legendary and have achieved massive fame; with massive fame comes some pretty solid wealth, so we thought to ourselves:
Who is the richest of the Big Four heavy metal bands?
We took it upon ourselves to provide a breakdown of each band and their band members; given that some of these bands have made multiple changes to their line up throughout the years, we strived for this breakdown to involve current band members, or those who were in their respective band for a long time.
Without further ado, let’s dive in and confirm who the richest is of the Big Four heavy metal bands!
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Anthrax Net Worth
*Please note, while we attempted to look for details, we could not locate a recorded net worth for that of Anthrax guitarist Jon Donais.
Frank Bello
Net worth: $6 million
Background and facts about Anthrax bassist Frank Bello:
Anthrax bassist Frank Bello joined Anthrax in time to be part of their studio album debut, Fistful of Metal. Frank Bello played in the band from 1984 up until 2007, but then returned in 2010 and has been active with Anthrax since. Prior to joining Anthrax, Frank Bello was actually the band’s roadie. Frank Bello was also a member of the band Helmet, and has also worked as an actor. Frank Bello is 56-years-old.
What is the net worth of Frank Bello? As of April 2022, the net worth of Frank Bello is $6 million. He is tied for richest Anthrax member.
Charlie Benante
Net worth: $4 million
Background and facts about Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante:
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante joined the band in time to be part of their studio album debut, Fistful of Metal. Charlie Benante has been active with the band ever since. Charlie Benante is also a graphic artist and has done a lot of the work for Anthrax album covers and t-shirt designs. Charlie Benante is the uncle of Anthrax bassist Frank Bello. Charlie Benante is 59-years-old.
What is the net worth of Charlie Benante? As of April 2022, the net worth of Charlie Benante is $4 million. He is the fourth richest Anthrax member.
Scott Ian
Net worth: $6 million
Background and facts about Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian:
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian is one of the founding members of Anthrax. Along with Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, Scott Ian is the only member of the band to stay consistently active within Anthrax. He has collaborated with a great array of other metal artists throughout his career. He is a fan of horror movies and has written some comic books and done voiceover work for the Dethklok show Metalocalypse. Scott Ian is 58 years old.
What is the net worth of Scott Ian? As of April 2022, the net worth of Scott Ian is $6 million. He is tied for richest Anthrax member.
Joey Belladonna
Net worth: $5 million
Background and facts about Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna:
Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna was the original singer for Anthrax. He performed in the band from 1984 up to 1992; he then returned in 2005 and performed to 2007, only to return and remain active in the band since 2010. At the time of this writing, Joey Belladonna has won six Grammys. Joey Belladonna 61-years-old.
What is the net worth of Joey Belladonna? As of April 2022, the net worth of Joey Belladonna is $5 million. He is the third richest Anthrax member.
Total Anthrax Net Worth = $21 million
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Slayer Net Worth
Jeff Hanneman
Net worth: $14 million
Background and facts about the late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman:
Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman was one of the founding members of Slayer. Jeff Hanneman played in Slayer up until 2013, having tragically passed away that year. The cause of his death was due to liver failure. Jeff Hanneman was 49-years-old at the time of his passing. Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman is considered by many one of heavy metal’s most talented guitarists to ever be.
What is the net worth of Jeff Hanneman? As of April 2022, the net worth of Jeff Hanneman is $14 million. Among the Slayer lineup presented here, he would be considered tied for the richest Slayer member.
Dave Lombardo
Net worth: $4 million
Background and facts about Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo:
While Slayer has had multiple drummers, Dave Lombardo is the founding drummer of Slayer. Dave Lombardo played in Slayer from 1981 to 1992. He eventually returned once more in 2001, playing in Slayer until 2013. Dave Lombardo has played in a great variety of bands, including the likes of Misfits, Suicidal Tendencies, Mr. Bungle, and Dead Cross, just to name a few. Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo is considered by many throughout the metal community to be one of the most talented drummers ever. Dave Lombardo is currently the drummer for the thrash band Testament. Dave Lombardo is 57-years-old.
What is the net worth of Dave Lombardo? As of April 2022, the net worth of Dave Lombardo is $4 million. Among the Slayer lineup presented here, he would be considered the fourth richest Slayer member.
Kerry King
Net worth: $8 million
Background and facts about Slayer guitarist Kerry King:
Slayer guitarist Kerry King is one of the founding members of Slayer. Along with that of Slayer bassist and singer Tom Araya, Kerry King has remained the only consistent active member in Slayer. Apparently at one point, Kerry King was invited by none other than Dave Mustaine to join his band Megadeth. Slayer guitarist Kerry King is 57-years-old.
What is the net worth of Kerry King? As of April 2022, the net worth of Kerry King is $8 million. He is the third richest Slayer member.
Tom Araya
Net worth: $14 million
Background and facts about Slayer singer and bassist Tom Araya:
Slayer bassist and singer Tom Araya is one of the founding members of Slayer. Along with that of Slayer guitarist Kerry King, Tom Araya has remained the only consistent active member in Slayer. Contrary to the imagery and lyrics associated with Slayer, Tom Araya is actually a practicing Roman Catholic. Tom Araya is 60-years-old.
What is the net worth of Tom Araya? As of April 2022, the net worth of Tom Araya is $14 million. He would be considered tied for the richest Slayer member.
Total Slayer Net Worth = $40 million
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Megadeth Net Worth
David Ellefson
Net worth: $15 million
Background and facts about ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson:
Ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is one of the founding members of the band. Ellefson played in the band from 1983 to 2002; he rejoined the band back in 2010, but was fired in 2021. Along with his work in Megadeth, David Ellefson has launched a record label, a film production company, and has written a book. Ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson is 57-years-old.
What is the net worth of David Ellefson? As of April 2022, the net worth of David Ellefson is $15 million. Considered alongside the current members of Megadeth, he would be considered the third richest Megadeth member.
Dirk Verbeuren
Net worth: $3 million
Background and facts about Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren:
Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren has been with the band since 2016. He will be the drummer on the band’s upcoming album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!. Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren is 47-years-old.
What is the net worth of Dirk Verbeuren? As of April 2022, the net worth of Dirk Verbeuren is $3 million. Among the Megadeth lineup presented here, he would be considered the fourth richest Megadeth member.
Kiko Loureiro
Net worth: $20 million
Background and facts about Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro:
Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro joined the band in 2015. Kiko Loureiro has played in a great variety of bands other than Megadeth. He made his studio debut with the band on their album Dystopia, and will be part of their upcoming album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!. Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro is 49-years-old.
What is the net worth of Kiko Loureiro? As of April 2022, the net worth of Kiko Loureiro is $20 million. Among the Megadeth lineup presented here, he is tied for the richest Megadeth member.
Dave Mustaine
Net worth: $20 million
Background and facts about Megadeth singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine:
Megadeth singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine was originally part of Metallica, but was kicked out over personal issues. Dave Mustaine then went on to form Megadeth in 1983 with that of David Ellefson. Dave Mustaine remains the only original active member of Megadeth today. Among his hobbies outside of Megadeth, Dave Mustaine has shared that he has a great interest in martial arts. Megadeth singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine is 60-years-old.
What is the net worth of Dave Mustaine? As of April 2022, the net worth of Dave Mustaine is $20 million. He is tied for the richest Megadeth member.
Total Megadeth Net Worth = $58 million
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Metallica Net Worth
Robert Trujillo
Net worth: $30 million
Background and facts about Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo:
Robert Trujillo joined the band in 2003, making his debut on the ninth Metallica album Death Magnetic. Before becoming the Metallica bassist, Robert Trujillo was the bass player for Suicidal Tendencies. Prior to Robert Trujillo, the other Metallica bassists were the late Cliff Burton and that of Jason Newsted. Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo is 57-years-old.
What is the net worth of Robert Trujillo? As of April 2022, the net worth of Robert Trujillo is $30 million. He is the fourth richest Metallica member.
Kirk Hammett
Net worth: $200 million
Background and facts about Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett:
Kirk Hammett is the lead guitarist for Metallica. He joined the band in 1983, making his debut on that of the studio Metallica album Kill ‘Em All. Prior to becoming the Metallica guitarist, Kirk Hammett formed the thrash band Exodus. Kirk Hammett replaced that of original Metallica guitarist (and current Megadeth frontman), Dave Mustaine. Among his interests outside of Metallica, Kirk Hammett is a hardcore lover of horror movies. Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett is 59-years-old.
What is the net worth of Kirk Hammett? As of April 2022, the net worth of Kirk Hammett is $200 million. He is the third richest Metallica member.
Lars Ulrich
Net worth: $350 million
Background and facts about Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich:
Lars Ulrich is the drummer for Metallica and is one of the band’s founding members. Before forming Metallica, Lars Ulrich moved to America from Denmark with the intention to train professionally as a tennis player. Among several other artists in the year 2000, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich became a vocal voice among those speaking out against the music pirating site Napster. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich is 58-years-old.
What is the net worth of Lars Ulrich? As of April 2022, the net worth of Lars Ulrich is $350 million. He is the richest Metallica member.
James Hetfield
Net worth: $300 million
Background and facts about Metallica singer and guitarist James Hetfield.
James Hetfield is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Metallica. He is one of the band’s founding members. Among his many interests outside of Metallica, James Hetfield enjoys hunting, farming, beekeeping, and attending hot rod shows. Written about in several publications, James Hetfield is considered one of the most talented heavy metal singers to ever be. Metallica singer and guitarist James Hetfield is 58-years-old.
What is the net worth of James Hetfield? As of April 2022, the net worth of James Hetfield is $300 million. He is the second richest Metallica member.
Total Metallica Net Worth = $880 million
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So of the Big Four heavy metal bands, who is the richest?
The richest of the Big Four heavy metal bands is none other than Metallica
The second richest of the Big Four heavy metal bands is Megadeth
The third richest is Slayer
And the fourth richest of the Big Four heavy metal bands is Anthrax
How surprised are you to learn of each band’s net worth, as well as that of each individual member?
For the net worth associated with each respective band member, we looked at a variety of sites, confirming the most common reporting.
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Words by: Michael Pementel