FORBES HAS RELEASED its list of The World’s 25 Highest Paid Musicians in 2012.

Rapper and producer Dr Dre came out on top with $110 million, largely thanks to his Beats headphone line.

Others music moguls follow suit, earning big bucks in business ventures outside the recording studio, however, Forbes say that “most of this year’s top 25 are on the list because of touring”.

In second place is Pink Floyd rocker Roger Waters with $88 million nearly all of which came from his ‘The Wall Live’ tour. Elton John comes in third position with $80 million from over 100 shows.

Our very own rock band, U2, rank fourth, earning $78 million for their 360 tour, while Take That get the fifth spot with $69 million from their reunion tour.

Dr Dre topped the list thanks to his Beats headphone line. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The remaining top music earners in 2012:

6. Bon Jovi – $60 Million

7. Britney Spears – $58 Million

8. Paul McCartney – $57 Million (tie)

9. Taylor Swift – $57 Million (tie)

10. Justin Bieber – $55 Million (tie)

11. Toby Keith – $55 Million (tie)

12. Rihanna – $53 Million

13. Lady GaGa – $52 Million

14. Foo Fighters – $47 Million

15. Diddy – $45 Million (tie)

16. Katy Perry – $45 Million (tie)

17. Kenny Chesney – $44 Million

18. Beyoncé – $40 Million

19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – $39 Million

20. Jay-Z – $38 Million

21. Coldplay – $37 Million

22. Adele – $35 Million (tie)

23. Kanye West – $35 Million (tie)

24. Michael Bublé – $34 Million

25. Sade – $33 Million

Forbes made their calculations “on total earnings from May 2011 to May 2012—the amount of money an act makes from record sales, touring, endorsements, merchandise sales and other ventures before subtracting management fees, legal costs and taxes”.

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