Metallica's net worth: which member of the band is the richest?

Metallica's net worth: which member of the band is the richest?

Metallica stands among the world's leading heavy metal acts, boasting a combined net worth of $1 billion. Despite all musical members being in their 60s, the band continues to tour and release new music. Active since the 1980s, what is Metallica's net worth today?

Metallica band members' net worth
Metallica's net worth: which member of the band is the richest? Photo: Canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaway

  • As per Musiclipse, the band has a combined net worth of $1 billion. This comes from their record sales, tours, merchandise, and endorsement deals.
  • Lars Ulrich is the wealthiest member of the group, with a net income of $350 million.
  • Metallica reportedly grosses over $5 million to nearly $7.4 million per concert, though this is the gross revenue before expenses and doesn't include merchandise or VIP packages.

Metallica's net worth

The band has a combined net worth of $1 billion, as per Musiclipse. This comes from their record sales, tours, merchandise, and endorsement deals.

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Robert Trujillo's net worth in 2025 ($40 million)

Robert Trujillo's net worth
Robert Trujillo is the band's bassist. Photo: Theo Wargo
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz
  • Date of birth: 23 October 1964
  • Age: 60 years (as of 2025)
  • Net worth: $40 million

Trujillo joined the band in 2003, replacing Jason Newsted, who left the group in 2001. He is a Mexican-American bassist and guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Alice in Chains.

Robert reportedly has a net worth of $40 million and is the fourth richest member of the group.

Kirk Hammett's net worth in 2025 ($200 million)

Kirk Hammett's net worth
Kirk Hammett has been the band's guitarist since 1983. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kirk Lee Hammett
  • Date of birth: 18 November 1962
  • Age: 62 years (as of 2025)
  • Net worth: $200 million

Kirk Hammett has an estimated net worth of $200 million. He has been the lead guitarist and one of the songwriters since 1983. He replaced Dave Mustaine, who the group fired due to his alcohol abuse and aggressive behaviour.

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James Hetfield's net worth in 2025 ($320 million)

James Hetfield's net worth
James Hetfield is the lead singer of the group. Photo: Kevin Mazur
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: James Alan Hetfield
  • Date of birth: 3 August 1963
  • Age: 62 years
  • Net worth: $320 million

James Hetfield is the band's co-founder and has been the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The album sales account for a significant portion of Hetfield's $320 million net worth.

Lars Ulrich's net worth in 2025 ($350 million)

Lars Ulrich's net worth
Lars Ulrich is the co-founder of the band and plays the drums. Photo: Jeff Kravitz
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lars Ulrich
  • Date of birth: 26 December 1963
  • Age: 61 years (as of 2025)
  • Net worth: $350 million

Lars Ulrich is the band's co-founder, producer, songwriter, and drummer. He is also the first Danish member inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Ulrich has a net worth of $350 million.

Metallica's biography

Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield formed Metallica, an American heavy metal band, in October 1981. They had two other members, Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney, replaced by Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton.

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After finalising their group members in 1983, Metallica signed with Megaforce Records in New Jersey. They released their debut and sophomore albums, Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning, in 1983 and 1984, respectively.

The first members of Metallica
The first members of Metallica in 1985. (L-R) Bass guitarist Cliff Burton, drummer Lars Ulrich, vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield, and guitarist Kirk Hammett. Photo: Ross Marino
Source: Original

While on tour to promote their second album in 1984, the band signed with a new label, Elektra Records. They released their third studio album, Master of Puppets, in 1986.

On 27 September 1986, while on tour in Sweden, Clifton Burton died in an accident after the bus driver lost control and overturned several times. He was 24.

Unsure of what the future held, the grieving group members returned home to San Francisco, USA, and received the blessing from Burton's family to start looking for a replacement. Jason Newsted joined the band in October 1986.

Metallica band members after Jason Newsted joined
Jason Newsted (L) joined Metallica in October 1986. Photo: Koh Hasebe
Source: Getty Images

Metallica's albums

Over 40 years have passed since the group was formed. They have released 11 studio albums, including their iconic self-titled album, which is better known as The Black Album. Furthermore, they have nine Grammy Awards.

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According to sources, as of 2025, Metallica (The Black Album) has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling metal album of all time. It was released on 12 August 1991 and is the band's highest-selling album. They also won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1992.

The American band has sold 125 million studio album copies worldwide and 67 million in the USA. Below is a list of their studio albums:

  • Kill 'Em All (1983)
  • Ride the Lightning (1984)
  • Master of Puppets (1986)
  • ...And Justice for All (1988)
  • Metallica (The Black Album) (1991)
  • Load (1996)
  • Reload (1997)
  • St. Anger (2003)
  • Death Magnetic (2008)
  • Hardwired...to Self-Destruct (2016)
  • 72 Seasons (2023)

Which member of Metallica is the richest?

Lars Ulrich is the wealthiest member of the group, with a net income of $350 million.

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How much is the lead singer of Metallica worth?

Metallica's frontman and co-founder, James Hetfield, has a net worth of $320 million in 2025.

What was Robert Trujillo's net worth before Metallica?

Robert Trujillo's net worth before joining Metallica is not publicly available. Sources place more emphasis on his overall wealth. He was a member of the hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies and the funk metal supergroup Infectious Grooves before becoming Metallica's bassist in 2003.

What was Cliff Burton's net worth?

The Metallica band member's net worth at the time of his death was $1 million.

Who is the richest heavy metal band?

The richest heavy metal band is widely considered to be Metallica, with various reports placing their combined net worth at around $1 billion. Their immense wealth comes from decades of selling millions of albums worldwide, successful tours, and a powerful global brand presence that extends beyond their music.

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How much does Metallica get paid per concert?

Metallica reportedly grosses over $5 million to nearly $7.4 million per concert, though this is the gross revenue before expenses and doesn't include VIP packages or merchandise. This figure depends on the venue, the city, and whether it's a festival or a headline show.

Is Metallica the most successful band?

No, Metallica isn't the "most" successful band overall, but they are the most successful and influential metal band by many measures, with massive album sales and a significant cultural impact on the genre. While bands like Queen or Pink Floyd have sold more albums, Metallica's specific achievements within the heavy metal realm are often considered unmatched.

Who owns the Metallica name?

The band Metallica owns its name through a trademark held by the band itself, though the origin story involves drummer Lars Ulrich securing the name from a friend who was going to use it for a fanzine, which Ulrich then used for his own band in 1981.

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Metallica's net worth is in part due to the band’s impressive work ethic and dedication. They have managed to consistently top the charts of heavy metal record sales, sell out concerts, and rake in massive brand and endorsement deals through the years. As a result, they have earned their place as the most successful heavy metal band of all time

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Source: Briefly News

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Nompumelelo Ngubeni (Lifestyle writer) Nompumelelo Ngubeni is an editor of Lifestyle content with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Honours Language Practice from North-West University (2016). She has over 8 years of experience in proofreading, research, subtitling, and editing. Strong media and communication professional. Nompumelelo joined Briefly News in 2022. Email: nompumelelongubeni@ymail.com

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Justin Williams (Editorial Assistant) Justin Williams joined Briefly News in 2024. He is currently the Opinion Editor and a Current Affairs Writer. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Film & Multimedia Production and English Literary Studies from the University of Cape Town in 2024. Justin is a former writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa: South African chapter. Contact Justin at justin.williams@briefly.co.za

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