The 10 Highest-Paid Musicians Of 2012

Lady Gaga's high grossing tour and endorsement deal places her high up on this year's highest paid musicians list.

As 2012 draws to a close, we can now get a clearer idea of just how much celebrities made over the past 12 months.  Forbes compiled a list of the 25 highest paid musicians of 2012, and here is feature the top ten highest earners.

But while Justin Bieber and Katy Perry dominated the year's headlines, it was the tried and true musicians who had the best year earnings-wise.
See who made Forbes' list of the top ten highest-paid musicians of 2012, it will surprise you.

10. Toby Keith: $50 Million

Toby Keith released his 16 studio album this year, titled "Hope on the Rocks," with his breakout song of the year being "Red Solo Cup."
In addition to album sales, Keith also gets paid through a Ford endorsement deal and the profits from his restaurants.

9. Dave Matthews Band: $51 Million

DMB released their eighth studio album this year, titled "Away from the World."
According to Forbes, the group has grossed over $1 million per night over the course of 68 shows in the past year.

8. Justin Bieber: $53 Million

18-year-old Justin Bieber earned money from his "Believe" album and tour, in addition to his perfume line, which retails for $49.00.
He won the American Music Award for Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, and Favorite Album.

7. The Eagles: $60 Million

The Eagles haven't released an album since 2007, but they continue to tour around the world. Their sold-out concerts bring in the majority of their profits.

6. The Black Eyed Peas: $61 Million

The band grossed $68 million from their tour this year, as well as millions more from their endorsement deals with companies like Samsung, Pepsi, and Verizon.

5. Paul McCartney: $67 Million

Associated Press

This still-performing Beatles member would be perfectly well-off just from the royalty checks he receives, but McCartney supplements his already huge net worth by touring.
According to Forbes, he grossed $130 million on just 30 shows over the past year.

4. Lady Gaga: $90 Million

Lady Gaga is in the midst of her "Born This Way Ball" tour, but has already grossed $170 million.
Her steep production costs significantly reduce her profits, but her endorsement deals with entities like Polaroid and Virgin Mobile fill in the gaps.

3. Elton John: $100 Million

Elton John performing at the AIDS Foundation Benefit

Sir Elton John grossed $204 million on 102 live shows in the past 12 months. His yearly income may have been more if he had won his libel case against 'The Times,' but a judge ruled the statement in question to not be defamatory enough.

2. Bon Jovi: $125 Million

Like the Eagles, this band hasn't released an album in a few years, but continues to tour successfully.
According to Forbes, the band grossed $200 million playing 74 shows this year.

1. U2: $195 Million

U2's two-year long tour has become the world's highest grossing tour, earning the band a staggering $700 million.
Huge chunks of lead singer Bono's paychecks have notoriously been donated to various causes, including Project Red, which raises money to fight AIDS.