Who is the richest member of Metallica? Bandmates ranked by net worth
Who is the richest member of Metallica? The band’s current lineup, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo, boasts net worths ranging from $40 million to $350 million. Their decades-long success has earned them not only global fame but also immense wealth.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Who is the richest member in Metallica? Bandmates ranked by net worth
- Who are the current Metallica members?
- How rich is Kirk Hammett?
- Why is Lars Ulrich so rich?
- What is James Hetfield’s net worth?
- What is Robert Trujillo's net worth?
- What is Dave Mustaine's net worth?
- How much does Metallica make per show?
- Is Metallica the most successful band ever?
- Is Metallica the richest heavy metal band in the world?
Key takeaways
- Lars Ulrich is the wealthiest member of the Metallica band and one of the richest rock musicians globally.
- The net worths of the Metallica band members are primarily derived from album sales, touring, merchandise, and streaming royalties.
- Besides the group’s activities, individual members have ventures that also contribute significantly to their net worths.
Who is the richest member in Metallica? Bandmates ranked by net worth
The net worth figures of the Metallica band members mentioned in this article are estimates based on publicly available information from reputable sources, including Celebrity Net Worth, The Scotsman, and Reality Tea. The values may not reflect their exact current financial status, as private investments and undisclosed earnings are not accounted for.
| Band member | Net worth |
| Lars Ulrich | $350 million |
| James Hetfield | $300 million |
| Kirk Hammett | $200 million |
| Robert Trujillo | $40 million |
4. Robert Trujillo — $40 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Roberto Agustín Miguel Santiago Samuel Trujillo Veracruz
- Date of birth: 23 October 1964
- Age: 60 years old (as of July 2025)
- Place of birth: Santa Monica, California, United States
- Profession: Bass guitarist
American bass guitarist Robert Trujillo has been rocking with Metallica since 2003, when he famously received a $1 million signing bonus to join the legendary band. Long before Metallica, he made waves in the early 1990s as a member of Suicidal Tendencies, and later showcased his talents with hardcore rock groups such as Black Label Society and Infectious Grooves.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Robert’s fortune is estimated at $40 million. His earnings stem largely from his share in Metallica’s massive success, including record-breaking album sales, global tour revenues, and royalties. On top of that, he still earns from his earlier music projects and collaborations.
Outside of music, Robert has shown a knack for real estate. He reportedly owns a luxurious Topanga, Los Angeles home, valued at around $3.55 million. The 2,092-square-foot property features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and all the trappings of laid-back California comfort.
In a Facebook post, the bass guitarist reflected on his musical influences and dreams of wealth, humorously admitting that while he does not consider himself rich, he is enjoying the ride. He said:
All of us, young musicians in junior high and high school, aspired to be rich and famous, and we looked up to our superheroes. Led Zeppelin, everybody wanted to be Led Zeppelin. So I wrote it in my yearbook. It was kind of a joke, but here I am, not rich, I don't know how famous I am, but I'm having a good time.
3. Kirk Hammett — $200 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Kirk Lee Hammett
- Date of birth: 18 November 1962
- Age: 62 years old (as of July 2025)
- Place of birth: San Francisco, California, United States
- Profession: Guitarist
Kirk Hammett, Metallica’s legendary lead guitarist, has been shredding solos with the band since 1983. Before joining the heavy metal giants, he co-founded the thrash metal band Exodus in 1979, setting the stage for his rise to guitar god status. Over the years, his talent has earned him a place on several lists of the greatest guitarists of all time, including a nod from Rolling Stone magazine.
With over four decades in the music industry, Kirk has built a fortune estimated at $200 million. Most of his wealth stems from Metallica’s enormous global success, thanks to chart-topping albums, nonstop tours, streaming royalties, and a mountain of merchandise sales.
The musician has secured lucrative endorsement deals, most notably with ESP Guitars, which sells his signature KH-series models and wah pedals. Kirk’s business savvy extends to real estate, and he owns several properties across California and Hawaii, including a San Francisco mansion that he listed for $13 million in 2018.
He is also an avid horror memorabilia collector and author, and has published titles such as Too Much Horror Business, Metallica—The Art of Kirk Hammett, and Kirk Hammett’s Guitar Lessons: The Sound & the Fury, proving his creative genius goes well beyond the fretboard.
2. James Hetfield — $300 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: James Alan Hetfield
- Date of birth: 3 August 1963
- Age: 61 years old (as of July)
- Place of birth: Downey, California, United States
- Profession: Musician, songwriter, actor
James Hetfield, the unmistakable voice and rhythm behind Metallica’s thunderous sound, has been rocking stages and shaking up the metal scene since the early 1980s. With an estimated net worth of $300 million, Hetfield is not just one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history; he is also one of the wealthiest.
Most of his fortune comes from Metallica’s massive global success, including album sales, streaming royalties, and those high-octane world tours that rake in hundreds of millions. His riffs and lyrics, like those in Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters, continue to earn big through film, gaming, and commercial licensing.
But James is not just making money with his guitar. He is a savvy investor who owns multiple properties, like his luxurious Vail, Colorado mansion, and has donated large portions of his land in California for conservation.
He also cashes in on signature guitar deals with ESP and Randall, runs Metallica’s independent label (Blackened Recordings), and even dabbles in custom classic car restoration. Add in his charity work through the All Within My Hands Foundation, and you have a rock star whose success story.
Although many people equate success with wealth, James Hetfield sees it differently. In a 2014 interview, the Metallica frontman shared that, to him, success means having the freedom to fully express his creativity without limitations.
He views Metallica as a truly successful band because, for over two decades, they have been able to create music exactly how they envision it; on their own terms, without compromise.
1. Lars Ulrich — $350 million
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Lars Ulrich
- Date of birth: 26 December 1963
- Age: 61 years old (as of July 2025)
- Place of birth: Gentofte Municipality, Denmark
- Profession: Musician, songwriter
Lars Ulrich, the powerhouse drummer and co-founder of Metallica, is not just the beat behind the band; he is also the brain behind much of its business moves. With an estimated net worth of $350 million, he is the richest member of Metallica.
He has been instrumental in Metallica’s rise to global fame, earning big from album sales, royalties, and the band’s legendary stadium tours. His wealth also comes from various business ventures, including co-owning Blackened Recordings, the band’s label.
Offstage, Lars has made investments in real estate and art, reportedly owning homes in California, Copenhagen, and even a stunning estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also an avid art collector with pieces by Basquiat and Damien Hirst in his collection. Undoubtedly, he knows how to turn passion into profit.
In a YouTube video shared by FrogsCo by The Machine, Lars Ulrich comments on money and control, admitting to being a control guy and not a greedy businessman. He explains that he has never had a precious relationship with money, and wealth has never been a driving ambition for him.
Who are the current Metallica members?
As of 2025, the current lineup of the Metallica band comprises James Hetfield (rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist), Lars Ulrich (drummer), Kirk Hammett (lead guitarist), and Robert Trujillo (bassist).
How rich is Kirk Hammett?
Kirk Hammett has an estimated net worth of $200 million. His wealth comes from Metallica's global album sales, royalties, touring income, and merchandise revenue. He also owns an extensive and valuable collection of horror memorabilia and rare guitars.
Why is Lars Ulrich so rich?
Lars Ulrich's fortune is tied to co-founding the rock band, songwriting royalties, co-owning Blackened Recordings, multiple real estate investments, and a valuable art collection.
What is James Hetfield’s net worth?
James Hetfield, co-founder, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of Metallica, has a net worth of approximately $300 million. He has multiple income sources tied to the group’s activities and also has investments in real estate and high-end vehicles.
What is Robert Trujillo's net worth?
Robert Trujillo's estimated net worth is $40 million. Besides the Metallica band’s earnings, he makes money from his past work with other bands like Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne.
What is Dave Mustaine's net worth?
Celebrity Net Worth alleges that his net worth is $14 million as of 2025. The former member of the Metallica band is the co-founder, frontman, primary songwriter, and sole consistent member of the thrash metal band Megadeth.
How much does Metallica make per show?
According to a publication by Forbes, the metal rock band grossed an average of $2.79 million per show in 2024. Their ticket revenue grossed approximately $179 million across 24 shows.
Is Metallica the most successful band ever?
The band is one of the most commercially successful rock bands of all time, having sold more than 123 million albums worldwide, earning hundreds of millions of dollars.
Is Metallica the richest heavy metal band in the world?
According to a ranking by AOL, Metallica tops the list of the richest heavy metal bands in the world with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.
Lars Ulrich is the richest member of Metallica, with an estimated net worth of $350 million. Each member has built substantial wealth through the shared earnings from the band’s music activities. In addition to earnings from Metallica, their individual ventures have also played a major role in boosting their fortunes.
Legit.ng recently published the net worths of the Million Dollar Listing cast, and the numbers are just as jaw-dropping as the luxury homes they sell. The Bravo reality show features high-profile real estate agents and media personalities with impressive fortunes, spanning industries beyond property.
With net worths ranging from $6 million to $40 million, these stars embody wealth and success. While most built their empires through real estate, many have boosted their incomes with ventures in media, branding, and business. Read on to discover how each cast member ranks in terms of net worth.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
