How much money was stolen from the Beatles?

In the 1960s the Beatles were estimated to have lost a billion dollars in underhanded merchandising deals.


Did the Beatles split the money equally?

In their original contract with manager Brian Epstein in 1962, Epstein got 25 percent of the gross money, and the four Beatles evenly split the remaining 75 percent. The Beatles stayed even-steven, equally splitting concert fees, record royalties and merchandising profits.

How much did The Beatles sue Apple for?

The suit was settled in 1981 with an undisclosed amount being paid to Apple Corps. This amount was later revealed to be US$80,000 (equivalent to $238,400 in 2021).


Who made the most money from The Beatles?

McCartney is the richest member of The Beatles thanks to touring, songwriting royalties and licensing. At the time of his death in 1980, Lennon was worth an estimated $200 million (about $671 million in today's dollars, adjusted for inflation).

How did The Beatles almost lose all their money?

Byrne quickly signed dozens agreements with merchandisers that subsequently cost the Beatles approximately $100,000,000 in lost royalties. Mr. Epstein later re-negotiated the Beatles' share to 45%, but by then, Beatlemania was on the wane and the financial damage had been done.


10 Beatles Hits That 'Rip Off' Other Songs



Who owns the Beatles music now?

A decade after the initial deal, Jackson sold 50 percent of ATV to Sony for $95 million, creating the music publishing company Sony/ATV. Today, the company owns the rights to the Beatles' songs, as well as those from artists like Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Hank Williams, and Roy Orbison.

How much money did Michael Jackson make off the Beatles?

It was sound financial advice that McCartney may have come to regret giving on August 14, 1985, when Michael Jackson purchased the publishing rights to the vast majority of the Beatles' catalog for $47 million, outbidding McCartney himself.

Who was the poorest Beatle?

One future Beatles did experience a Dickensian childhood combining poverty, ill health and paternal abandonment. Richard Starkey grew up in an area of the city notorious for crime and poverty. But he would not meet the other Beatles until October, 1960.


Who made more money Elvis or the Beatles?

While The Beatles come out on top in the U.S., the true best-selling artist of all time would have to be the top-seller all around the world. When figuring sales of singles, EPs and albums worldwide, many historians believe that Elvis is the best-selling artist period.

How much tax did the Beatles pay?

Written by the group's lead guitarist, George Harrison, with some lyrical assistance from John Lennon, it protests against the higher level of progressive tax imposed in the United Kingdom by the Labour government of Harold Wilson, which saw the Beatles paying over 90 per cent of their earnings to the Treasury.

Did Yoko give Julian any money?

It took a while for everything to come together, and after a grueling 16 years of litigation in Surrogate's Court, Yoko finally settled with Julian for an undisclosed amount. However, rumor has it that the settlement was approximately $25 million—nowhere close to what Julian would have received if John had no will.


Who owns the original Beatles contract?

Their first management contract with manager Brian Epstein was sold at an auction for £275,000 (US$345,000) with the funds going to the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation.

Did the Beatles claim to be bigger than God?

Fifty years ago today, the London Evening Standard published an interview with John Lennon that became an enduring part of the Beatles' legacy. “We're more popular than Jesus now,” Lennon told the rock journalist Maureen Cleave. “I don't know which will go first—rock 'n' roll or Christianity.”

How did the Beatles avoid taxes?

The Beatles eventually to set up Apple Corps, Limited, a company that let them sidestep the high income tax and instead pay a lower, corporate tax rate.


Why did Paul sue the Beatles?

On 31 December, McCartney filed a lawsuit against the other three Beatles in London's High Court of Justice for dissolution of the band's contractual partnership.

How much money did the Beatles make when they were together?

The group once held the top five spots on Billboard 100—in April 1964—an achievement that's likely to remain unmatched. They made $25 million in earnings that year, which translates to almost $188 million today.

Who is the biggest selling band of all time?

Top-selling artists worldwide as of 2022. Perhaps unsurprisingly, British rock band The Beatles are top of the list for best-selling artists worldwide, with 183 million units certified sales. Second is Garth Brooks with over 157 million units sales, followed by Elvis Presley with 139 million units.


Who inherited George Harrison's money?

At the age of 58, George Harrison passed away after battles with lung and brain cancer. He left a will directing his estate to his wife, Olivia, and his son, Dhani.

What Beatles record is most valuable?

The Beatles – Yesterday and Today (Capitol, US album in 'butcher' sleeve, 1966). A sealed mint "first state" stereo copy sold for US$125,000 in February 2016, unsealed mint copies of this pressing have regularly sold for well over $15,000.

Who was the happiest Beatle?

For more than 40 years, the name Pete Best has been synonymous with the notion of the man who so nearly had it all. One day he was the drummer with The Beatles; the next he wasn't.


Who was the most successful ex Beatle?

Despite Harrison's accolade, Paul McCartney achieved the greatest chart success through the sheer quantity of music he has released. Macca was the most prolific Beatle whose solo career outlasted the other Beatles, especially both John Lennon and George Harrison, whose lives were taken from them far too early.

Who refused The Beatles?

The English rock band the Beatles auditioned for Decca Records at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, north London, on 1 January 1962. They were rejected by the label, who instead opted to sign a contract with Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.

Who sold more MJ or Beatles?

The Beatles sold over 600 million albums worldwide, whereas Michael Jackson sold over 400 million albums worldwide.


Who made more money Beatles or Michael Jackson?

In total Michael Jackson has sold over a billion records worldwide the Beatles can't touch him. MJ has generated 2 billion dollars in earnings alone and is CONFIRMED for selling 1 billion records worldwide.

Did the Beatles make a lot of money?

Under his management, the Beatles “were not rich,” Davis said. “I think Brian Epstein paid them something like 25 pounds a week,” he said. “I know it sounds crazy. That was about $40 [in U.S. currency] a week.”
Previous question
Can low B12 make you feel weird?