Bruce Springsteen reveals the truth about his wealth

It’s usually best to let the boss have the last word. I guess that might vary slightly depending on which boss you are dealing with. But when it comes to Bruce Springsteen there won’t be any arguments over who has the final say. And that no-arguments principle is a pretty important factor in this matter in more ways than one.

Back in the summer, Forbes magazine revealed that Springsteen had broken through into their billionaires list. The magazine carries out a load of research and assessment to list and rank the world's billionaires. Their work showed that Springsteen’s wealth had risen to a point where he should be included. 

According to their notes, that point was his estimated net worth of $1.1 billion. Just enough to make the list. Perhaps, though, with a margin of error that kept him on the edge. A big boost to Springsteen's wallet was selling his back catalog of songs in 2021 to Sony Music’s Columbia Records. That was a deal worth an eye-watering $500 million to Springsteen.  He has then topped that up further with what seems like a never-ending tour schedule year after year. Even a touch of illness, which canceled a few shows, didn't stop him from returning to the stage with his E Street Band. 

Springsteen denies billionaire wealth claim

Springsteen has been in London recently to promote the new Disney + film Road Diary, a behind-the-scenes look at him and his band on tour. During an interview in the Telegraph (paywall alert), Springsteen said the Forbes listing is incorrect. “I’m not a billionaire. I wish I was, but they got that real wrong.” There could be plenty of reasons why that's the case, he alluded to spending “too much money on superfluous things.” 

Elsewhere in the film, he reveals another possible reason: it can’t be the same one while it’s about spending money, it’s not superfluous by any means. Springsteen opens up about the E Street band and how they all get on during a tour. He reckons he made it clear that he won't stand for any arguments or awkward stand-offs amongst the band.

But he also said he pays them very well too. Those tours will pull in big money, but it is a huge group of people and equipment to take around everywhere and no doubt a hefty cost that goes with that.

Right now Springsteen remains on the Forbes list. Their real-time billionaires list still has him included at $1.1 billion. I’m sure the Forbes calculators will be working overtime to reassess now the boss has spoken.

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