Devin Townsend’s salary surprise

Devin Townsend has revealed that he makes about $60,000 a year from his musical career – and his brother-in-law, a sheet metal worker, is paid more than him.

The figure, which equates to a UK income in the mid-£30,000 bracket. That’s above the British national average of £26,500, but may come as a surprise to many who believe the prog-metal mastermind might be in the top league of earners.

Asked about his income, Townsend tells the Music Business Facts Podcast (via MetalSucks): “About five grand a month before taxes. Sometimes you get a bonus. But a lot of it goes back in the pot because everybody’s on a salary. I get a bit more than the other guys in the band.”

He adds that he “can’t complain” but admits: “I get much less than my brother-in-law, who does sheet metal fabrication.”

Last year the biggest earners in rock music were the Eagles, who made $100m, followed by Bon Jovi ($82m), Bruce Springsteen ($81m), Paul McCartney ($71m) and the Rolling Stones ($47m).

Townsend returns to the UK next month ahead of a one-off show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on April 13:

Mar 29: Bristol O2 Academy

Mar 30: Glasgow O2 ABC

Mar 31: Manchester Academy

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.