Each year, Vanity Fair chooses its most profitable and influential list, called “The New Store.” This year, several people in the music industry made their list, including rocker-turned-politician Bono, hip-hop artist Jay-Z, and grandpa Mick Jagger. What does it take to become one of the new establishments? According to Vanity Fair, they spend money like it grows on trees, the bankrupt economy does not appear to be affecting their ability to make a profit, and they have had their fair share of controversy.
Bono has never shied away from controversy. And this year there have been plenty for the U2 frontman as he juggles the roles of rocker, humanitarian, and capitalist. His group U2 will soon release their new album and has signed a contract with Live Nation; which is said to be worth hundreds of millions. Capitalist Bono owns shares in Elevation Enterprises, which buys struggling companies, and his Dublin hotel has come under fire for renovations that have led to the destruction of historic buildings. The humanitarian in it raised more than $ 43 million for AIDS in Africa.
Jay-Z signed a mega contract with Live Nation, which will invest in his concert tours, recordings and merchandise. Jay-Z married his longtime love, Beyonce Knowles, leaving the media to ponder whether or not they should refer to him as Mr. Beyonce. Jay-Z was booed during his performance at the Glastonbury rock festival by fans who thought a hip hop rocker had no place there.
Mick Jagger and his band, The Rolling Stones, proved that good music never gets old. Martin Scorsese produced the highly acclaimed documentary concert entitled “Shine a Light”. Mick and the boys have always coveted controversy and this year was no different: Guitarist Ron Wood had an affair with a 20-year-old Russian waitress (Ron-boy is 63). A newly published book claims that Mick was the target of a failed assassination attempt.
