When we talk about the legendary band, Queen, the first names that might come to mind are Freddie Mercury and Brian May. But there’s another key figure who contributed significantly to the band’s success and unique sound – the incredibly talented drummer, Roger Taylor. Now, we’ll delve into Taylor’s life, exploring his early years and taking a closer look at his impressive net worth. Let’s embark on this journey and discover the man who rocked the drums and won our hearts.
Net Worth: $200 Million
Date of Birth: Jul 26, 1949
Place of Birth: King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Gender: Male
Profession: Drummer, Musician
Roger Taylor Early Life
Roger Meddows Taylor, born on July 26, 1949, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, was destined for greatness from the start. With a passion for music coursing through his veins, young Roger began playing the ukulele at the tender age of seven. By the time he was a teenager, he had expanded his musical talents to include guitar and drums. The latter would become his true calling, setting the stage for his future career.
In 1968, Taylor enrolled at the London Hospital Medical College to study dentistry, but his love for music soon overshadowed his academic pursuits. While at university, he joined a band called Smile, where he played alongside Brian May, who would later become his bandmate in Queen. Taylor’s powerful drumming and unique falsetto vocals quickly caught the attention of listeners, and it wasn’t long before he made the life-changing decision to leave dentistry behind to pursue a full-time career in music.
Roger Taylor Personal Life
Roger Taylor is known for his private nature, but there are still some interesting aspects of his personal life worth exploring. He has been married twice; his first marriage to Dominique Beyrand, a former model, lasted from 1980 to 1987, and the couple has two children, Felix Luther, and Rory Eleanor. In 2010, Taylor married Sarina Potgieter, a South African actress, and producer, and the couple remains together to this day.
Taylor is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Along with his Queen bandmates, he has participated in numerous charity concerts and events over the years, including the historic Live Aid concert in 1985. Furthermore, he continues to support various charitable organizations and causes, such as Mercury Phoenix Trust, which was established in honor of Freddie Mercury and aims to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research and prevention.
Roger Taylor Career
Roger Taylor’s career has been nothing short of exceptional. As a founding member of Queen, he played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s distinctive sound, which has earned them legions of fans across multiple generations. His powerful drumming and unique vocals have left an indelible mark on the history of rock music.
Throughout Queen’s career, Taylor’s contributions extended beyond his role as a drummer. He showcased his songwriting prowess by penning some of the band’s most iconic tracks, proving that he was not only a skilled musician but also a talented lyricist.
Following the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, Queen’s future seemed uncertain. However, Taylor and his remaining bandmates, Brian May and John Deacon, pushed forward, releasing the album “Made in Heaven” in 1995, which featured Mercury’s final recordings. In 2004, they began touring with vocalist Paul Rodgers under the name “Queen + Paul Rodgers,” before eventually collaborating with Adam Lambert in 2011.
In addition to his work with Queen, Taylor has also established a successful solo career, which has further cemented his status as a versatile and accomplished musician. Over the years, he has experimented with various musical styles and collaborated with numerous artists, demonstrating his commitment to evolving and growing as an artist.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Taylor has also ventured into other areas of the entertainment industry. He composed the score for the 1991 film “Highlander II: The Quickening” and has made several acting appearances, including a cameo in the 1998 film “Taylor Made” and a guest role on the British sitcom “The Naked Actor.”
As a true testament to his remarkable career, Roger Taylor was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Queen in 2001. He has also received various other accolades and honors for his work in music, solidifying his status as a rock legend.
Roger Taylor Net Worth
As of 2023, Roger Taylor’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. This staggering figure is a testament to his incredible talent and relentless work ethic, which has driven him to success in various facets of the music industry. Let’s take a closer look at the key elements contributing to his impressive wealth.
Queen: Taylor’s main claim to fame and a significant source of his wealth is his role as the drummer and occasional vocalist for the iconic rock band, Queen. Throughout the band’s illustrious career, they have sold over 300 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. Taylor played a crucial role in penning some of their most memorable hits, including “Radio Ga Ga,” “I’m in Love with My Car,” and “A Kind of Magic.”
Solo career: In addition to his success with Queen, Taylor has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career. He has released a total of five solo albums, beginning with 1981’s “Fun in Space” and most recently, 2013’s “Fun on Earth.” While his solo work may not have reached the same level of commercial success as Queen, it has undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth.
Songwriting royalties: As mentioned earlier, Taylor is responsible for writing some of Queen’s most famous songs. In addition to earning income from album sales, he also collects royalties for these compositions every time they are played on the radio, used in advertisements, or featured in movies and television shows.
Real estate investments: Taylor has wisely invested a portion of his earnings in real estate. He reportedly owns several luxurious properties around the world, including a sprawling estate in Surrey, England, worth an estimated $10 million. These properties not only provide him with a comfortable lifestyle but also serve as valuable investments that contribute to his overall net worth.
The Queen Extravaganza: Taylor is not only a talented musician but also a savvy businessman. In 2012, he co-founded The Queen Extravaganza, an official tribute band that tours internationally, celebrating the music of the Queen. As a co-founder, Taylor undoubtedly receives a share of the profits generated by the tribute band’s performances.
