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Where Are They Now: Rockstars of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s

Updated: Sep 29, 2023By Daniel RosenblatEntertainment
This article originally appeared on Investing.com. It has been republished here with permission.
Bono ©Dominique Charriau | ©KMazur/Getty Images Bono ©Dominique Charriau | ©KMazur/Getty Images

In the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, rockstars took the music industry by storm and produced some of the most iconic hits of all time. But what ever happened to beloved artists like Joan Jett, Gene Simmons, and  Taime Downe? 

From the rock stars that gave us thrills to the ones that sent chills through our veins, here’s a look at some of the biggest rock stars of the Classic Rock Era. How much they’ve made in their illustrious careers is almost as astonishing as what they’re up to nowadays, other than building armies of followers on Twitter and META.

1. Bruce Springsteen

Formerly Known From: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $700 million*

The “Boss,” Bruce Springsteen broke into the mainstream in the mid-1970s and never looked back. Since his humble beginnings, Springsteen has sold over 150 million records worldwide and achieved critical acclaim for both his music and performances. “Born To Run” wasn’t just a clever name for an album, it was a phrase that epitomized Bruce’s drive for greatness.

Bruce Springsteen © Ron Adar / shutterstock.com | © Richard E. Aaron / Getty Images Bruce Springsteen © Ron Adar / shutterstock.com | © Richard E. Aaron / Getty Images

More than 45 years late, Springsteen is still an active artist who is constantly working on new material. The “Boss” has even dabbled on Broadway. He and the E Street Band recently concluded a residency that included Tuesday through Saturday performances of a musical about Bruce’s life.

2. Mick Jagger

Formerly Known From: The Rolling Stones
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $520 million*

Mick Jagger has been a fixture in the music industry longer than most people have been alive. And he’s done it whilst fronting one of the biggest bands in the world. He has also collaborated with fellow greats Tina Turner and David Bowie, amongst others. 

Mick Jagger © Michael Ochs Archives / © BSR Agency / Getty Images Mick Jagger © Michael Ochs Archives / © BSR Agency / Getty Images

The man everyone wants to “move like” continues to tour and make music with the Stones but is more than simply a musician. Jagger is an active philanthropist and was even knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. You heard that right. Mick Jagger is a knight! His success continues today, and his influence has been felt by generations of artists.

3. Jon Bon Jovi

Formerly Known From: Bon Jovi
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $410 million*

Ever since he and his band mates got together, Bon Jovi has truly been Livin’ on a Prayer. Jon Bon began as the frontman as “just another ‘80s hairband,” but performed his way into the hearts of millions who proudly call themselves members of JoviNation. 

Jon Bon Jovi ©Paul Natkin / © Bruce Glikas / Getty Images Jon Bon Jovi ©Paul Natkin / © Bruce Glikas / Getty Images

Jon Bon’s success hasn’t been limited to musical accomplishments. He’s dabbled in acting, with roles in U-571 and Young Guns II. Jon Bon Jovi has also entered the business world, creating the Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to help combat hunger, and endorsing several products including Advil and BRK.

4. Bob Dylan

Formerly Known From: Bob Dylan
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $520 million*

Bob Dylan is considered one of the greatest songwriters and musicians of all time. His career spans more than six decades, and he has released countless hit albums and singles. In 2020, he released his 39th studio album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, to critical acclaim, of course.

Bob Dylan ©Hulton Deutsch ©Dave J Hogan / Getty Images Bob Dylan ©Hulton Deutsch ©Dave J Hogan / Getty Images

He continues to tour and perform around the world, delighting fans of all ages with his iconic folk-rock sound. Despite his advanced age, Dylan shows no signs of losing his sound. In fact, some fans and critics believe that after all these years, he has finally grown into that raspy voice of his. 

5. Neil Young

Formerly Known From: Buffalo Springfield/ Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young/ Neil Young
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $210 million*

One of the great gems of the Great White North, Neil Young first rose to fame as a member of Buffalo Springfield before moving on to become one-quarter of one of music’s first ‘supergroups,’ Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and eventually going on to have one of the longest careers in music history. 

Neil Young ©Robert Altman © Matt Cardy / Getty Images Neil Young ©Robert Altman © Matt Cardy / Getty Images

‘Uncle Neil’ has released over 40 albums and performed over 1,000 concerts during his career, including several memorable shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Toronto’s Massey Hall. As of 2023, the ‘Godfather of Grunge’ was still going strong, with tour dates scheduled in numerous countries. 

6. Van Morrison

Formerly Known From: Them, The Wheels, Van Morrison
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $90 million*

Ireland native Van Morrison, born George Ivan Morrison, has had numerous hits during his 6+ decade career, such as everyone’s favorite song to sing at karaoke, Brown Eyed Girl. ‘Van the Man’ has played in sold-out venues since the time of The Beatles, and he’s still going strong. 

Van Morrison @groovyhistory / Pinterest | ©Mike Marsland / Getty Images Van Morrison @groovyhistory / Pinterest | ©Mike Marsland / Getty Images

At 77 years young, ‘The Belfast Cowboy’ refuses to lie down. The two-time Grammy winner continues to record new songs while playing to a whole new generation of fans. To honor all he’s done for the industry, Van Morrison has been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

7. Keith Richards

Formerly Known From: The Rolling Stones
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $520 million*

The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is widely regarded as one of the most influential rockstars ever. He’s renowned for his wild lifestyle, love of music, and ability to outlive his less party-hearty friends. 

Keith Richards ©Stanley Bielecki/ASP / ©Nils Petter Nilsson / Getty Images Keith Richards ©Stanley Bielecki/ASP / ©Nils Petter Nilsson / Getty Images

The Rolling Stones haven’t released a new studio album since 2016. Despite turning 80 in 2023, Keith Richards still tours with his lifelong band as often as their aging bodies allow. Impressively enough, Keith can still play most of his old riffs to perfection.

8. Sting

Formerly Known From: The Police, Sting
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $550 million*

As the frontman of The Police, Sting rose to fame in the late 1970s with hits like Every Breath You Take and Roxanne but left the band during the peak of its success to pursue a solo career. Proving neigh sayers wrong, Sting’s distinct brand of alternative rock brought him success beyond his wildest dreams. 

Sting ©Richard McCaffrey / ©Don Arnold / Getty Images Sting ©Richard McCaffrey / ©Don Arnold / Getty Images

With nearly 80 million albums sold, Sting is one of the most successful solo acts to hit the stage and has 12 Grammys to his name. Currently, Sting is touring the world promoting his 2021 album, The Bridge.

9. Jimmy Page

Formerly Known From: Led Zeppelin
Currently: Working on multiple projects
Net Worth: $200 million*

Jimmy Page is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame in the late 1960s as the lead guitarist of the English rock band Led Zeppelin. Page has since worked on various solo projects and has collaborated with other legendary artists such as David Coverdale and Paul Rodgers. 

Jimmy Page ©Art Zelin / © Pierre Suu / Getty Images Jimmy Page ©Art Zelin / © Pierre Suu / Getty Images

His work has been praised for its innovative and influential sound, and he is widely considered one of (if not) the greatest guitarists of all time. When he’s not on the road, fans can glimpse Jimmy Page, or his Ferrari GTB 275, at least, while passing by his Gothic London Castle.

10. Billy Joel

Formerly Known From: Billy Joel
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $225 million*

The beloved “Piano Man” of the 1970s, Billy Joel’s music has been part of our lives for quite some time, and he’s still playing his music for his adoring fans today. His hits like Uptown Girl and Just the Way You Are are classic tunes that have endured the rest of time and remain radio favs. 

Billy Joel ©Mike Prior / ©Kevin Mazur / Getty Images Billy Joel ©Mike Prior / ©Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

The way he’s been performing on stage the past few years, you’d never know Billy Joel was in his mid-70s. Stepping away from music for a moment, Billy Joel has a love for motorcycles that he invested — along with a hefty sum of cash — into his motorcycle company, 20th Century Cycles. 

11. Taime Downe

Formerly Known From: Faster Pussycat, The Newlydeads
Currently: Still touring
Net Worth: $3 million*

Taime Downe is best known for being the lead singer and guitarist of the L.A.-based band Faster Pussycat. After the band disbanded, Downe formed a new band, The Newlydeads, and released a few albums throughout the ’90s. However, with his new band, Downe could not recapture the magic that made hard/glam rock fans fall for his act. 

Taime Downe ©Scott Dudelson / ©John Atashian  / Getty Images Taime Downe ©Scott Dudelson / ©John Atashian  / Getty Images

In 2008, he reunited with Faster Pussycat; they have been playing together ever since. Faster Pussycat is working on a new album that will be released later this year.

12. James Hetfield

Formerly Known From: Metallica
Currently: Still touring and recording new material
Net Worth: $350 million*

James Hetfield is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the iconic heavy metal band Metallica. Born in 1963, Hetfield co-founded the band at 18 in 1981 and became a household name amongst metal heads and mainstream music lovers alike, thanks to albums like The Black Album, which included timeless classics from start to finish.

James Hetfield ©Jeff Kravitz / ©Icon and Imag / Getty Images James Hetfield ©Jeff Kravitz / ©Icon and Imag / Getty Images

Nowadays, Hetfield is still active with Metallica as the legendary band is preparing to release its 11th studio album, 72 Seasons, in 2023. He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in Get Him to the Greek and Hawaii Five-0.

13. Janet Gardner

Formerly Known From: Vixen 
Currently: Dental hygienist focusing on family
Net Worth: $1-$5 million*

Juneau, Alaska’s Janet Gardner made her name in the music scene as the lead singer of Vixen, an all-female rock band. She performed with Vixen from 1986 until 1992 before splitting off on her own in pursuit of solo stardom. 

Janet Gardner ©Jeff Kravitz / ©Jason Davis / Getty Images Janet Gardner ©Jeff Kravitz / ©Jason Davis / Getty Images

By the late 1990s, Gardner found herself back with Vixen, performing the first of what would be several reunion tours. Janet is still making music these days, just not with her former bandmates. This vixen has chosen to spend her time prioritizing her solo career and, more importantly, her family.

14. Bruce Dickinson

Formerly Known From: Iron Maiden
Currently: Still touring and recording new material
Net Worth: $130 million*

The frontman of British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, has been rocking the world since 1975. After touring with Iron Maiden, Bruce pursued a solo career and released his debut album in 1990. 

Bruce Dickinson ©John Atashian ©Neil Lupin / Getty Images Bruce Dickinson ©John Atashian ©Neil Lupin / Getty Images

If his musical genius wasn’t enough, Dickinson is also a trained pilot. During one of their recent tours, he even flew the band to gigs in a Boeing 747. Bruce also hosts his own radio show and continues to perform with Maiden. Bruce Dickinson has proved to the world age doesn’t have to limit you, and modern-day renaissance men still exist.