Jul 8, 2008, 4:00 GMT
The Rolling Stones have been named the highest-paid private performers.
04/02/2008 - The Rolling Stones - "Shine a Light" London Premiere - Arrivals - Odeon, Leicester Square - London, England © Solarpix / PR Photos
The band, fronted by Sir Mick Jagger, command a staggering £3.5 million per private performance, a new book has revealed.
Author Imogen Edward-Jones made the staggering discovery while researching her new tome 'Pop Babylon', and the figure dwarfs the sums being paid to other artists.
Sir Elton John, Robbie Williams, Rod Stewart and Amy Winehouse can all command up to £1 million for a private concert, while Janet Jackson and the Pussycat Dolls charge £500,000 per show.
The list is rounded off by Sting, the Sugababes and All Saints who all charge £250,000 and Girls Aloud who expect to pocket £200,000 to play at parties.
Imogen writes: "No wonder the market is expanding rapidly with indie acts and young pop stars offering themselves up to the highest bidder.
"Even old favourites such as Rick Astley and the Human League have dusted themselves off and are available for weddings and bar mitzvahs. So no matter how big or small your budget, there appears to be a band to suit you."
'Pop Babylon' by Imogen Edwards-Jones, list of highest-paid private performers:
Rolling Stones - £3.5million
Sir Elton John - £1million
Robbie Williams - £1million
Rod Stewart - £1million
Amy Winehouse - £1million
Janet Jackson - £500,000
Pussycat Dolls - £500,000
Sting - £250,000
Sugababes - £250,000
All Saints - £250,000
Girls Aloud - £200,000
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