The old Rolling Stones soak rich people

Nov 1, 2006, 11:50 GMT

Rolling Stones\' Mick Jagger (L) and Keith Richards - can you imagine the stories they\'ll trade in the retirement home? EPA/EMMEVI PHOTO

The Rolling Stones charge an astonishing £4 million for a private show - making them the most expensive music act per performance ever.

Oil barons and international millionaire businessmen are willing to fork out whopping fees to have their favourite performers entertain them and the ageing rockers are cashing in on the market.

In 2002, Texan billionaire David Bonderman paid for the Stones - Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts - to help him celebrate his 60th birthday.

The Eagles come a close second in the price per performance stakes charging £3.75 million.

The band started promoting their services for private shows after reforming for their 'Hell Freezes Over' comeback tour and realising their fans had not just grown older, but also richer.

Canadian singer Celine Dion can demand a staggering £3.3 million for a private show and Sir Elton John asked one British multi-millionaire to pay him £1 million to play at his wedding reception.

But not all music acts offer value for money. One Russian billionaire once paid £1.8 million to hear Christina Aguilera perform just three songs at his wedding. He also paid an extra £600,000 for Whitney Houston to follow her on stage.

Further down the scale, Beyoncé Knowles offers her services for just £650,000, and Aerosmith will entertain you for a mere £550,000.

(C) BANG Media International