Zac Brown Band is one of the most popular and successful country music groups of the last decade. With multiple #1 albums and singles on the country charts, as well as several crossover pop hits, they have developed a large and devoted fanbase that has enabled them to consistently sell out venues across North America. Naturally, with such fame and drawing power comes the ability to charge substantial fees for their live performances. So how much does Zac Brown Band charge for a concert appearance?
Zac Brown Band’s Concert Fee History
Early in their career, when Zac Brown Band was still establishing themselves, they likely did not command very high performance fees. Smaller clubs and theaters could likely book them for $20,000-$50,000 per show. However, as their popularity grew thanks to hit songs like “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Highway 20 Ride,” their asking price increased as well. By 2010, when they released their major label debut album ‘The Foundation,’ they were likely raking in $100,000-$200,000 per night.
Their fee undoubtedly took a big jump after the release of their 2012 album ‘Uncaged,’ which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and contained the mega crossover hits “The Wind” and “Jump Right In.” Suddenly they were doing arena tours and major festival appearances, and their paycheck reflected that. In 2013-2014, they probably earned between $250,000-$500,000 for headlining concerts in arenas and amphitheaters. The release of their third #1 album ‘Jekyll + Hyde’ in 2015 and its hit single “Homegrown” allowed them to start commanding over $500,000 per show.
In recent years, as one of the top touring acts in country music, Zac Brown Band has been raking in $750,000-$1 million per stadium/festival appearance. They have grossed over $60 million on some of their world tours. While they occasionally play smaller venues and charge less for those more intimate shows, their standard asking price has reached the 7-figure mark. In total, the band has earned many millions from their exceptional live performance fees over the last decade-plus.
Factors That Determine Zac Brown Band’s Concert Fee
There are a few key factors that allow Zac Brown Band to charge top dollar for their live shows:
- Their popularity and album sales – With 6 straight #1 country albums and over 30 charting singles, they have one of the strongest commercial track records in contemporary country music.
- Their critical acclaim – In addition to being commercial juggernauts, they are darlings of the critics, winning 3 Grammys including Best New Artist in 2010.
- Their touring power – They have proven their ability to sell out arenas and stadiums year after year.
- Their show production – Their concerts feature elaborate lighting and video production for an arena-worthy spectacle.
- Their crossover appeal – With Top 40 pop hits, they draw fans beyond just country listeners.
Being one of only a few country artists that can check all those boxes allows their team to negotiate massive performance fees from promoters. Their guarantee for a festival headlining slot or a stadium show is now on par with music’s biggest pop stars.
How Zac Brown Band’s Fee Compares to Other Artists
Here is a rundown of how Zac Brown Band’s typical concert fee range stacks up against rates charged by other top artists:
| Artist | Average Concert Fee |
|---|---|
| Zac Brown Band | $750,000-$1 million |
| Luke Bryan | $1 million |
| Garth Brooks | $1 million+ |
| Eric Church | $750,000-$1 million |
| Kenny Chesney | $1 million+ |
| Taylor Swift | $2 million+ |
| Beyonce | $2 million+ |
| U2 | $1 million+ |
| Lady Gaga | $1 million |
| Bruno Mars | $1 million |
As you can see, Zac Brown Band’s fee range is near the top among country stars, trailing only Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney on average. Among all musical acts, only the absolute biggest global pop superstars like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and U2 exceed their asking price. So they are firmly in the upper echelon of earners in the music industry. Not bad for a country/southern rock band from Georgia!
How Much Does Zac Brown Band Make Per Year?
With Zac Brown Band’s huge per-show fees, when combined with the impressive number of shows they do per year, their estimated annual income is massive. Let’s take a look at some rough estimates:
- Average concert fee – $875,000
- Estimated # of shows per year – 60
- Total estimated concert revenue – $52,500,000
- Additional revenue from merch, licensing, etc. – ~$15 million
- Total estimated yearly revenue – $67,500,000
So based on typical figures, Zac Brown Band likely earns over $60 million per year from concerts alone. Factor in merchandise sales at shows along with licensing deals and other revenue streams, and their total yearly income probably exceeds $67 million. With those kind of numbers, Zac Brown Band is securely among the highest-paid performers in country music.
Highest Grossing Tours and Biggest Paydays
Thanks to their insane success as a touring act, Zac Brown Band has raked in massive paychecks from some of their biggest tours and one-off shows. Here are some of their most profitable gigs:
- The Great American Road Trip Tour (2013) – $41 million
- Jekyll + Hyde Tour (2015) – $63 million
- Welcome Home Tour (2017) – $63 million
- Down The Rabbit Hole Live Tour (2019) – $53 million
- Fenway Park show (2013) – $3.7 million
- Wrigley Field show (2016) – $4.2 million
- Soldier Field show (2018) – $4 million
From massive world tours pulling in over $60 million to single shows grossing $4 million+, Zac Brown Band has consistently delivered some of the most profitable concerts in music over the past decade. Thanks to their popularity and powerful live performances, they will likely continue printing money on the road for years to come.
How Does Zac Brown Band Spend Their Fortune?
While generating tens of millions in annual income, how does Zac Brown Band actually spend all that cash?
- Mansions and real estate – Zac Brown owns a $4 million mansion in Nashville.
- Private jets – They tour in luxury on their own private jet.
- Exotic cars – Zac has an extensive classic car collection including Mustangs and Ferraris.
- Musical gear – They spend top dollar on the best instruments and studio equipment.
- Philanthropy – The band is involved in various charitable causes for veterans and children.
- Investments – They invest some of their earnings in businesses like Z. Alexander Brown winery.
- Crazy vacations – Private islands, luxury cruises, overseas adventures.
Even after covering their touring expenses, Zac Brown Band has plenty left over to indulge in lavish purchases like real estate, vehicles, gear, and vacations. Of course, they also use their fortune for good by giving back and helping others in need.
Zac Brown Band Remains one of the Highest Paid Acts in Music
Very few musical artists reach the upper echelon of live performers that can charge over $1 million per show consistently. Thanks to their incredible success and devoted fanbase, Zac Brown Band has managed to join that elite club.
With their albums going gold and platinum and selling out huge venues year after year, they can guarantee promoters massive profits. That gives their team all the negotiating leverage when it comes time to set their performance fee, which has climbed steadily from small clubs to major festivals over their career.
While they pay their dues on the road doing 100+ shows per year, the rewards allow Zac Brown, Jimmy De Martini, Coy Bowles, Chris Fryar, Clay Cook, Daniel de los Reyes, and Matt Mangano to rake in tens of millions annually. The numbers don’t lie – Zac Brown Band is truly one of the highest-paid and most successful groups performing today.