Bono Is Now The World's Richest Pop Star, Thanks To Facebook

Veteran pop icon and U2 frontman Bono has eclipsed Sir Paul McCartney to become the world's richest pop star — and it's all thanks to investing in Facebook.

According to UK media, The Sunglassed One accrued close to £1 billion (about $2.1 billion) from his shares in the social media company, of which he bought a 2.3% stake — valued then at £56 million — back in 2009, when the company was made public, via investment company Elevation Partners.

With a current worth of £940 million, Bono's savvy investment "has earned him more in the last six years than the whole of his incredible music career".

The milestone comes despite reports emerging earlier this month that ethical clothing firm Edun Apparel — founded by Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson — had reached nearly £44 million in losses over the past four years. The company was founded back in 2005 and maintains its focus on "building long-term, sustainable growth opportunities by supporting manufacturers, community-based initiatives and partnering with African artists and artisans" despite its financial difficulties.

Either way, Bono now sits proudly atop the pile of British musicians with more money than they know what to do with, with former kingpin McCartney now settling for second place with a worth of £730 million, and resilient pop queen Madonna sitting pretty in third with £520 million.