Net Worth Ranker
What Is David Howell Evans’ Net Worth?
David Howell Evans, most famously known as The Edge, the guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic band U2, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $400 million. This impressive figure is largely attributed to his integral role in U2’s success, but also stems from other musical endeavors and strategic investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on August 8, 1961, in Essex, England, David Evans’ early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future success. At the age of one, his family moved to Dublin, Ireland. By the age of seven, he had received his first guitar as a gift, and he also trained as a pianist. During his secondary school years, Evans, along with his brother, joined a band with Paul “Bono” Hewson, Larry Mullen Jr., and Adam Clayton. In 1978, the band officially became known as “U2.”
In the late 1970s, U2 began to take shape, and by the 1980s, they were touring extensively. Their debut album, “Boy,” was released in 1980, marking the beginning of their ascent to global fame. During the early 1980s, Evans wrote the song “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which became one of U2’s signature songs. U2’s success is marked by numerous critically acclaimed albums and chart-topping hits, solidifying their place as one of the most famous and commercially successful bands in the world.
U2’s Impact on The Edge’s Net Worth
U2’s extensive discography has significantly contributed to The Edge’s wealth. Album sales, royalties, and touring revenue all factor into his net worth. It is estimated that U2 has sold over 170 million albums worldwide. The band’s most successful album, “The Joshua Tree,” released in 1987, sold over 25 million copies. “Achtung Baby,” released in 1991, sold over 18 million copies. “All That You Can’t Leave Behind,” released in 2000, sold over 12 million copies. These sales figures underscore the band’s consistent commercial success, which directly translates into substantial income for its members, including The Edge.
Touring has also played a crucial role in U2’s financial success. The “360° Tour,” which ran from 2009 to 2011, became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, earning over $736 million. The “Joshua Tree Tour 2017” grossed over $317 million, further adding to the band’s substantial earnings. Each member of U2, including The Edge, receives a significant share of the profits from these tours, contributing substantially to their individual net worth.
Collaborations and Other Musical Ventures
Besides his work with U2, David Evans has collaborated with other artists. These collaborations include work with Johnny Cash, Tina Turner, Jay-Z, and Rihanna. He and Bono co-wrote the theme song for the James Bond film “GoldenEye.” While the exact financial figures from these collaborations are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall income and net worth.
Real Estate Investments: The Malibu Project
One of Evans’s most notable real estate ventures involves a plan to build a $100 million family home in Malibu. In 2005, Evans and his family purchased a 151-acre plot in the Sweetwater Mesa area for $9 million. His plans to develop this land into a five-mansion compound faced significant legal challenges from environmentalist groups. These groups raised concerns about public beach access and the potential destruction of the area’s natural beauty.
To address these concerns, Evans invested in legal action, geological studies, and public relations efforts. He spent $400,000 on geological studies to demonstrate that the development would not cause landslides. Additionally, he set aside acres of land and pledged $1 million for the construction of a public hiking trail through his property. Despite these efforts, his plans faced repeated denials due to environmental concerns, including the presence of purple needle grass, an environmentally-protected plant species. By 2019, Evans had spent over $10 million on legal and lobbying fees. The estimated cost of the project was at least $80 million, with $24 million needed just to create the access road. As of now (April 2, 2025), the project’s future remains uncertain, highlighting the risks and expenses associated with large-scale real estate development.
Personal Life
Evans married his high school sweetheart, Aislinn O’Sullivan, in 1983. They had three children together before separating in 1990. In 1993, The Edge started dating Morleigh Steinberg, a professional dancer. They were married in 2002 and have two children together. While the details of any divorce settlements are not public, they can potentially impact net worth depending on the specifics of the agreements.
Other Assets and Investments
While specific details about The Edge’s personal investments are not publicly available, individuals with a net worth of $400 million typically have a diversified portfolio of assets. These assets may include stocks, bonds, private equity investments, and other financial instruments. They may also include ownership in private businesses or real estate holdings beyond his Malibu project.
Net Worth Milestones
While the exact year-by-year growth of The Edge’s net worth is not publicly documented, certain milestones can be inferred from U2’s success. The release of “The Joshua Tree” in 1987 and its subsequent global success likely marked a significant increase in the band’s and its members’ wealth. The “360° Tour” from 2009 to 2011, being the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, would have also substantially boosted The Edge’s net worth.
