John Deacon Net Worth

What Is John Deacon’s Net Worth?

John Deacon, the celebrated former bassist of the iconic British rock band Queen, has amassed a significant fortune throughout his career. As of 2025, John Deacon’s net worth is estimated to be $180 million. This substantial net worth is primarily attributed to his songwriting contributions to Queen, his share of the band’s royalties, and astute financial management.

Sources of John Deacon’s Net Worth

The bulk of John Deacon’s wealth stems from his time with Queen. He wrote or co-wrote several of the band’s most successful singles, which continue to generate substantial royalties. Key compositions include:

• “Another One Bites the Dust”: This track, released in 1980 from the album “The Game,” became one of Queen’s biggest hits in the United States. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold over 4 million copies, contributing significantly to Deacon’s earnings.
• “You’re My Best Friend”: Written for his wife, Veronica, this song appeared on the 1975 album “A Night at the Opera.” Its enduring popularity ensures consistent royalty income.
• “I Want to Break Free”: This 1984 hit, known for its music video featuring the band members in drag, became an anthem and a major commercial success.
• “Under Pressure” (co-written with Freddie Mercury): This collaboration with David Bowie, released in 1981, is one of Queen’s most recognized songs and continues to be a significant source of revenue.
• “Spread Your Wings”: Featured on the 1977 album “News of the World”, the song showcases Deacon’s versatility and song writing skills.
• “Back Chat”: A funk-rock fusion track from the 1982 album “Hot Space”, demonstrating Deacon’s diverse musical influences.

Besides songwriting royalties, Deacon also benefits from Queen’s album sales, streaming revenue, and licensing agreements. Queen’s discography has sold hundreds of millions of albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. The band’s continued popularity on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music further bolsters Deacon’s income. For example, “Bohemian Rhapsody” alone has been streamed over 2 billion times on various platforms, generating substantial revenue for the band members and their estates.

While specific figures regarding John Deacon’s contract details with Queen are not publicly available, it is understood that the band operated on a relatively equal split of royalties and earnings. This arrangement ensured that Deacon received a fair share of the band’s financial success. Additionally, Deacon’s reputation for being financially astute and his continued oversight of Queen’s finances suggest that he has made wise investment decisions throughout his career. While the specifics of these investments are not public knowledge, it is reasonable to assume that they contribute to his overall net worth.

John Deacon’s Early Life and Career

John Deacon was born on August 19, 1951, in Leicester, England, to Lilian and Arthur Deacon. In 1960, his family relocated to Oadby, where he attended Beauchamp Grammar School and Gartree High School. His musical journey began at the age of 14 when he formed a local cover band called the Opposition. In this band, he honed his skills as a bass guitarist. While specific details about the band’s performances and earnings are scarce, it provided Deacon with valuable experience and a foundation for his future career. He played with the Opposition for four years before leaving in 1969 to study electronics at Chelsea College in London.

In 1970, Deacon’s path crossed with the fledgling rock band Queen, consisting of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. Initially, he was not overly impressed with their performance. However, after meeting May and Taylor at a disco the following year, he decided to join the band, which was in search of a new bassist. Deacon’s audition proved successful, and he became the youngest member of Queen. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his ascent to musical stardom.

Queen released its self-titled debut album in 1973, followed by “Queen II” in early 1974. Later in 1974, the band released “Sheer Heart Attack,” which included Deacon’s first writing credit on the Caribbean-themed song “Misfire.” While “Misfire” was not a major hit, it demonstrated Deacon’s songwriting potential and earned him recognition within the band. He also co-wrote the album’s song “Stone Cold Crazy” with the other members of the band, a song which, though not commercially successful at the time, later became a live staple and was covered by Metallica, introducing it to a new audience.

In 1975, Queen achieved its breakthrough success with “A Night at the Opera,” which featured “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The album also included “You’re My Best Friend,” written by Deacon for his fiancé Veronica Tetzlaff. This song reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a staple on FM radio, significantly boosting Deacon’s profile as a songwriter.

Deacon continued to contribute one or two songs to each Queen album up until 1989’s “The Miracle.” Among his biggest hits was “Another One Bites the Dust,” from the band’s 1980 album “The Game.” This song became a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over 4 million copies. Its success cemented Deacon’s reputation as a hit songwriter and significantly increased his earnings. Deacon also wrote “I Want to Break Free” and co-wrote “Under Pressure,” further solidifying his contributions to Queen’s discography and his financial success.

Post-Retirement Activities

Since retiring from the music industry in 1997, John Deacon has maintained a low public profile. He chose not to attend Queen’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, reflecting his desire to remain out of the spotlight. Despite his reclusive nature, Deacon has remained involved in Queen’s financial affairs, ensuring that his interests are protected. According to Brian May, Deacon is consulted on all financial decisions related to the band. This suggests that Deacon continues to receive income from Queen’s ongoing activities, such as album sales, streaming revenue, and licensing agreements.

While Deacon has largely avoided contact with his former bandmates, he reportedly approved the making of the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The film’s success generated significant revenue for the band members and their estates. Although Deacon was not directly involved in the film’s production, its box office success likely contributed to his net worth.

Style, Influences, and Equipment

As a member of Queen, John Deacon was known for his solid bass playing and his ability to create big, epic-sounding sonic arrangements with Roger Taylor. He primarily used a Fender Precision Bass throughout his career, known for its reliability and distinctive sound. In addition to playing bass, Deacon also contributed rhythm parts on several albums, as well as acoustic performances. He occasionally played synthesizers and often composed at the piano. His versatility as a musician added depth to Queen’s sound and contributed to the band’s overall success.

As a trained electronics engineer, Deacon also built equipment for Queen, most famously the Deacy Amp. This custom-built amplifier was used extensively throughout the band’s recording career and became an integral part of their signature sound. While the exact value of the Deacy Amp is unknown, its contribution to Queen’s music is undeniable.

Deacon has cited various musical artists as influences, including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Chic. He has also named John Entwistle of the Who and Chris Squire of Yes as among his favorite bass players. These influences helped shape his musical style and contributed to his success as a bassist and songwriter.

Personal Life

In early 1975, John Deacon married Veronica Tetzlaff. The couple has six children and resides in Putney, South London. While specific details about their home are not publicly available, property values in Putney are generally high, suggesting that their residence is a significant asset. Beyond his family life, information about Deacon’s personal habits and lifestyle is scarce, given his preference for privacy.