Mercyful Fate played a crucial role in shaping the black metal scene alongside bands like Venom and Bathory. Known for their unique blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and LaVeyan Satanism-themed lyrics, the band’s influence stretched beyond the confines of black metal, leaving a lasting impact on subgenres like thrash and death metal.
The band’s eclectic style and controversial subject matter made them pioneers in the metal world. But as with any iconic band, it’s not just their music that sparks curiosity—fans often wonder about the personal fortunes of the band’s members. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the net worth of Mercyful Fate’s members, from the lowest to the highest.
5. Becky Baldwin
Becky Baldwin, the newest addition to Mercyful Fate’s lineup, has built her career through versatile musicianship, leading to a net worth of around $1-2 million. According to her official website, Baldwin performs approximately 100 gigs per year since 2012. She has worked with Birmingham-based hard rock/metal band Fury. She also performed with grunge/alt rock outfit Hands off Gretel from 2018 to 2021.
4. Bjarne T. Holm
Drummer Bjarne T. Holm’s career extends beyond Mercyful Fate. According to Drummerszone, his work with Force Of Evil includes collaborations with members from Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, and Iron Fire. This puts his net worth to somewhere between $1.5-2 million.
3. Mike Wead
Guitarist Mike Wead has built a diverse musical portfolio, totaling a fortune of $4-5 million. According to sources, his contributions to prominent metal bands includes Hexenhaus, Memento Mori, Abstrakt Algebra, The Haunted, Edge of Sanity, and Candlemass. He currently plays guitar for Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, and bibleblack.
2. Hank Shermann
Wikipedia clearly documents Hank Shermann’s extensive career. He founded Demonica in 2008, toured with Volbeat in 2012, and formed Denner/Shermann with former bandmate Michael Denner, operating until 2018. His work with Force Of Evil further established his presence in the metal scene while Mercyful Hate helped carry him to the top. His net worth is $5-7 million.
1. King Diamond
King Diamond leads the financial hierarchy as the band’s iconic vocalist and lyricist. Wikipedia notes his dual role as frontman for both Mercyful Fate and his eponymous band King Diamond. This combination, the latter of which especially made a mark in the metal scene, has secured him a fortune of estimated $8-10 million.
