Sir Paul McCartney earned £25 million for six live gigs during his tour last year.

The Beatles legend is one of the world's highest earning pop stars and took home the huge pay packet after playing concerts in Tokyo.

Fans had been waiting for Macca's Out There! tour for more than a decade and the final three dates at Tokyo Dome in November were his first in the city since 2002, earning him almost £14 million, according to The Sun newspaper.

Paul's earnings put him ahead of Kanye West who is second on US Billboard magazine's 'Hot Tours' list as he continues his 'Yeezus' tour in America.

Sir Paul, 71, also performed with a Japanese Beatles tribute band at his wife's birthday bash in November.

He took to the stage in Tokyo alongside The Parrots, who are a copycat band, to celebrate Nancy Shevell's 54th birthday.

The musicians were delighted to have the honour of performing alongside Paul for the Beatles' 1964 hit 'I Saw Her Standing There'.

A source said: ''It must have been nerve-racking for them to play in front of one of their heroes.

''It also must have evoked a few memories for Paul. The Japanese lads got the thrill of a lifetime when we all screamed for Paul to join them - and he did.

''It was a real treat for everyone, a brilliant night that we'll be talking about for years to come.''