Died: April 5, 1994

Not far behind Monroe is the late Nirvana frontman. Earning approximately £25m each year, the rocker sits near the top of the richest dead celeb list – or "delebs" as they are know in the industry.

His posthumous fortune has come from his songs, and, as with many delebs, appearances in commercial adverts and even a video game.

Who benefits: Cobain's widow Courtney Love sold 25% of the band's publishing catalogue for a reported £35m and contnues to benefit from her dead husband's success.