highest grossing world music tour

Get The Newsletter

• HeadlineToGo
• Inside the Boardroom
• Sneaker Game

About Boardroom

Boardroom is a sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman and focused on the intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio, editorial, daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians and creators are moving the business world forward. Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands and executives with our broader network and initiatives.

Recent film and TV projects also under the Boardroom umbrella include the Academy Award-winning Two Distant Strangers (Netflix), the critically acclaimed scripted series SWAGGER (Apple TV+) and Emmy-nominated documentary NYC Point Gods (Showtime).

Boardroom’s sister company, Boardroom Sports Holdings, features investments in emerging sports teams and leagues, including the Major League Pickleball team, the Brooklyn Aces, NWSL champions Gotham FC, and MLS’ Philadelphia Union.

Highest-grossing Concert Tours of All Time

Who has hauled the highest-grossing tour total of all time? From Elton John to Harry Styles, find out who made the top 10 of all time.

These days, scoring a ticket to see your favorite music artist has proven to be a Herculean task. With bots replacing scalpers, superfans are struggling more than ever to get a ticket to the show. However, someway, somehow, people are showing up in record numbers.

Looking back on the top 10 highest-grossing tours, the list may surprise you. Harry Styles ‘ most recent marathon Love on Tour propelled him to become the first of his contemporaries to crack the list. However, these numbers are all under fire as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are expected to shatter tour totals and breaking the billion mark.

As T Swift takes over for Elton John, The Rolling Stones logged the largest sum per show. The British sensations took in an average of $9.4 million per show with 58 performances between 2017 and 2019.

Let’s dive in with the top 10 highest-grossing tours of all time.

Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.

Highest-grossing Tours of All Time: The Top 10

1. taylor swift — eras tour (2023-2024).

• Total Gross: $1.04 billion (via Pollstar )
• Tickets Sold: 4.35 million
• Average Gross per Show: $1.67 million

2. Elton John — Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (2018-2023)

• Total Gross: $939.1 million
• Tickets Sold: 6 million
• Average Gross per Show: $2.84 million

3. Ed Sheeran — The ÷ (Divide) Tour (2017-2019)

• Total Gross: $776 million
• Tickets Sold: 8.9 million
• Average Gross per Show: $3 million

4. U2 — U2 360° Tour (2009-2011)

• Total Gross: $736 million
• Tickets Sold: 7.3 million
• Average Gross per Show: $6.69 million

5. Coldplay — Music of the Spheres World Tour ( 2022-2023 )

• Total Gross: $617.8 million
• Tickets Sold: 6.3 million
• Average Gross per Show: $5.77 million

6. Harry Styles — Love on Tour (2021-2023)

• Total Gross: $617.3 million
• Tickets Sold: 5 million
• Average Gross per Show: $3.65 million

7. Guns N’ Roses — Not in This Lifetime… Tour (2016-2019)

• Total Gross: $584 million
• Tickets Sold: 5.4 million
• Average Gross per Show: $3.69 million

8. Beyoncé — Renaissance Tour (2023)

• Total Gross: $579 million (via Forbes )
• Tickets Sold: TBD
• Average Gross per Show: $10.34 million

9. The Rolling Stones — A Bigger Bang Tour (2005-2007)

• Total Gross: $558 million
• Tickets Sold: 3.5 million
• Average Gross per Show: $5.02 million

10. The Rolling Stones — No Filter Tour (2017-2019)

• Total Gross: $547 million
• Tickets Sold: 2.9 million
• Average Gross per Show: $9.4 million

10. Coldplay — A Head Full of Dreams Tour (2015-2017)

• Total Gross: $524 million
• Average Gross per Show: $4.56 million

Want More Music Business?

Aux Money: Teezo Touchdown’s Evolution Will Be Televised

Aux Money: Tay Keith is Always Staying a Step Ahead

Aux Money: Don C is Just a Chicago Kid Living the Dream

Aux Money: Babyface Ray on Detroit, Wemby, Fashion & More

Lil Dicky is Dave Burd’s Present, but His Future is Firmly in Film

How Roc Nation Reinvigorated the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Sign up for Boardroom’s newsletters to get the biggest stories in the business of sports, music, and entertainment directly in your inbox, daily.

Subscribe for the biggest stories in the business of sports and entertainment, daily.

• Media ›
• Most successful music tours worldwide 2022

Live music revenues took a tumble

Concerts are making a comeback, most successful music tours worldwide in the first quarter of 2022, based on average gross revenue (in million u.s. dollars).

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

December 2022

Figures have been rounded.

Other statistics on the topic Music in the U.S.

• Average worldwide music tour admission price 2011-2019

Leading music promoters worldwide 2020, by number of tickets sold

• Highest grossing festivals worldwide in 2019
• Most successful music tours in North America 2023, based on ticket sales

• Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
• Usage and publication rights
• Download in various formats

You only have access to basic statistics.

• Instant access  to 1m statistics
• Download  in XLS, PDF & PNG format
• Detailed  references

Business Solutions including all features.

Statistics on " Live music in the U.S. "

• Global music industry revenue 2012-2023
• Worldwide music tour gross revenues 2011-2020
• Highest grossing worldwide music tours of all time 2019
• Number of music tour tickets sold worldwide 2011-2020
• Number of tickets sold for the highest grossing music festivals worldwide 2019
• The most successful music tours in North America in 2023
• Highest grossing music tour each year in North America 2000-2022
• Music sponsorship spending in North America 2010-2018
• Canada: total music market revenue 2011-2020
• Countries with the smallest music product sales per capita worldwide 2018
• Quarterly household spending on theater, opera, and concerts in the U.S. 2013-2022
• Share of parents taking children to a live music event U.S. 2018
• North American music and sound companies with the largest revenue in 2019
• North American music and sound companies with the most employees 2019
• U.S. retail sales of sound gear 2021, by category
• Number of events promoted by Live Nation from 2008 to 2023
• Live Nation Entertainment's concert revenue from 2008 to 2023
• Live Nation Entertainment's ticketing revenue from 2008 to 2023
• Live Nation stock and the coronavirus 2020
• Concert and movie theater attendance since the coronavirus outbreak U.S. 2020
• Coronavirus and the media: support for restricting events U.S. 2020
• Coronavirus and the media: opposition for restricting events U.S. 2020

Other statistics that may interest you Live music in the U.S.

Global market overview

• Premium Statistic Global music industry revenue 2012-2023
• Premium Statistic Worldwide music tour gross revenues 2011-2020
• Basic Statistic Most successful music tours worldwide 2022
• Basic Statistic Highest grossing worldwide music tours of all time 2019
• Premium Statistic Highest grossing festivals worldwide in 2019
• Premium Statistic Number of music tour tickets sold worldwide 2011-2020
• Premium Statistic Average worldwide music tour admission price 2011-2019
• Premium Statistic Number of tickets sold for the highest grossing music festivals worldwide 2019

North American market overview

• Basic Statistic The most successful music tours in North America in 2023
• Premium Statistic Highest grossing music tour each year in North America 2000-2022
• Basic Statistic Most successful music tours in North America 2023, based on ticket sales
• Premium Statistic Music sponsorship spending in North America 2010-2018
• Basic Statistic Canada: total music market revenue 2011-2020
• Premium Statistic Countries with the smallest music product sales per capita worldwide 2018
• Premium Statistic Quarterly household spending on theater, opera, and concerts in the U.S. 2013-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of parents taking children to a live music event U.S. 2018

Equipment and suppliers

• Premium Statistic North American music and sound companies with the largest revenue in 2019
• Premium Statistic North American music and sound companies with the most employees 2019
• Premium Statistic U.S. retail sales of sound gear 2021, by category

Live Nation

• Basic Statistic Number of events promoted by Live Nation from 2008 to 2023
• Basic Statistic Live Nation Entertainment's concert revenue from 2008 to 2023
• Basic Statistic Live Nation Entertainment's ticketing revenue from 2008 to 2023
• Premium Statistic Live Nation stock and the coronavirus 2020
• Premium Statistic Concert and movie theater attendance since the coronavirus outbreak U.S. 2020
• Premium Statistic Coronavirus and the media: support for restricting events U.S. 2020
• Premium Statistic Coronavirus and the media: opposition for restricting events U.S. 2020

Further related statistics

• Basic Statistic Top grossing Las Vegas residencies 2018
• Premium Statistic Number of concerts per tour of the main international music artists in Spain 2019
• Basic Statistic Most successful music concerts of all time 2018
• Premium Statistic Revenue from live music entertainment in Denmark 2017, by area
• Basic Statistic DJs playing the most festival sets worldwide in 2019
• Premium Statistic K-pop concertgoers in the U.S. 2019
• Basic Statistic Bands from the past Americans would most like to see perform live in 2014
• Basic Statistic Level of interest in seeing a hologram concert in the U.S. 2018
• Premium Statistic Total number of AFAS Live shows in the Netherlands 2015-2019
• Basic Statistic Preferred concerts to attend with a daughter in the U.S. 2014
• Basic Statistic Brazil: revenue of Lollapalooza music festival 2014-2019
• Premium Statistic Live music revenue in Denmark from 2013-2022
• Basic Statistic Brazil: number of tickets sold in Lollapalooza 2014-2019
• Basic Statistic Mexico: revenue of Electric Daisy Carnival 2017-2019
• Premium Statistic Attendance at music concerts in Cuba 2013-2021
• Premium Statistic Impact from Brexit on UK based musicians 2020
• Basic Statistic Latin America: countries with best music 2019
• Premium Statistic Sponsorship revenue per concert in Norway 2018, by music genre
• Basic Statistic Importance of live music to individuals in Spain in 2013

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• Top grossing Las Vegas residencies 2018
• Number of concerts per tour of the main international music artists in Spain 2019
• Most successful music concerts of all time 2018
• Revenue from live music entertainment in Denmark 2017, by area
• DJs playing the most festival sets worldwide in 2019
• K-pop concertgoers in the U.S. 2019
• Bands from the past Americans would most like to see perform live in 2014
• Level of interest in seeing a hologram concert in the U.S. 2018
• Total number of AFAS Live shows in the Netherlands 2015-2019
• Preferred concerts to attend with a daughter in the U.S. 2014
• Brazil: revenue of Lollapalooza music festival 2014-2019
• Live music revenue in Denmark from 2013-2022
• Brazil: number of tickets sold in Lollapalooza 2014-2019
• Mexico: revenue of Electric Daisy Carnival 2017-2019
• Attendance at music concerts in Cuba 2013-2021
• Impact from Brexit on UK based musicians 2020
• Latin America: countries with best music 2019
• Sponsorship revenue per concert in Norway 2018, by music genre
• Importance of live music to individuals in Spain in 2013

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Is the Highest-Grossing of All Time and First-Ever to Hit $1 Billion

By Ethan Millman

Ethan Millman

Taylor Swift ‘s Eras Tour is the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, according to data from live music trade publication Pollstar , with the tour becoming the first ever to gross at least $1 billion. Swift dethrones Elton John’s years-long Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour for the top spot.

In a monumental, near-unprecedented year for a pop star, the all-time touring record is just one of the major accomplishments Swift has achieved in 2023, and perhaps her most significant financially as concert tours have become the biggest moneymaker for musicians. The Eras Tour was by far the biggest concert tour in the world this year, earning more than the next two highest-ranked tours (Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen) combined, as Pollstar data reflects.

Meet the MVP of 'Shōgun' — Ex-Punk Rocker and Japanese Movie Star Tadanobu Asano

Team trump is ready to lose the supreme court immunity case. they’re celebrating, billie eilish would like to reintroduce herself, russian mercenaries hunt the african warlord america couldn’t catch.

By the time the shows actually started, each tour date became a major social media moment, and the cities she played celebrated her with honorary mayorships and temporary city name changes . A world leader even implored Swift to set aside dates in their country.

Swift’s dominance has been evident in every aspect of the music business, from concert gross and merchandise to her album sales and streams, and even in the movie theaters, where her Eras Tour film has become one of the top-grossing concert movies of all time . Spotify crowned Swift the most streamed artist of 2023 last month with over 26.1 billion global streams, which amounts to $100 million in earnings . Those streams don’t take into account the other streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music, or her over 5 million traditional album sales just in the U.S.

Kathleen Hanna Recalls Falling in Love With a Beastie Boy in 'Rebel Girl' Book Excerpt

• By Kory Grow

Post Malone Teams With Brad Paisley, Dwight Yoakam for Country Pivot at Stagecoach

• Stagecoach 2024
• By Larisha Paul

Miranda Lambert Surprises Stagecoach 2024 With Reba McEntire, Debuts New Song 'Wranglers'

• Fancy Cameo
• By Joseph Hudak

Salma Hayek Joins Madonna for ‘Vogue’ in Mexico City

• By Althea Legaspi

Anitta Embraces Her Roots, But Could’ve Taken More Risks, On ‘Funk Generation'

• ALBUM REVIEW
• By Felipe Maia

Most Popular

Anne hathaway says 'gross' chemistry test in the 2000s required her to make out with 10 guys: that's the 'worst way to do it' and 'now we know better', louvre considers moving mona lisa to underground chamber to end 'public disappointment', 'the lord of the rings' trilogy returning to theaters, remastered and extended, sources gave an update on hugh jackman's 'love life' after fans raised concerns about his well-being, you might also like, mediawan acquires leading german production-distribution group leonine (exclusive), fit responds to protest on campus as unrest at colleges continues, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, ‘challengers’ scores $15 million opening: great for luca guadagnino, not for the box office, detroit sets nfl draft attendance record at 2024 event.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

• Last Minute
• TERMS OF USE
• PRIVACY POLICY

The greatest pianists of all time

The 30 best-selling female artists of all time

The greatest musical siblings of all time

The surprising origins of famous band names

From the music scene to the big screen: Amy Winehouse's tragically short life

Unsung heroes: the crew who make music happen

© Getty Images

0 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $250 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $422 million

Year(s): 1994

1 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $274 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $491 million

Year(s): 1997-1998

2 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $279 million

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $382 million

Year(s): 2008-2009

3 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $305 million

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $389 million

Year(s): 2012

4 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $311 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $494 million

Year(s): 2002-2003

5 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $320 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $631 million

Shows : 134

Year(s): 1994-1995

6 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $340 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $446 million

Year(s): 2012-2013

7 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $345 million

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $402 million

Year(s): 2018

8 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $362 million

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $421 million

Year(s): 2007-2008

9 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $364 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $400 million

Year(s): 2014-2017

10 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $379 million 

Year(s): 2023-ongoing

11 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $389 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $564 million

Year(s): 2005-2006

12 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $390 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $466 million

Year(s): 2017-2019

13 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $397 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $454 million

Year(s): 2018-2019

14 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $411 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $560 million

15 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $493 million 

Year(s): 2022-ongoing

16 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $430 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $492 million

Year(s): 2016-2019

17 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $441 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $593 million

Year(s): 2008-2010

18 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $459 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $576 million

Year(s): 2010-2013

19 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $523 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $624 million

Year(s): 2016-2017

20 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $546 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $590 million

Year(s): 2017-2021

21 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $558 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $787 million

Year(s): 2005-2007

22 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $579 million

Year(s): 2023

23 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $584 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $668 million

24 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $617 million 

Year(s): 2021-2023

25 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $735 million

26 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $736 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $958 million

Year(s): 2009-2011

27 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $776 million 

Tour gross adjusted for inflation: $888 million

28 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $939 million

Year(s): 2018-2023

29 / 31 Fotos

Actual tour gross: $1.04 billion 

Year(s): 2023-ongoing 

Sources: (Billboard) (Stacker)

See also: Concerts that ended in tragedy

30 / 31 Fotos

Getty Images

The highest-grossing concert tours of all time

Did you go to any of these concerts.

28/03/24 | StarsInsider

D ue to streaming services and the preferences for singles, album sales are down overall. But one thing remains clear: fans are still willing to pay to see their favorite artists in person. Touring has also become even more important to musicians in the streaming era, as many musicians earn more from ticket sales than from record sales. On top of that, ticket prices have gone up, which means that many of the highest-grossing tours of all time have taken place in the past decade or two.

From Taylor Swift to the Rolling Stones and Beyoncé, click on for the highest-grossing music tours of all time.

All amounts in USD.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

The world's greatest orchestras

The musical tastes of American presidents

All the Eurovision Song Contest winners since 1956

Musicians who famously told politicians not to use their songs

Why are Spotify's most streamed songs in the key G major?

All the records broken by Taylor Swift

CELEBRITY Relationships

These celebrities have dated regular people

LIFESTYLE Throwback

Which hairstyle was in fashion the year you were born?

LIFESTYLE Catholicism

Slaves who became Catholic saints

LIFESTYLE Home remedies

Can spearmint tea clear acne?

LIFESTYLE Putin

After 50 years, Lenin's body can still be seen in Moscow

FOOD Fine dining

The best restaurants in the world in 2024

LIFESTYLE Emotions

How to be more emotionally available in your relationships

TRAVEL Nations

The least visited countries in the world

LIFESTYLE History

The best (and worst) vice presidents in US history

LIFESTYLE Astrology chart

Were you born on the cusp?

© 2024 Stars Insider. All rights reserved..

Don’t miss out...

on the latest TV shows, movies, music, and exclusive content from the entertainment industry!

30 of the top-grossing music tours of all time

A record-setting $10.4 billion was spent in 2018 on concert tickets around the world. Thanks to streaming services and the preference of audiences for singles,  album sales are down overall , but it's clear fans are still willing to pay to see their favorite artists in person. And their proximity to the artist doesn’t seem to matter, as ticket sales are up in every venue from intimate clubs to massive stadiums.

Stacker has rounded up 30 of the top-grossing music tours of all time. These tours were largely played in stadiums, but a few included smaller venues. The data have been pulled from a compiled list of sources, and concerts have been ranked by the tour’s gross (adjusted for inflation). While this is not a comprehensive list of all concert tours, it’s the most accurate representation as of January 2019.

Two of the tours on the list are still announcing new dates, so if you want to be part of concert tour history, consider snagging tickets now while you have the chance.

ALSO: Highest-paid musicians in 2018

#30. Pink Floyd: A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $272,863,087 Total tour attendance: 5.50 million Shows played: 197 Year(s): 1987–89

The English rock band  Pink Floyd formed in 1965. Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright were students when they met and began playing together, but their famous "A Momentary Lapse of Reason” tour didn’t come until much later, toward the end of their time as a group. In fact, Waters had left the band by the time this Pink Floyd tour took place and was  replaced by David Gilmour .

#29. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Magic Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $273,464,451 Total tour attendance: 2.20 million Shows played: 100

Year(s): 2007–08

For many an instrumentalist, landing a job with  the E Street Band would be a dream come true. The band has backed Bruce Springsteen from his debut album, "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” in 1973, but, contrary to popular belief, they weren’t always Springsteen’s band. They were merely a group of local musicians who came together for a paid gig (the album recording) and then ended up getting enough paid gigs after that (for both Springsteen and other musicians) that it made sense to become a band. From 2007-2008, the band joined Springsteen for a  23-songs-per-set tour that was called "euphoric” and "profound.”

#28. Bon Jovi: Because We Can

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $279,110,786 Total tour attendance: 2.66 million Shows played: 102 Year(s): 2013

New Jersey band  Bon Jovi appeared on the scene in 1980 with big hair and electric smiles. Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Alec John Such, and Richie Sambora made up the original band, which had hits like "Livin’ on a Prayer” and "You Give Love a Bad Name.” Their "Because We Can” tour was wildly successful, with the group  hitting multiple continents , but it was also full of drama, as  Sambora quit the band in the middle night, hours before their fourth show.

#27. The Eagles: Long Road Out of Eden Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $288,513,488 Total tour attendance: 2.0 million Shows played: 155 Year(s): 2008–11

One of the  most successful musical acts of the 1970s , The Eagles (originally composed of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner) set out on their "Long Road Out of Eden” tour in 2008. The tour  coincided with the release of their new album of the same name and featured other artists like The Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban.

#26. Paul McCartney: Out There!

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $291,414,474 Total tour attendance: 1.96 million Shows played: 84 Year(s): 2013–15

Ever since his days as a Beatle, Paul McCartney has been wildly popular. In 2013, he embarked on his solo  "Out There!” tour , during which he played 91 gigs, sang a total of 3,631 songs (an average of 40 a show)—including 13 that he’d never performed before—and  drank zero glasses of water while on stage.

#25. Billy Joel: Billy Joel in Concert

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $301,000,000 Total tour attendance: 2.07 million Shows played: 120 Year(s): 2014–present

One of two tours on the list that is still announcing new dates, Billy Joel’s "Billy Joel in Concert” tour so far has booked 16 dates for 2019. While on this tour, Joel has created a sort of  residency for himself at Madison Square Garden, playing one show there a month, as long as ticket sales stay high (already six dates at MSG have been announced for 2019). The first artist to do that, Joel also broke the record for solo performances at The Garden, previously held by Sir Elton John, when he played his  65th concert on July 1, 2015 .

#24. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: The Rising Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $301,677,551 Total tour attendance: 3.23 million Shows played: 120 Year(s): 2002–03

Another wildly popular Bruce Springsteen tour, "The Rising Tour” began a week after the release of Springsteen’s 12th studio album, "The Rising."  The album won critical acclaim for how well it captured the feelings and aftermath of 9/11. However, the tour didn’t get off to an equally great start—Rolling Stone  called the tour’s opening nights "inhibited," pointing to tech and tonal issues. Eventually, the tour hit its stride, bringing in $300 million over its 14-month run.

#23. One Direction: Where We Are Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $307,106,208 Total tour attendance: 3.44 million Shows played: 69 Year(s): 2014

After  finishing third on "The X Factor” in 2003, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne found almost unprecedented levels of success with One Direction. Winning comparisons to The Beatles for both their popularity and their British origins, their "Where We Are Tour” was the group’s fourth and final tour as a complete band. ( Malik left in the spring of 2015 .)

#22. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: The River Tour 2016

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $319,972,060 Total tour attendance: 2.67 million Shows played: 89 Year(s): 2016–17

Bruce Springsteen went on tour with the E Street Band in 2016 to mark the 35th anniversary of his 1980 EP "The River.” There are a whopping 20 songs on the album, and Springsteen  performed it in its entirety at all North American tour stops. That set list, combined with a collection of his classic hits like "Born to Run” and "Thunder Road” meant that many of the shows  lasted upwards of three hours . His  longest concert ever took place during this tour, clocking in at just over four hours.

#21. Cher: Living Proof: The Farewell Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $320,710,513 Total tour attendance: 3.50 million Shows played: 326 Year(s): 2002–05

Cher is known for her extravagant concerts, with multiple costume changes, elaborate sets, dancers, and video montages. "The Farewell Tour”  was no exception . When the tour was announced in 2002, Cher claimed that it would be her last (spoiler alert: it wasn’t), and planned a massive, glittery farewell for herself with an incredible 326 stops. While 3.5 million fans were lucky enough to attend the concerts, millions more were able to watch a televised special that  won three Emmy Awards .

#20. Celine Dion: Taking Chances World Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $326,058,136 Total tour attendance: 2.60 million Shows played: 132 Year(s): 2008–09

Celine Dion’s "Taking Chances World Tour” marked her return to the touring circuit after taking an extended break for her first Las Vegas residency, " A New Day... ” The tour was  directed by Jamie King , who also directed Madonna’s "Confessions World Tour,” and included lots of new material from Dion’s album "Taking Chances,” as well as several of her classics like "My Heart Will Go On” and "The Prayer.”

#19. U2: The Joshua Tree Tour 2017

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $329,889,628 Total tour attendance: 2.71 million Shows played: 51 Year(s): 2017

On a crisp fall afternoon in Dublin in 1976, Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. gathered in Mullen’s kitchen and  decided to form a band : U2. A half-dozen albums later, U2 released "The Joshua Tree” in 1987, which won them the Grammy for Album of the Year and spawned two of their most classic tracks, "With or Without You” and "I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” In 2017, marking the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, the group embarked on their " Joshua Tree Tour ,” in which they played the entire song list in order every night.

#18. Madonna: The MDNA Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $333,024,687 Total tour attendance: 2.21 million Shows played: 88 Year(s): 2012

In 2012, Madonna’s "MDNA Tour,” which followed the release of her 12th studio album of the same name, was the highest-grossing tour of the year. It didn't  come without controversy , though. The tour opened on a cathedral backdrop with biblical scriptures booming from the speakers and men dressed as monks filling the stage, before quickly shifting into Madonna’s #1 hits "Girl Gone Wild” and "Material Girl.” Later in the show, Madonna pulled out a fake gun and "shot” multiple people, a move that didn’t go over well with some audience members.

#17. Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $345,700,000 Total tour attendance: 2.89 million Shows played: 53 Year(s): 2018

Taylor Swift began her career as a country artist; her self-titled debut hit shelves in 2006 and was full of twangy guitar and fiddle interludes. These days, she’s very much a pop artist, and her sixth studio album, "Reputation,” proves it. The  accompanying tour , which lasted for a large portion of 2018, also proved that she has a massive fan base whose members go to great lengths to support her. Swift's sets primarily came from the "Reputation,” album with only one or two classics mixed in.

#16. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood: World Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $364,300,000 Total tour attendance: 4.74 million Shows played: 390 Year(s): 2014–17

Unlike Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks is a huge believer in  playing the old stuff . The "Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood: World Tour” is a perfect example of that. Married in 2005, the country music powerhouses teamed up for this three-year-long party, singing hits from both of their solo repertoires, as well as some of their fan-favorite duets like "In Another’s Eyes.”

#15. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Wrecking Ball World Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $415,280,347 Total tour attendance: 3.65 million Shows played: 136 Year(s): 2012–13

The final Bruce Springsteen tour on this list, the "Wrecking Ball World Tour” has been Springsteen’s most successful tour to date. Grossing over $400 million, the tour was  his first in three years (a long break for the Boss) and his most heavily attended of all time.

#14. The Rolling Stones: Bridges to Babylon Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $421,181,298 Total tour attendance: N/A Shows played: 108 Year(s): 1997–98

Closing in on six decades of being " the greatest rock & roll band in the world ,” the Rolling Stones are one of the  oldest bands still performing today . Announced at a news conference  held under the Brooklyn Bridge , the Stones’ "Bridges to Babylon” tour supported their album of the same name—their 23rd U.S. studio album.

#13. The Police: Reunion Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $421,251,623 Total tour attendance: 3.30 million Shows played: 156 Year(s): 2007–08

Proving that we often don’t know a good thing ‘til it’s gone, The Police’s reunion tour grossed more than any of their heyday tours. The band reunited for 156 shows, playing their  final show at Madison Square Garden . Most nights of the tour opened with their classic hit "Message in a Bottle,” but the August 2008 show began with Cream’s "Sunshine of Your Love”—a moving tribute to the band who had played their own final show at MSG years prior. The last song the band played live together? "Next to You.” That was the first song on their 1978 debut LP.

#12. Pink Floyd: The Division Bell Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $422,597,665 Total tour attendance: 6.0 million Shows played: 110 Year(s): 1994

When Pink Floyd  played their final tour in 1994 , only two of the band’s founding members (Nick Mason and Richard Wright) took the stage. They were joined by David Gilmour, who became an official member in the late 1980s, and eight other musicians who filled the holes left by Syd Barrett and Roger Waters. This final tour was run in conjunction with the release of the group’s final album, "The Division Bell.”

#11. The Rolling Stones: Licks Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $423,574,349 Total tour attendance: 3.47 million Shows played: 115 Year(s): 2002–03

To  mark their 40th anniversary , the Rolling Stones released their first compilation album, "Forty Licks,” which featured 40 of their most popular and beloved songs. They also went on a year-long tour, primarily playing the  songs on the compilation , but sprinkling in a handful of other band favorites.

#10. Madonna: Sticky & Sweet Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $476,474,639 Total tour attendance: 3.55 million Shows played: 85 Year(s): 2008–09

Her eighth tour supporting her 11th album "Hard Candy,” the "Sticky & Sweet” tour was Madonna’s  least controversial tour . Known for gimmicks like hanging from a cross, the "Sticky & Sweet” tour had none of that. It did include an impressive array of the pop diva’s most famous hits from her 30-year career, as well as some iconic dance moves, but it was perhaps the pop star’s most family-friendly tour ever.

#9. U2: Vertigo Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $483,515,954 Total tour attendance: 4.62 million Shows played: 131 Year(s): 2005–06

Concert films have become a major trend over the last several decades, and U2’s "Vertigo” tour was no exception. The tour, whose set list leaned heavily on the band’s most recent release "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” spurred three concert films: " Vertigo 2005: Live from Chicago ,” " Vertigo: Live from Milan ,” and " U2 3D .”

#8. Roger Waters: The Wall Live

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $493,336,432 Total tour attendance: 4.13 million Shows played: 219 Year(s): 2010–13

Roger Waters, a founding member of Pink Floyd, embarked on a solo career in the mid-1980s. His tour "The Wall Live” has been called "one of the most ambitious and complex rock shows ever staged.” It also marked  the first time that "The Wall” had been played in its entirety since a one-off performance beside the (fallen) Berlin Wall in 1990.

#7. AC/DC: Black Ice World Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $506,821,305 Total tour attendance: 4.85 million Shows played: 167 Year(s): 2008–10

In 1973, Australian brothers Malcolm and Angus Young  founded AC/DC . They didn’t stay a duo for long, swiftly being joined, and left, by a variety of other musicians. Their biggest album, "For Those About to Rock, We Salute You,” topped charts in 1983, but in 2008 they were still going strong. Their "Black Ice World Tour” was significant for being  the last full tour of longtime vocalist Brian Johnson.

#6. The Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $526,158,550 Total tour attendance: 6.34 million Shows played: 124 Year(s): 1994–95

For close to a decade, and through several of their other tours, the "Voodoo Lounge” tour was the Rolling Stones’ top-grossing tour. It’s a particularly impressive feat when you consider that the band, which by this time had been performing together for 30 years,  had just lost a member . Bill Wyman walked away from the band, saying that he was tired of touring and would no longer continue playing with the group. Beginning with the "Voodoo” tour, Wyman was replaced with the group’s  current bassist, Darryl Jones .

#5. Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $546,023,369 Total tour attendance: 5.39 million Shows played: 114 Year(s): 2016–17

No matter your personal taste in music, it’s highly probable that you know Coldplay’s breakthrough single, "Yellow,” which climbed the charts in 2000. The British pop-rock band, fronted by Chris Martin, has had a series of wildly successful albums over the past two decades. In 2016–2017, their tour "A Head Full of Dreams” became one of the top-grossing tours of all time, showing just how big an influence the group has had on the music scene. The tour also spawned the group’s  only live album "Live in Buenos Aires,” recorded at the final show.

#4. Ed Sheeran: '÷' Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $556,500,000 Total tour attendance: 6.39 million Shows played: 205 Year(s): 2017– present

British-born pop singer Ed Sheeran  released his debut album "+” in 2011, and it instantly won him millions of fans. In a genius move, he signed with Elton John’s management team the same year, and the rest, as they say, is history. His third album "÷” was released in 2017, and the album’s tour began the same year. The tour has been far and away Sheeran’s best. So many fans are still demanding to see him that there are regular shows scheduled until August 2019, with the possibility of adding even more dates.

#3. Guns N' Roses: Not in This Lifetime... Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $563,300,000 Total tour attendance: 4.38 million Shows played: 159 Year(s): 2016–18

By the mid-1980s, the rock and roll scene had begun to feel a little stale. Nothing new, or exciting, or experimental had popped up in a number of years. But in 1985, that all changed when Guns N’ Roses hit the stage. Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler mixed elements of classic rock with metal undertones and slasher influences and brought something totally new to the industry. However, in 1993, the band began to splinter. Their "Not in This Lifetime…” tour marked the first time in over two decades that Rose, Slash, and McKagan shared a stage—something fans were clearly excited to see.

#2. The Rolling Stones: A Bigger Bang Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $674,547,559

Total tour attendance: 4.68 million

Shows played: 144

Year(s): 2005–07

For a few years, the Rolling Stones held the title for the top-grossing tour of all time thanks to their "A Bigger Bang” tour. Avid Stones fans claim that this is the group’s best tour, but it’s also one that almost didn’t happen. Midway through the tour, the Stones took a month-long break. While on vacation with his wife in Fiji,  Keith Richards took a hard fall out of a coconut tree and suffered a major concussion. Richards said he only "spent a couple of days” in the hospital; it later came out that he’d actually  had brain surgery to remove a blood clot resulting from the fall.

#1. U2: 360º Tour

Tour gross (adjusted for inflation): $820,194,986

Total tour attendance: 7.27 million

Shows played: 110

Year(s): 2009–11

The honor for top-grossing music tour of all time is held by U2. And this tour was big. Not only did the tour break the record for the highest-grossing tour, but the band’s Oct. 25, 2009 date at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, also holds the  record for the highest attendance at a single concert with over 97,000 people. In addition, U2 had a  stage set that was 164 feet high that accompanied them to every venue—twice the height of the previous stage set record.

Trending Now

Best law & order svu episodes.

Top 100 country songs of all time

50 best crime TV shows of all time

Best black and white films of all time

These Are the 15 Highest Grossing Tours Ever

For those familiar with the landscape of the music business , you are likely familiar with the notion that touring is the biggest money-maker for artists, especially those signed to major labels. Well, it's true. Today, we'll be covering the highest grossing tours in the history of music.

RELATED: The Best Concert Merch from Recent History

While this list is sure to change in the future, as of right now, these are currently the fifteen highest grossing tours ever. You might not guess who found their way to the number one spot.

15. Bruno Mars - 24K Magic World Tour

Tour Profit: $367.7M

Years Active: 2017 - 2018

Bruno Mars' 24K Magic World Tour had a very impressive run in the late 2010's. It boasted over three million attendees total, and averaged over $1.8M in gross revenue per show. Anderson .Paak opened for his future Silk Sonic partner on the European leg of this world tour.

14. U2 - Vertigo Tour

Tour Profit: $389M

Years Active: 2005 - 2006

U2's Vertigo Tour was built out to further push their album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb , and it succeeded, to say the least. The legendary Irish band averaged nearly three million dollars per show across 131 appearances.

13. U2 - The Joshua Tree Tours

Tour Profit: $390.7M

Years Active: 2017, 2019

Next up on our list is U2's The Joshua Tree Tours, which ran in 2017 and 2019, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree . They averaged almost $6M in gross revenue per show across 66 shows, not to mention over three million total attendees.

12. Pink - Beautiful Trauma World Tour

Tour Profit: $397.3M

Years Active: 2018 - 2019

The Beautiful Trauma World Tour was Pink's seventh tour, which was in support of her seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma . Across 155 shows, Pink averaged $2.5M per show in front of three million total fans.

11. Madonna - Sticky & Sweet Tour

Tour Profit: $411M

Years Active: 2008 - 2009

In 2008 and 2009, Madonna toured the world with her Sticky & Sweet Tour. This was her 11th time leading a tour, which promoted her 8th studio album, Hard Candy . In 85 shows, Madonna averaged almost $5M per show in gross revenue and played in front of 3.5 million total fans.

10. Metallica - WorldWired Tour

Tour Profit: $416.9M

Years Active: 2016 - 2019

Metallica's WorldWired Tour ran for three years from 2016-2019, and put up some impressive numbers: 128 shows, over $3M per show on average, and over 4,000,000t total attendance.

9. AC/DC - Black Ice World Tour

Tour Profit: $441.1

Years Active: 2008 - 2010

AC/DC has made a huge impact on rock since their start in Australia, and their Black Ice Tour is nothing short of legendary: almost 5 million total attendees across 167 shows, averaging nearly $3M in gross revenue per event.

8. Roger Waters - The Wall Live

Tour Profit: $458.6M

Years Active: 2010 - 2013

Roger Waters and his The Wall Live tour had a great three-year run starting in 2010. $2M per show on average for 219 shows, with over 4 million total attendees. This one has gone down in the books for good reason.

7. Coldplay - A Head Full of Dreams Tour

Tour Profit: $523M

Years Active: 2016 - 2017

In 2016, Coldplay kicked off their A Head Full of Dreams Tour, which would prove to be a massive success. Over 5 million fans showed up throughout the tour, scoring the band a gross revenue of roughly $4.5M per show across 114 different shows worldwide.

6. The Rolling Stones - No Filter Tour

Tour Profit: $546.5M

Years Active: 2017 - 2021

In 2017, The Rolling Stones kicked off their No Filter Tour: 58 shows across the globe in front of nearly 3 million fans total. This tour helped the legendary rockers score very big - roughly $10M per show big. That's the highest average gross revenue per show that you'll find on this list. It took a lot to get to this point.

5. The Rolling Stones - A Bigger Bang Tour

Tour Profit: $558.2M

Years Active: 2005 - 2007

Before the Stones could pull in the historic numbers we mentioned in the previous spot on our list. Over a decade prior, they kicked off their A Bigger Bang Tour, which thanks to their hard work across 147 shows, pulled in over $550 million in total gross revenue.

4. Guns N' Roses - Not In This Lifetime Tour

Tour Profit: $584.2M

In 2016, Guns N' Roses began what would become the fourth-highest grossing tour of all time. 158 shows in front of over five million people for a three-year span netted them over $580 million dollars - $3.7 million per show on average.

3. U2 - U2 360 Tour

Tour Profit: $736.4M

Years Active: 2009 - 2011

With this being their third appearance on our list today, it's truly unfathomable to think about just how much revenue U2 has brought in over the course of their iconic career. In 2009, they started what would be the third-highest grossing tour ever, U2 360. In 110 shows, they drew over 7 million fans to attend, who'd end up putting nearly $7 million in the band's pocket per show.

2. Elton John - Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

Tour Profit: $750M

Years Active: 2018 - Present

Since 2018, Elton John has been touring the world on his appropriately named final tour, The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. Though it's still ongoing, he's pulled in roughly $75o million in gross revenue so far in 278 shows around the world. 5 million fans per show helped score the legend almost $3 million per show.

1. Ed Sheeran - ÷ Tour

Tour Profit: $776.2M

Years Active: 2017 - 2019

At number one on our list is Ed Sheeran for his ÷ Tour. This set the record for the highest grossing tour ever, at almost $780 million in gross revenue. It brought in almost 9 million fans total, who helped Ed Sheeran bring in over $3 million per show across 255 events.

More music coverage:

The Best Music Festivals to Attend in the US

What Are the Best Music NFT Projects?

Brodinski Is Not Your Average Music Producer

Highest-Grossing Concert Tours of All Time

Old hippies love to brag about the time they paid a mere $6.50 to see Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden in 1973. How times have changed. Today, when your favorite marquee act comes to town, you'll plunk down the equivalent of a new car payment (plus those fun processing fees) for a pair of seats you hope are in the same zip code as the concert stage.   

Now more than ever, major concert tours translate to megabucks for superstar artists who otherwise earn only fractions of a cent per digital song download or stream. To help ensure arena and stadium sellouts, today's stage sets and audio-visual razzle-dazzle must go bigger than ever, which means obscenely high production costs that are passed on to ticket buyers.     

The result is box-office numbers that routinely reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars. To give you an idea of how much scratch there is to be made from playing "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" for the thousandth time, we've rounded up the highest-grossing concert tours ever.

47. Depeche Mode 'Global Spirit Tour'

Years: 2017-18

Number of shows: 130

Gross: $202 million

Note: The numbers are from Pollstar and Billboard . Each gross amount is in the original U.S. dollars and hasn't been adjusted for inflation.

Bottom Line: Depeche Mode 'Global Spirit Tour'

Fans just couldn't get enough of this Depeche Mode tour that spanned the globe and mined their back catalog for '80s New Wave gems like "Black Celebration" and "Everything Counts."

The Mode made a mint and in 2020 were welcomed to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

46. Bon Jovi 'Lost Highway Tour'

Years: 2007-08

Number of shows: 99

Gross: $210.7 million

Bottom Line: Bon Jovi 'Lost Highway Tour'

The final full Bon Jovi tour to feature lead guitarist Richie Sambora was originally intended as a greatest hits outing. But the surprise success of the band's "Lost Highway" LP turned it into an album-support affair.

Among the band's faithful, it's remembered as the tour when an over-excited female fan jumped Jon Bon Jovi onstage at a concert in Ireland, smothered him with hugs and kisses, and had to be dragged off stage by security.   

45. Metallica 'World Magnetic Tour'

Years: 2008-10

Number of shows: 187

Gross: $217.2 million

Bottom Line: Metallica 'World Magnetic Tour'

Headbangers celebrated the 2008 release of Metallica's "Death Magnetic."

After years of subpar albums and radio-friendly hits like "Enter Sandman," the LP signaled a return to the band's bone-crunching, thrash-tastic roots.

On the record's supporting tour, arenas packed with longhairs wearing faded "Kill 'Em All" T-shirts helped make this the 12th highest-grossing endeavor of the 2000s.

44. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'The Rising Tour'

Years: 2002-03

Number of shows: 120

Gross: $221 million

Bottom Line: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'The Rising Tour'

In the aftermath of 9/11 and hot off the first new album recorded with the E Street Band since "Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce and company hit the road for a cathartic world tour that had fans in Boss-induced bliss.

Notable gigs included the first concerts held at Boston's Fenway Park since 1973, plus a 10-night stand at New Jersey's Giants Stadium that grossed $38.8 million alone.

43. Justin Timberlake 'The Man of the Woods'

Years: 2018-19

Number of shows: 115

Gross: $226.3 million

Bottom Line: Justin Timberlake 'The Man of the Woods'

The pop superstar's tunes aren't everyone's cup of tea, but like his hero Michael Jackson (Justin Timberlake has called him "untouchable"), there's no question the man puts on one of helluva an entertaining show.

This tour for the 2018 album "Man of the Woods" played to more than 1.75 million fans and won raves from even the snobbiest of music critics.

42. Lady Gaga 'The Monster Ball Tour'

Years: 2009-11

Number of shows: 203

Gross: $227.4 million

Bottom Line: Lady Gaga 'The Monster Ball Tour'

Lady Gaga's "Little Monsters" (as her fans are known) came out of the woodwork for this extensive worldwide arena tour the diva described as "the first-ever pop electro opera."

The high-concept show, with its over-the-top costumes and stage sets, sold so many tickets it set a record for the highest-grossing ever by an artist making their tour-headlining debut. 

41. Justin Timberlake 'The 20/20 Experience World Tour'

Years: 2013-15

Number of shows: 134 

Gross: $231.6 million

Bottom Line: Justin Timberlake 'The 20/20 Experience World Tour'

Bottom line: Smooth as silk, Justin Timberlake knocked 'em dead on this tour that's his biggest moneymaker to date.

If you missed it in person, the final show in Las Vegas was captured by director Jonathan Demme for the highly entertaining concert film "Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids" — available for streaming on Netflix.

40. Bon Jovi 'This House Is Not for Sale Tour'

Years: 2017-19

Number of shows: 95

Gross: $232.1 million

Bottom Line: Bon Jovi 'This House Is Not for Sale Tour'

No Bon Jovi devotee will ever rank the band's 14th studio album "This House Is Not for Sale" up there with the likes of "Slippery When Wet."

Yet that didn't stop the '80s hair-metal stalwarts from selling some 2.26 million tickets on this trek that traveled the globe from Las Vegas to Lima, Peru.

39. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'Magic Tour'

Number of shows: 100

Gross: $235 million

Bottom Line: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'Magic Tour'

The Boss blew away audiences in North America and Europe on this outing that would sadly be the last for founding E Street Band member and organist Danny Federici, who passed away in spring 2008.

Though the shows clocked in at just over two hours (shorter than usual for Springsteen), the band brought it with a mix of greatest hits, tunes from the underappreciated "Magic" album, and covers of rock 'n' roll oldies like "Gloria" and "Wooly Bully."

38. The Eagles 'An Evening With The Eagles'

Number of shows: 87

Gross: $248.6 million

Bottom Line: The Eagles 'An Evening With The Eagles'

Following the 2016 passing of founding band member Glenn Frey, the Eagles' touring juggernaut seemed done for.

"I did say that I thought that was the end of the band," Don Henley told the Los Angeles Times in 2017, "But I reserve the right to change my mind."

Don never met a dollar he didn't covet, and later that year, the group hit the road with a revamped lineup, including Frey's son Deacon and country star Vince Gill.

36. Pink Floyd 'The Division Bell Tour' (Tie)

Number of shows: 110

Gross: $250 million

Bottom Line: Pink Floyd 'The Division Bell Tour'

The last-ever tour under the Pink Floyd banner saw sold-out stadium crowds spacing out to early psychedelic jams like "Astronomy Domine" and, on occasion, "The Dark Side of the Moon" album played in its entirety.

Though chief songwriter and bassist Roger Waters had quit the band nearly a decade earlier, that didn't deter some 6 million fans from turning up to hear guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour play "Comfortably Numb" through a 232,000-watt quadraphonic sound system, blowing their minds — and eardrums.

36. Cher 'Living Proof: The Farewell Tour' (Tie)

Years: 2002-05

Number of shows: 326

Bottom Line: Cher 'Living Proof: The Farewell Tour'

For this marathon retirement tour, the self-dubbed "Cher-est show on earth," the diva pulled out all the stops.

She made a flamboyant, grand entrance atop a giant crystal chandelier; rode a paper-mâché pachyderm on stage; and in her late 50s, wore her infamous fishnet/thong outfit for " If I Could Turn Back Time ."

In 2008, those who believed they'd already seen "Believe" performed for the last time were ecstatic when Cher re-emerged to launch a lengthy Las Vegas residency and, in 2014, embark on yet another farewell tour.

35. Taylor Swift 'The 1989 World Tour'

Number of shows: 85

Gross: $250.7 million

Bottom Line: Taylor Swift 'The 1989 World Tour'

You doubted Tay-Tay's drawing power? Shame! Form a heart with your hands and show love for the country-turned-pop superstar's mega-grossing tour in support of her mega-selling album "1989."

How could your average "Swiftie" afford an average $380-per-ticket price for the tour's North American legs? Only the Visa and Mastercard collections departments know for sure. But no doubt the selfies were worth it.  

34. Eagles 'Long Road Out of Eden Tour'

Years: 2008-11

Number of shows: 161

Gross: $251.1 million

Bottom Line: Eagles 'Long Road Out of Eden Tour'

Like your local classic rock radio station still getting mileage out of spinning "Life in the Fast Lane" for the millionth time, this aptly named Eagles tour had legs for four long years.

Just two years prior, the band had completed its third wildly successful reunion tour and certainly wasn't strapped for cash.

But if fans were willing to pony up for "Desperado" one ... more ... time, Don Henley and the gang were happy to oblige.  

33. The Eagles 'History of the Eagles — Live in Concert'

Number of shows: 147

Gross: $253 million

Bottom Line: The Eagles 'History of the Eagles — Live in Concert'

Bottom line: The last tour to feature guitarist/vocalist Glenn Frey before his death in 2016, this lucrative Eagles' flight was launched not to promote a new album, but rather a DVD documentary chronicling the band's history.

It paid off big-time with more than 2 million fans turning out to hear a nightly setlist of hits and early rarities like "Train Leaves Here This Morning."

32. Beyonce and Jay-Z (aka The Carters) 'On The Run II Tour'

Number of shows: 48

Gross: $253.6 million

Bottom Line: Beyonce and Jay-Z (aka The Carters) 'On The Run II Tour'

The hip-hop/pop power couple — known as The Carters when performing as a duo — played to packed stadiums on this European and North American trek, ringing up one of 2018's most lucrative tours.

Forbes estimates Bey and Jay have a combined worth of $1.255 billion. "My great-great-grandchildren already rich," Beyoncé sings on the track "Boss" from The Carters' latest album "Everything Is Love," adding, "That's a lot of brown children on your Forbes list."

31. Beyoncé 'The Formation World Tour'

Number of shows: 49

Gross: $256.1 million

Bottom Line: Beyoncé 'The Formation World Tour'

Only time will tell, but in the eyes of many Beyonce fans, known as "The Beyhive," this stadium-tour extravaganza to promote the acclaimed "Lemonade" album will go down as her most iconic and visually stunning.

Not only did Queen Bey serve up "Lemonade" songs and greatest hits with intensity, but she did so on a massive stage set featuring a revolving, 60-foot-high video-screen cube nicknamed the "Monolith."

Just as impressive was the conveyor-belt catwalk extending into the audience, where Bey and her dancers stomped and splashed in a pool of water for the encore numbers.  

30. Justin Bieber 'Purpose World Tour'

Years: 2016-17

Number of shows: 162

Gross: $256.5 million

Bottom Line: Justin Bieber 'Purpose World Tour'

Doing his part to crush the spirits of true musical artists everywhere, this two-year Bieb parade proves there's a boatload of bucks to be made from reportedly lip-synching at least half the setlist and pouting like a spoiled teen through every other dance routine.

"Beliebers" were prepared to shovel even more cash into the pop star's coffers, but he canceled the final 14 shows, citing physical and mental exhaustion.

29. Bon Jovi 'Because We Can'

Number of shows: 102

Gross: $259.5 million

Bottom Line: Bon Jovi 'Because We Can'

This list's only 1980s hair metal band, Bon Jovi raked it in on a busy 11-month tour that'd technically be the last for lead guitarist Richie Sambora, who called it quits after a single show — the tour opener in Washington, D.C.

Jon Bon Jovi and the band pressed on, playing "Livin' on a Prayer" to some 2.65 million ticket buyers and winding up with the No. 1 grossing tour of 2013.

Perhaps the tour should've been renamed "Because We Can ... Still Make a Fortune Sans Sambora"?

28. The Rolling Stones 'Bridges to Babylon Tour'

Years: 1997-98

Number of shows: 97

Gross: $274 million

Bottom Line: The Rolling Stones 'Bridges to Babylon Tour'

Fans forever remember this stadium tour for the surprise spectacle of the Stones sprinting over a 150-foot-long telescoping bridge that extended from the main stage to a smaller "B stage' where they'd rock a three-song set of rarities.

Mechanical catwalks are common now, but in the 1990s, it was a fairly new gimmick dreamt up by Mick Jagger, drummer Charlie Watts and the late great stage designer Mark Fisher , who spent his long career creating elaborate concert backdrops for everyone from Madonna to Metallica.    

27. Paul McCartney 'Out There! Tour'

Number of shows: 91

Gross: $275.7 million

Bottom line: In support of the album "New," Sir Paul traveled a long and winding tour road that featured his first-ever performances in Poland, Costa Rica and South Korea.

Another memorable first happened on stage in Goiânia, Brazil, where Macca was swarmed by grasshoppers , one of which he introduced to the audience as "Harold."

Bottom Line: Paul McCartney 'Out There! Tour'

In support of the album "New," Sir Paul traveled a long and winding tour road that featured his first-ever performances in Poland, Costa Rica and South Korea.

26. Celine Dion 'Taking Chances World Tour'

Years: 2008-09

Number of shows: 132

Gross: $279.2 million

Bottom Line: Celine Dion 'Taking Chances World Tour'

Celine Dion temporarily left the comfy confines of her Caesars Palace Las Vegas residency for this worldwide jaunt that hit the box-office jackpot.

Like her Sin City shows, the production razzle-dazzle and chest-thumping vocal thrills were off the charts.

And as sure as the Titanic sits at the bottom of the Atlantic, every performance climaxed with a soaring "My Heart Will Go On."  

25. One Direction 'Where We Are Tour'

Number of shows: 69

Gross: $290.1 million

Bottom Line: One Direction 'Where We Are Tour'

The English boy band made serious bank on this stadium tour that incredibly managed to fill massive venues like London's Wembley Stadium; Foxborough, Massachusetts's Gillette Stadium; and Pasadena's Rose Bowl for three nights each.

Take that, 'N Sync!

24. Madonna 'The MDNA Tour'

Number of shows: 88

Gross: $305.1 million

Bottom Line: Madonna 'The MDNA Tour'

When fans griped that ticket prices for this tour were too high, Madge famously told Newsweek, "So work all year, scrape the money together and come to my show. I'm worth it." Hmm. Has someone forgotten their starving-artist days, working at a New York City Dunkin' Donuts to pay the rent?

Those who saved their pennies saw the Material Girl stage a series of provocative, big-budget production numbers that were at turns violent, campy, political and, of course, sexual.

Fans and critics ate it up. Every date sold out. Madonna was in box-office ecstasy.  

23. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'The River Tour'

Number of shows: 89

Gross: $306 million

Bottom Line: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'The River Tour'

For most (if not all) of the tour's U.S. leg, after opening with an outtake from the "The River" LP, Bruce and cohorts played the much-loved 1980 double album in its entirety — fulfilling the wildest dreams of so-called "Bruce Tramps," as hardcore fans are known.

Along with rarely played gems "Stolen Car" and "Wreck on the Highway," the faithful also rocked out to old faves like "Hungry Heart" and "Out in the Street."

Many gigs ran more than 3-1/2 hours, offering lots of bang for your Bruce bucks.  

22. The Rolling Stones 'Licks Tour'

Gross: $311 million

Bottom Line: The Rolling Stones 'Licks Tour'

This hit parade in support of the Stones' 40th anniversary "Forty Licks" compilation album found "The World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band" rocking a mix of small theaters, indoor arenas and stadiums. Yet no matter the venue's size, then as now, Mick and the gang charged among the steepest ticket prices in the biz.

A treat for Stones freaks, the setlists occasionally featured deep cuts like "Loving Cup" and "Neighbours." And lucky fans at a handful of gigs saw AC/DC's Malcolm and Angus Young join the band for a cover of the blues classic " Rock Me Baby ."   

21. The Rolling Stones 'Voodoo Lounge Tour'

Years: 1994-95

Number of shows: 124

Gross: $320 million

Bottom Line: The Rolling Stones 'Voodoo Lounge Tour'

Following the release of "Voodoo Lounge" — the Stones' first album sans original bassist Bill Wyman — the band embarked on a global trek that would become the highest-grossing tour of the 1990s.

Replacement bassist Darryl Jones (still playing with the Stones to this day) joined drummer Charlie Watts in laying down the beat as Keith Richards riffed and Mick Jagger aerobicized across stages in 31 countries.

Also earning nice tour paychecks were the variety of opening acts (Blind Melon, Spin Doctors, Stone Temple Pilots), now buried in a mid-'90s time capsule.

20. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'Wrecking Ball World Tour'

Years: 2012-13

Number of shows: 133

Gross: $340.6 million

Bottom Line: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'Wrecking Ball World Tour'

This was the first outing after the death of Bruce Springsteen's legendary saxophonist Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons, and the tour was a cathartic experience for the band and fans alike.

With Clemons' nephew Jake taking over sax duties, and backed by a larger-than-usual ensemble — including backup singers and a horn section — The Boss showcased several tracks from 2012's "Wrecking Ball" album, which featured some of his rawest songwriting in years.

During the encore, fans heard classics like " Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out ," performed as a tribute to the late Clemons.

19. Taylor Swift 'Reputation Stadium Tour'

Number of shows: 53

Gross: $345.7 million

Bottom Line: Taylor Swift 'Reputation Stadium Tour'

In the process of topping the take from her own 2015 tour (see this list's No. 35), Tay-Tay traveled to seven countries, averaged an eye-popping $6.5-million gross per show, and solidified her reputation as one of the most bankable acts in the biz.   

18. Elton John 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road'

Years: 2018-present (in progress, on hiatus)

Number of shows: 272 (scheduled)

Gross: $358.6 million (and counting)

Bottom Line: Elton John 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road'

After more than half a century on the road, in 2018 Sir Elton announced he'd be hanging it up, but not before a marathon retirement tour to let fans sing along to "Tiny Dancer" one last time.

Though John shelved his Donald Duck costume back in the '80s, the show is still packed with enough production bombast and greatest hits to ensure his yellow brick tour road is paved with box-office gold.   

17. The Police 'Reunion Tour'

Number of shows: 151

Gross: $362 million

Bottom Line: The Police 'Reunion Tour'

After enduring the band's 21-year hiatus, not to mention Sting's string of snoozer solo albums, Police devotees were ultimately rewarded with a reunion tour that revisited all the hits — from "Roxanne" to "Every Breath You Take."

Early in the tour, it seemed as if old rivals Sting and drummer Stewart Copeland might soon be back at each other's throats, but there's nothing like big box-office bucks to help smooth troubled waters.

16. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood 'World Tour'

Years: 2014-17

Number of shows: 390

Gross: $364.3 million

Bottom Line: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood 'World Tour'

After the country superstar's 13-year "retirement," fans again got the chance to hoist a $14 cup of Bud Light and sing along to " Friends in Low Places " on this extensive North American tour co-headlined by Brooks' wife, Trisha Yearwood.

If you're wondering why it took four years of gigs for this tour to gross what others earn in a year or two, it's largely due to Brooks' longstanding policy to charge the same price for every ticket in a given venue, regardless of seat location.

15. Bruno Mars '24K Magic World Tour'

Number of shows: 215

Gross: $367.7 million

Bottom Line: Bruno Mars '24K Magic World Tour'

Channeling the likes of Prince and James Brown, Mars' uber-slick stage show pumped a pretty penny into his treasure chest as it circled the planet, including a penultimate string of stadium concerts in his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii.

14. U2 'Vertigo Tour'

Years: 2005-06

Number of shows: 131

Gross: $389 million

Bottom Line: U2 'Vertigo Tour'

Bono counting off " Uno, dos, tres, catorce! " kicks off this hugely successful tour's title song, "Vertigo." Want more numbers? The tour sold some 4.6-million tickets across five continents. During Vertigo's Latin American leg, more than 700 hours of footage were shot for the concert film "U2 3D."

Throughout the endeavor, the band played 60 different songs, including rare tracks from their 1980 debut album "Boy." And for concertgoers who arrived early, the tour featured 17 different opening acts, including The Killers, Kanye West and Arcade Fire, who at the time were arguably a hotter band than U2.   

13. U2 'The Joshua Tree Tours 2017 and 2019'

Year: 2017 and 2019

Number of shows: 66

Gross: $390.8 million

U2 'The Joshua Tree Tours 2017 and 2019'

In the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, U2 realized the themes of their signature 1987 album, "The Joshua Tree," were as relevant as ever. So the band embarked on a five-month string of stadium concerts that featured the platter played in its entirety, plus some of their early hits.

Snooty critics charged U2 had become a nostalgia act, but those who missed the album's original tour clearly weren't concerned — snapping up more than 2.7-million tickets for a joyous journey through the past.

In 2019, the tour was revived for 15 dates in Oceania and Asia.

12. Pink 'Beautiful Trauma World Tour'

Number of shows: 159

Gross: $397.3 million

Bottom Line: Pink 'Beautiful Trauma World Tour'

The pop diva took her powerhouse vocals and Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics to arenas for this wildly successful jaunt that did notably huge business Down Under — where Pink's rabid Aussie fan base cheered an impressive run of 27 shows.

11. Madonna 'Sticky and Sweet Tour'

Gross: $408 million

Bottom Line: Madonna 'Sticky and Sweet Tour'

While M maniacs generally agree nothing can ever touch the controversial, legendary heights of 1990's "Blond Ambition Tour," this worldwide jaunt in support of the underrated "Hard Candy" album was no slouch.  

Performing in front of more than 3.5 million fans in 32 countries, Madge underwent countless costume changes and worked a monster stage backed by dazzling video screens and a platoon of dancers.

A sweet treat for longtime fans, the stripped-down "Old School" segment of the show featured Miss Ciccone strapping on an electric guitar for a head-banging version of " Borderline ."   

10. Rolling Stones 'No Filter Tour'

Years: 2017-present (in progress, on hiatus)

Number of shows: 60 (scheduled)

Gross: $415.6 million (and counting)

Bottom line: The Stones keep rolling — rocking stadiums from Dublin to Detroit. In 2019, Mick Jagger underwent a heart-valve surgery that sidelined the tour for months.

But the band made good on the postponed dates, culminating in a Miami show where "Gimme Shelter" was played right on cue as rain began to pour with Hurricane Dorian knocking on Florida's door.

Bottom Line: Rolling Stones 'No Filter Tour'

The Stones keep rolling — rocking stadiums from Dublin to Detroit. In 2019, Mick Jagger underwent a heart-valve surgery that sidelined the tour for months.

9. Metallica 'WorldWired Tour'

Years: 2016-present (in progress, on hiatus)

Number of shows: 178 (scheduled)

Gross: $416.9 million (and counting)

Bottom Line: Metallica 'WorldWired Tour'

The thrash metal legends have come a long way since their live debut in 1982 at a small club in Anaheim, California. The cover charge was $15. Attendance numbered around 200 (mostly the band's friends). And the only Metallica originals played were "Hit The Lights" and "Jump in the Fire."

Flash forward to this monster tour in support of 2016's "Hardwired ... to Self-Destruct" album. The average ticket price is nearly $100, and you're more likely to be sitting in a football stadium's nosebleed seats than crackin' ribs in a mosh pit.

8. AC/DC 'Black Ice World Tour'

Number of shows: 168

Gross: $441.6 million

Bottom line: AC/DC may do dirty deeds done dirt cheap, but when it comes to concert tickets, you'll pay through the nose.

The Aussie rockers averaged a $2.6 million per-show gross on this tour, which would be the last for founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young (he passed in 2017) and longtime drummer Phil Rudd. It was also the last full tour for lead singer Brian Johnson, forced to quit the subsequent "Rock or Bust Tour" due to serious hearing damage.

The band's future is up in the air. So consider yourself lucky if you attended, no matter the cost, and played air guitar to "T.N.T." and "Hells Bells" for what may have been the last time.   

Bottom Line: AC/DC 'Black Ice World Tour'

AC/DC may do dirty deeds done dirt cheap, but when it comes to concert tickets, you'll pay through the nose.

7. Billy Joel 'Billy Joel in Concert'

Years: 2014-21 (in progress)

Number of shows: 182 (scheduled)

Gross: $448.2 million (and counting)

Bottom line: Joel hasn't released an album of new pop/rock material in more than 25 years, and hasn't needed to. Not when he continually packs arenas with boomers belting out "Piano Man" in karaoke mass.

This current tour, scheduled to wrap in 2021, birthed Joel's NYC Madison Square Garden residency, in which he plays his hometown venue at least once a month. Since his first MSG gig in 1978, he's headlined the arena more than 100 times. That's a lot of "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant."

Note: Joel's inclusion on this list is subject to debate. This tour is not in support of a specific album and has been extended every year in seeming perpetuity since it began. However Pollstar and Billboard consider it a single tour, hence its inclusion.

Bottom Line: Billy Joel 'Billy Joel in Concert'

Joel hasn't released an album of new pop/rock material in more than 25 years, and hasn't needed to. Not when he continually packs arenas with boomers belting out "Piano Man" in karaoke mass.

6. Roger Waters 'The Wall Live'

Years: 2010-13

Number of shows: 219

Gross: $458.6 million

Bottom Line: Roger Waters 'The Wall Live'

A politically charged concert spectacle showcasing Pink Floyd's landmark 1979 concept album "The Wall," the tour found the band's chief lyricist and bassist traveling to four continents and playing before some 4 million fans to the tune of nearly half a billion dollars in ticket sales.

While that's an unfathomable fortune to the layman, all in all, it's just another brick in Waters' behemoth financial wall.

5. Coldplay 'A Head Full of Dreams Tour'

Number of shows: 122

Gross: $523 million

Bottom Line: Coldplay 'A Head Full of Dreams Tour'

If you gambled this slot would belong to yet another Cher or KISS "retirement tour," you lose.

The winners are Chris Martin and company, who put on a massive laser/pyro extravaganza that sold over half a billion tickets worldwide, including four sellouts at London's 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium.

4. The Rolling Stones 'A Bigger Bang Tour

Years: 2005-07

Number of shows: 144

Gross: $558.3 million

Bottom Line: The Rolling Stones 'A Bigger Bang Tour

This Stones tour was so hot, even then-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was scalping tickets — charging his political donors $100,000 to join "The Terminator" in his VIP box for the opening concert at Boston's Fenway Park.

Mick and Keith were not happy, but by journey's end, it was all smiles as a "Bigger Bang" busted all box-office records and became the top-grossing tour of all time. Until ...    

3. Guns N' Roses 'Not in This Lifetime ... Tour'

Years: 2016-19

Number of shows: 175

Gross: $584.2 million

Bottom Line: Guns N' Roses 'Not in This Lifetime ... Tour'

In the '80s, when up-and-coming GNR was hitchhiking home from their own gigs, they surely never imagined becoming the biggest metal band in the world, let alone splitting up and ultimately regrouping for one of rock history's most lucrative tours.

Sure, Axl Rose has a potbelly, but he's still got the pipes (sort of) to belt out " Welcome To The Jungle ," bringing more than 5 million fans to their sha-na-na-na-na-knees-knees!  

2. U2 '360° 'Tour'

Gross: $736.4 million

Bottom Line: U2 '360° 'Tour'

Behold " The Claw "! That's the nickname given to the gargantuan, 165-foot-high arachnid-like structure that towered over U2's stage on this monumentally successful tour.

Loaded with video screens and stacked with an ear-splitting sound system, The Claw cost an estimated $25 to $30 million, and was so massive it took 120 semi-trucks to move it between stadium concerts where seating was in the round — hence the tour's "360°" moniker.

Over three years, more than 7.2-million fans enjoyed a setlist spanning the band's formidable catalog, including Bono donning a laser-light suit for encore numbers like " Ultraviolet ." And if you're wondering whatever became of The Claw, in 2019 it was permanently installed at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah .

1. Ed Sheeran '÷ Tour'

Number of shows: 255

Gross: $776.2 million

Bottom line: Step back, Bono. After touring six continents, 2019 saw Ed Sheeran leap over U2's "Claw" and land in the top-grossing slot.

"Sheerios" obsessed with the English singer-songwriter's syrupy-sweet ditties bought an estimated 8.9 million tickets, leading to his crowning as the all-time king of concert cash.

What, you thought number one would be another Rolling Stones tour? You're not alone.

Bottom Line: Ed Sheeran '÷ Tour'

Step back, Bono. After touring six continents, 2019 saw Ed Sheeran leap over U2's "Claw" and land in the top-grossing slot.

Related: Richest Singers l Richest Musicians

From Taylor Swift to Bad Bunny, top 10 highest-grossing live concert tours of 2023 so far

The first half of 2023 has seen the continuation of 'the stadium era' as stars such as beyonce, bruce springsteen, and coldplay are playing to packed venues despite the global economic slowdown.

• Most Popular

Rucha Sharma writes about entertainment, pop culture, and sports. She also assists with events and edits for the web team. She has an MBA in Finance from Pune University and worked with DNA India and Fork Media Group as a features writer for more than six years. She loves comparing comic book storylines with their silver screen incarnations and wears the nerd badge with pride. When not planning her next hike with her dogs, she can be found obsessively improving her doodling skills.

• Sumit Antil: Made to break and create new records
• Anushka Rathod and a tryst with destiny
• From interim budget expectations to Ayodhya's new beginnings, here are our most-read stories of the week
• Avinash Sable: On the right track
• India's 100 Richest: India's billionaires in numbers
• India's Best Employers: Tally Solutions, going back to the drawing board
• Adarsh Gourav: Meet the White Tiger of Bollywood
• Can Jehan Daruvala become India's third F1 racer?
• 27 years and $203 billion later, Jeff Bezos is stepping down as Amazon CEO
• News By Numbers: Only 36% of India's 26 million persons with disabilities are employed
• " class="general-icons icon-sq-whatsapp">
• " class="general-icons icon-sq-googleplus popup">

Related stories

The Grammys set limits on the use of AI in music

Three-quarters of musicians struggle to make a living from their art

Dua Lipa's 'Dance the Night' or Taylor Swift's 'Cruel Summer', which songs will be the next dance floor-fillers?

Top 10 highest-grossing concerts of 2023 (so far), 1) taylor swift—eras tour*.

• Gross: $300,804,808
• Average Ticket Price: $253.56
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 53,923
• Total Tickets: 1,186,314
• Average Gross: $13,627,946

2) Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band—2023 Tour*

• Gross: $142,605,835
• Average Ticket Price: $211.80
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 18,702
• Total Tickets: 673,277
• Average Gross: $3,961,273

3) Harry Styles—Love On Tour

• Gross: $124,000,392
• Average Ticket Price: $115.07
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 31,694
• Total Tickets: 1,077,622
• Average Gross: $3,647,070

4) Elton John—Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour

• Gross: $110,328,403
• Average Ticket Price: $163.95
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 20,392
• Total Tickets: 672,950
• Average Gross: $3,343,284

5) Ed Sheeran—+–=÷× Tour

• Gross: $105,309,873
• Average Ticket Price: $104.20
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 40,424
• Total Tickets: 1,010,616
• Average Gross: $4,212,394

6) Red Hot Chili Peppers—2023 Global Stadium Tour

• Gross: $91,488,134
• Average Ticket Price: $123.87
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 38,873
• Total Tickets: 738,601
• Average Gross: $4,815,164

7) Coldplay—Music Of The Spheres Tour

• Gross: $65,436,386
• Average Ticket Price: $88.86
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 66,949
• Total Tickets:  736,439
• Average Gross: $5,948,762

8) Daddy Yankee—La Última Vuelta World Tour

• Gross:  $60,461,483
• Average Ticket Price: $96.62
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 27,206
• Total Tickets: 625,748
• Average Gross: $2,628,760 

9) Kevin Hart—The Reality Check Tour

• Gross: $50,041,814
• Average Ticket Price: $107.00
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show:  8,503
• Total Tickets: 467,686
• Average Gross: $909,851

10) Bad Bunny—World’s Hottest Tour

• Gross: $49,112,859
• Average Ticket Price: $102.81
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 39,807
• Total Tickets: 477,688
• Average Gross: $4,092,738

Worldwide top 100 tours

• Average Gross: $1,473,145
• Average Ticket Price: $116.41
• Average Tickets Sold Per Show: 12,655
• Total Gross: $2.83 billion
• Total Tickets Sold: 24.3 million
• " class="general-icons icon-sq-youtube">

Photo of the day: Yoga on runway

Photo of the day: Come one, come all

From Lok Sabha elections 2024 to generative AI disrupting edtech, here are our top stories of the week

Sustainable travel weighs on the minds of vacationers

What next for TikTok in the US?

TopSpin: Tennis video game back on court after 13 years

Ether ETF approval faces an uphill battle in May, Standard Chartered warns

Car giants vie for EV crown at Beijing's Auto China show

Discover 2024's top hotels in the world

Crypto's billion-dollar zombies

Apple's iPhone exports from India have doubled, but component manufacturing needs to pick up

Study Abroad: A launchpad for India's Vision 2047

Photo of the day: Right and duty

Where does Bengaluru stand in the global ranking of startup funding ecosystems

In 10 years, RCB should be a global brand beyond just cricket: Rajesh V Menon

site categories

Kid cudi cancels tour after breaking foot at coachella: “there’s gonna be a long recovery time”, breaking news.

The Top 10 Music Tours Of 2023

By Robert Lang , Tom Tapp

As in most other areas, Taylor Swift dominated the touring landscape in 2023. Her The Eras Tour grossed more than $1 billion , the biggest haul for any tour ever.

But there were other notable acts making big bucks on the road this year, including Beyoncé , Harry Styles and Drake .

Scroll through the gallery below to see who came out where on the list.

1. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

2. Beyoncé: Renaissance World Tour

$579 million

3. Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band 2023 World Tour

$379 million

4. Coldplay: Music Of The Spheres Tour

$325 million

5. Harry Styles: Love On Tour

$290 million

6. Morgan Wallen: Dangerous Tour

$284 million

7. Ed Sheeran: + – = ÷ x Tour

$268 million

8. P!NK: Summer Carnival Tour

$231 million

9. The Weeknd: After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour

$220 million

10. Drake: It’s All A Blur Tour

$184 million

Must Read Stories

Joe biden & colin jost roast donald trump; red carpet + party photos.

CBS Axes Series After 3 Seasons; Lachey “Gutted”; Stars, Creators React

Zendaya’s ‘challengers’ looks to hit $15 million in its opening set, 86 top “career producers” launch collective to address fees, benefits & more.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Latest news
• Stock market
• Premium news
• Biden economy
• EV Deep Dive
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash-back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Morning Brief
• Market Domination
• Market Domination Overtime
• Opening Bid
• Stocks in Translation
• Lead This Way
• Good Buy or Goodbye?
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

28 of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time.

In the time of digital streaming services, live performances have become an increasingly lucrative space for musicians — especially as ticket prices continue to rise. But even before concert tickets went for hundreds of dollars a pop, some of the most popular groups and solo acts raked in multimillions with their world tours. And after months of stay-at-home orders, fans will be even more hyped to get back to their favorite venues.

Take a look at the bands that have had multiple high-grossing tours — and which solo singer was the highest grossing of them all .

Last updated: June 2, 2020

David Bowie's Glass Spider Tour: $86 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $193.9 million

Although David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour was poorly received at the time — it spanned from May to November in 1987 — it was one of the highest-grossing tours when adjusted to today’s dollars. The centerpiece of the tour set was a giant spider that required 43 trucks to transport it between stops, IQ reported.

Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveShow Tour: $126.8 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $161.6 million

Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow Tour grossed $126.8 million and was attended by more than 1.6 million people worldwide, Billboard reported. The tour kicked off in January 2007 in San Diego and featured Pink — who had a high-grossing tour of her own — as a special guest.

Genesis' Turn It on Again World Tour: $129 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $159.7 million

Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford reunited in June 2007 to tour around the world as Genesis. The Turn It on Again Tour grossed in excess of $129 million over 46 performances, Ultimate Classic Rock reported. The group announced on March 4 that they would be reuniting again for a 2020 tour.

Celine Dion's Let's Talk About Love Tour: $133 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $210 million

Celine Dion’s Let’s Talk About Love Tour took the Canadian crooner to 11 different countries across 97 shows and grossed $133 million, according to CelineDionCharts.com. The tour kicked off in Boston in August 1998 to promote Dion’s album of the same name. The 1997 album featured the immensely popular hit single “My Heart Will Go On.”

Bon Jovi's Lost Highway Tour: $210 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $260.5 million

Bon Jovi’s Lost Highway Tour was the highest-grossing tour of 2008, Reuters reported. The world tour started in October 2007 with 10 sold-out shows in the band’s home state of New Jersey and continued into 2008 with stops in Canada, Japan, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Holland and Austria, according to an AEG Live press release.

The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over Tour: $253 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $279.4 million

After performing together in 1980 in what they assumed would be their last show, The Eagles’ Don Henley said that the band would perform together again “when hell freezes over.” Fourteen years later, the band reunited and in a nod to Henley’s comment, recorded the live album “Hell Freezes Over” and embarked on a corresponding tour, originally planned as a six-week trek, Pollstar reported. The tour ended up lasting for two years — from July 2013 to 2015 — and grossed $253 million, with over 2 million tickets sold across 147 shows.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's On the Run II Tour: $253.5 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $259.5 million

Hip-hop power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z kicked off their joint On the Run II Tour in June 2018 in Cardiff, Wales, and performed a total of 48 stadium dates; the tour ended in October 2018 in Seattle. By the end of the tour, it had grossed $253.5 million, Billboard reported.

One Direction's Where We Are Tour: $282.2 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $307.1 million

One Direction’s Where We Are Tour became the first tour to break the $200 million ticket sales barrier in 2014, Billboard reported. It went on to be the highest-grossing tour of the year with a gross of $282.2 million, which was 6 1/2 times more than what One Direction’s previous year tour had grossed, the New York Post reported. The tour kicked off in April 2014, and the band was joined by 5 Seconds of Summer during the North American dates.

The Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge Tour: $300 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $519.4 million

When the Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge Tour wrapped, it was the most successful in North American history, Rolling Stone reported. The tour — which started in August 1994 in support of the band’s album of the same name — included 117 dates on six continents, and it grossed $300 million from a combination of ticket sales, T-shirts and television rights.

Find Out: 24 Famous People Who Came Out of Retirement and Made a Fortune

The Rolling Stones' Licks Tour: $311 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $443.3 million

The Rolling Stones topped their own concert gross record with their 2002-2003 Licks Tour, which grossed $311 million, according to Billboard. The tour kicked off in September 2002 and boasted an impressive roster of supporting acts that included No Doubt, The Strokes, Jonny Lang, Sheryl Crow and The Pretenders.

U2's Joshua Tree Tour (2017): $316 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $333.1 million

U2 embarked on the Joshua Tree Tour in 2017 in honor of the 30th anniversary of their No. 1 album of the same name. The tour included 50 shows in over a dozen countries, kicking off in May 2017 and wrapping up in October 2017. The tour sold more than 2.7 million tickets and grossed $316 million, Billboard reported.

Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour: $345.7 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $354.5 million

Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour broke records when it became the highest-grossing U.S. tour of all time in November 2018, with a gross of $266.1 million and over 2 million tickets sold domestically, Billboard reported. The tour — which spanned from May to November 2018 — grossed $345.7 million in total.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band's Wrecking Ball Tour: $355.6 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $399.9 million

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s Wrecking Ball World Tour reached fans in more countries than any previous Springsteen tour, Shore Fire Media reported. It started in March 2012 in New York City and included 133 shows in 26 countries across North America, South America, Europe and Australia. The tour ended in September 2013 in Brazil.

The Police's Reunion Tour: $362 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $449.1 million

The Police reunited for a 2007-2008 tour that spanned 151 shows and earned the band a $362 million gross, Rolling Stone reported. Their May 28, 2007, performance in Vancouver, Canada, was the first time they played together in 23 years, NME reported — and their final show in New York in August 2008 marked the last time The Police ever played together.

Garth Brooks' Garth Brooks World Tour With Trisha Yearwood: $364 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $394 million

Garth Brooks had been semi-retired for 14 years when he launched his world tour with his wife and fellow country superstar Trisha Yearwood in 2014. He opened his tour in Chicago in June of that year, and it stretched into 2017, with 390 shows played and 6.4 million tickets sold, USA Today reported.

Bruno Mars' 24K Magic Tour: $367 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $388.3 million

In support of his 2016 Grammy-winning album “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars embarked on a 200-date world tour that started in March 2017 and ended in November 2018. The tour grossed more than $367 million, Pollstar reported.

U2's Vertigo Tour: $389 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $519.1 million

U2 embarked on the Vertigo Tour in March 2005 with a U.S. leg. Throughout the year, the band toured in Europe and North America and wrapped the tour with a fourth leg in 2006 that took them around the world. This is one of three U2 tours that have the distinction of being one of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time.

Some Tried To Sing: 24 Celebrities Who Tried and Failed To Start New Careers

Pink's Beautiful Trauma World Tour: $397.3 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $410.7 million

Pink’s March 2018 to November 2019 tour made history as the highest-grossing tour for a woman in over a decade, Billboard reported.

Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour: $408 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $480.4 million

Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour spanned three continents and ran from August 2008 to September 2009. At the time the show wrapped, it was the top-grossing tour by a solo artist of all time, Billboard reported.

The Rolling Stones' No Filter Tour: $415.6 Million (So Far)

Gross adjusted for inflation: $434.4 million

The Rolling Stones kicked off their No Filter Tour in September 2017 in Europe. The second leg of the tour, which took place in the summer of 2018, included dates throughout the U.K., Ireland and Europe. The third leg of the tour took the legendary rock band throughout North America during the summer of 2019. By the end of this leg, the band had grossed $415.6 million, Billboard reported. But the tour isn’t over, so millions more will most certainly roll in. The fourth leg of the tour will kick off in May in San Diego and run through early July, wrapping up in Atlanta.

Metallica's WorldWired Tour: $430 MIllion (So Far)

Gross adjusted for inflation: $458.9 million

Metallica kicked off its WorldWired Tour in October 2016 in support of their album “Hardwired…To Self-Destruct.” The tour has continued into 2020, with the final date set for Oct. 11 in Sacramento, California. The tour had grossed $430 million as of September 2019, Consequence of Sound reported.

AC/DC's Black Ice Tour: $441 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $525.3 million

AC/DC’s Black Ice World Tour followed the band’s album of the same name and was the group’s biggest tour ever with 169 dates and over 5 million attendees, AC-DC.net reported. The tour kicked off in October 2008 in the U.S. and ended in June 2010 in Spain.

Roger Waters' The Wall Live Tour: $460 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $543.3 million

Pink Floyd fans flocked in droves to Roger Waters’ The Wall Live Tour, which ran from September 2010 to September 2013. The tour marked the first time the 1979 album of the same name had been performed live in its entirety by the band or any of its former members in two decades, Pollstar reported. The Wall Live Tour grossed $460 million across 220 performances, with 4.1 million tickets sold.

Coldplay's A Head Full of Dreams Tour: $523 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $566.6 million

Shortly after Coldplay performed at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime show, the band kicked off their A Head Full of Dreams Tour in March 2016. The tour, which wrapped in November 2017, included 114 shows in 76 cities and 31 countries. At the time the tour ended, it was the third-highest-grossing global tour of all time with $523 million in ticket sales, Live Nation reported.

The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang Tour: $558 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $732.9 million

It remains to be seen if The Stones’ No Filter Tour can beat the band’s high-grossing A Bigger Bang World Tour, which kicked off in August 2005 and ended two years later. Mick Jagger and the rest of the band held the distinction of having the highest-grossing tour of all time until U2 took over that title in 2011.

Guns N' Roses' Not in This Lifetime... Tour: $584.2 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $629.9 million

Guns N’ Roses’ Not in This Lifetime… Tour lasted over three years and included 158 concert dates across six continents. It grossed $584.2 million with nearly 5.4 million tickets sold, Billboard reported. The tour — which kicked off in April 2016 and was extended through November 2019 — featured a reunion of classic-era members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan.

U2's U2 360 Degrees Tour: $736.4 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $880.7 million

U2’s U2 360 Degrees Tour had three legs that spanned from June 2009 to July 2011. Guests on the epic tour included Lenny Kravitz, Muse and Arcade Fire. When the tour wrapped, it had broken records to become the highest-grossing tour of all time — and held that title until it was dethroned in 2019. However, when adjusted for inflation, it still holds the top title.

Ed Sheeran's Divide Tour: $775.6 Million

Gross adjusted for inflation: $820.7 million

Ed Sheeran holds the record for the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. His Divide Tour started in March 2017 and ended in August 2019, and took him around the world, with 246 shows across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America and South America. The concert sold over 8.5 million tickets, Billboard reported.

More From GOBankingRates

18 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Your Credit Cards More

Here’s How Much Cash You Need Stashed If an Emergency Happens

31 Hidden Ways You’re Bleeding Money Every Month

21 Smartest Ways To Invest Your Money Right Now

All concert gross adjusted for inflation was determined by using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI inflation calculator and adjusted for January 2020.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 28 of the Highest-Grossing Concert Tours of All Time

50 photos that show Taylor Swift's meteoric rise from a Nashville country singer to the most famous musician in the world

• Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," on Friday.
• In the 18 years since she released her debut album, Swift has become a billionaire.
• Here's a photographic journey through her career, her many eras, and her blockbuster tours.

In the 18 years since Taylor Swift released her first album, she's been a country star, a pop star, and a voice of a generation.

She's a four-time album of the year winner, a billionaire, and the first person with a tour grossing $1 billion . She also rocked the music industry when she decided to re-record her first five albums so she'd own the rights to her own music.

Plus, her 11th album, " The Tortured Poets Department ," is set for a massive debut on the charts after it was released on Friday.

But she wasn't always this juggernaut. Here's a look at her impressive career, from her 2006 debut to her 2024 superstardom.

Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album in 2006. At the time, there was no telling that this 16-year-old country singer would become one of the most iconic musicians in history.

But by May 2007, Swift was already playing to large crowds. At the time, her aesthetic consisted of flowy dresses, acoustic guitar, curly hair, and cowboy boots.

Her guitar has been a constant companion from 2007 to 2024.

Swift's debut single was "Tim McGraw," named, of course, after the country star. In May 2007, she performed the song to him and his wife, Faith Hill, at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

An EP, “Beautiful Eyes,” was released in July 2008, just two months after she performed at Stagecoach Music Festival — essentially, country music's Coachella.

Even as her star was rising, Swift made time to take selfies with fans — on digital cameras!

By August 2009, her second album "Fearless" had been released and she was headlining Madison Square Garden.

A turning point in her career came during the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2009, when Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech to declare Beyoncé deserved the award.

Source: Business Insider

In December, she performed with one of her then-musical idols, John Mayer. The two would go on to briefly date, inspiring her song "Dear John."

At the 2010 Grammys, Swift performed with Stevie Nicks — 14 years later, Swift referenced their connection in the song "Clara Bow."

Later that night, the "You Belong With Me" singer was gobsmacked to win album of the year. She'd later write about this night in "Long Live."

Her third album, "Speak Now," was released in October 2010. The world tour began in February 2011.

It sold over 1 million copies in its first week, the highest single-week sales for a female country artist. She also became the first female artist to have 11 songs on the Hot 100 simultaneously.

Source: Los Angeles Times

She continued to collaborate with musical legends. She brought James Taylor out at her Madison Square Garden show in November 2011.

In 2012, she made her first jump away from country music to more straightforward pop. The cowboy boots were nowhere to be found.

The debut single from her fourth album, "Red," called "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," became her first No. 1 on the Hot 100.

As her musical style changed, so did her style. She traded flowing dresses and cowboy boots for form-fitting dresses and high heels; gone was the curly hair, traded for sleek straight tresses.

The Red Tour grossed $150.2 million, making it the highest-grossing country tour ever when it ended in 2014.

Source: Billboard

She became the first female solo artist in 20 years to perform a stadium tour in Australia. The last female artist to do it was Madonna in 1993.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

In August 2014, she left behind country with the song "Shake It Off," a pure pop song.

Later that year, she performed at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show beside then-BFF Karlie Kloss.

"1989," Swift's fifth album, remains a high point of her career. It elevated Swift to pop-icon status and spawned three No. 1 hits and two more top-10 singles.

It was also the era of her "squad." People are still captivated by who is in Swift’s inner circle.

To top off the "1989" era, she won her second album of the year Grammy in February 2016.

Her bleached blonde era — known as "Bleachella," since she debuted it at Coachella in 2016 — showed that people were obsessed with her every move.

But by July 2016, Swift had vanished. Her feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had resurfaced, with many on social media turning against her.

In 2017, she cleared her social media and told us: "There will be no explanation, just reputation." Her sixth album, "Reputation," was released in November.

"Reputation" brought a new dark and gritty aesthetic. But the old Taylor, who loves interacting with her fans, was still in there.

The Reputation Stadium Tour was her first all-stadium tour. Upon its completion in November 2018, it grossed $345.7 million, making it the highest-grossing North American tour ever.

Source: Forbes

In a savvy move, she reclaimed the snake imagery that had been used against her by critics.

But after her two years of all-black edginess, 2019 brought a complete aesthetic shift.

Her seventh album, "Lover," which was released in August 2019, is full of love songs, pastel rainbows, and bubblegum pop.

"Lover" was her sixth consecutive No. 1 album and the best-selling album of 2019. Her concerts for the album were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2020, Swift surprised fans with her eighth album, "Folklore." It would go on to win album of the year — she was the first woman ever to win three times.

After a seven-year hiatus, she returned to her country roots. She performed the song "Betty" at the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards.

In November 2021, Swift released the 10-minute version of her song "All Too Well" from 2012. She also directed an accompanying short film starring Dylan O'Brien and Sadie Sink.

"Red (Taylor’s Version)," her re-recorded version of the 2012 album "Red" was a huge hit. "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" became the longest No. 1 song in the chart's history.

But just re-recording wasn't enough for Swift. In August 2022, she announced her 10th album, "Midnights," which became yet another hit.

The year 2023 was the year of Swift, as she embarked on her globe-spanning Eras Tour. The setlist pays homage to her career. She brought out the gold fringe for the "Fearless" set.

Since "Lover" never got a tour of its own, it kicks off the show. Four years after its release, Swifties got "Cruel Summer" to the top of the Hot 100.

During her "Speak Now" set, she brings back her koi-fish guitar and the purple dresses.

During the "Red" set, she interacts with some of her youngest fans.

In the "1989" portion, we get taken back in time to when Swift loved a two-piece set.

The "Reputation" era might be long gone, but the snakes are back for this portion of the show.

She also pays homage to the woodsy, cottage-core vibes of "Folklore" and its sister album, "Evermore."

Swift ends the night with the "Midnights" set, which spawned two of her two most recent hits, "Karma" and "Anti-Hero."

The Eras Tour has become a global phenomenon. It's the first tour to ever surpass $1 billion in revenue ... and it's not over yet.

In February 2024, Swift became the first artist to win album of the year four times when she won for "Midnights." That night, she announced her 11th album, "The Tortured Poets Department."

On its release, Swift surprised fans by announcing "TTPD" is a double album, and she dropped 15 more songs. It's set to be, once again, huge.

In 18 years, Swift has released 11 albums, four re-records, won 14 Grammys, had 11 No. 1 hits, become a billionaire, and broken countless records. She's showing no sign of slowing down.

• Main content

Highest-grossing music tour by a group

U2’s (Ireland) 360° Tour grossed $736,421,584 (£450,031,000) from 110 shows staged between 30 June 2009 and 30 July 2011. The mammoth trek was the most lucrative music tour in history until 2 August 2019, when it was confirmed that Ed Sheeran’s ÷ [Divide] Tour had made $736.7 million (£666.2 million) from 250 shows played across six continents since 16 March 2017.

A total of 7,272,046 fans in Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa and South America witnessed the 360° spectacle across its seven legs, which shattered the $558,255,524 (£277,080,000) grossed by The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang trek in 2005–07. U2 took the Stones’ record for the highest-grossing world tour with their second date at the Estádio do Morumbi stadium in São Paulo, Brazil, on 10 April 2011.

The Stones have since been relegated to third place on the list of highest-grossing music tours by a group, behind Guns N’ Roses’ Not in this Lifetime… Tour (1 April 2016 to 2 November 2019, pending the completion of the final North American leg).

The 360° Tour held the attendance record for a music tour (7,272,046) until it was beaten by Ed Sheeran’s ÷ Tour in May 2019.

Average gross per 360° Tour show: $6.7 million (£4 million). Average attendance per show: 66,110 (a record for a music tour, as Sheeran played smaller venues than U2 on his ÷ Tour ).

Related Articles

Ed Sheeran's Divide Tour sets three records ahead of final shows

site categories

Beyoncé’s renaissance world tour makes history as the highest-grossing tour for a black female artist.

The Weeknd currently holds the record for a Black artist overall after surpassing Michael Jackson.

By Mya Abraham

Mya Abraham

R&B Reporter

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Pinit
• + additional share options added
• Print this article
• Share this article on Print

Beyoncé is one of the most successful Black female performers of all time, and she has the stats to prove it. Her Renaissance World Tour has already amassed over $295.6 million in sales, making it the highest-grossing tour for a Black female artist — eclipsing her own Formation World Tour .

Beyoncé's Country Doc Reveals Racial Slurs Were Overheard During Her 2016 CMAs Performance

After 33 shows reporting box office data, Beyoncé's #RENAISSANCEWorldTour has become the high-grossing tour of her career, with $295,676,504 in sales. This becomes the highest-grossing tour of all time by a black artist, breaking the record set by her Formation World Tour. pic.twitter.com/z4szqLfZd1 — BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) August 8, 2023

In terms of the overall top-grossing tour for a Black artist, The Weeknd holds that title with his After Hours Til Dawn Tour . The 64-city run grossed $350 million in sales, surpassing Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour, which earned $311 million — adjusted for inflation.

The sold-out 2022 North American leg of the Canadian crooner’s stadium tour brought in $148 million. 

When celebrating news of the feat back in July, The Weeknd shared a video of him performing “D.D.” from his mixtape, Echoes of Silence , which is a loose remake of Jackson’s “ Dirty Diana .”

“My king. Then, now and forever. Rest easy,” read the caption from the Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd)

Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox

Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Vibe Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

optional screen reader

News expand news menu.

• Movies & TV
• Entertainment

Music Expand music menu

• Music Premieres

Features Expand features menu

• Digital Covers

Lifestyle Expand lifestyle menu

• Manage Account
• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Pinit
• + additional share options added
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Email
• Print this article
• Share this article on Comment
• Share this article on Tumblr

Here’s How Beyoncé’s $580M Renaissance World Tour Stacks Up in the Billboard Boxscore

The trek sold 2.8 million tickets across 56 shows in North America and Europe.

By Eric Frankenberg

Eric Frankenberg

After repeated monthly triumphs , a series of broken records and 39 cities turned to mute , Beyoncé closed out the Renaissance World Tour on Oct. 1. According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, the tour grossed $579.8 million and sold 2.8 million tickets across 56 shows in North America and Europe.

In a vacuum, those are massive numbers. And in the context of Boxscore’s nearly 40-year history, they are monumental. The Renaissance World Tour is the highest grossing tour by a woman, by a Black artist and by any American soloist.

Billboard Boxscore Top 10 Tours of All Time: Beyoncé Breaks Ground

Among women and domestic solo acts, Beyoncé passes Madonna ’s Sticky & Sweet Tour, which broke ground upon its 2009 finale with $407.7 million. Among Black acts, she replaces herself atop the heap, exceeding The Formation World Tour’s 2016 gross of $256.1 million by a margin of 2.26 to 1. In the interim, The Weeknd ’s ongoing After Hours Til Dawn Tour has slid in the middle, with a gross of $305.9 million as of Sept. 30.

Doubling her previous peak – already a towering high that topped Boxscore’s 2016 year-end round-up – and digging deep into the record books, Beyoncé breaks the top 10 highest grossing tours of all time, hitting No. 7. She’s barely blocked by Guns N’ Roses ’ Not in This Lifetime… Tour, which earned $584.2 million from 2016-19, and ahead of The Rolling Stones ’ A Bigger Bang Tour, which brought in $558 million from 2005-07.

Notably, those tours ran for four years and three years, respectively. In fact, the Renaissance World Tour is the only one among the all-time top 10 to take place within one calendar year. At 56 shows, it played for roughly half the length of all-timers by Coldplay , The Rolling Stones and U2 ; about one fifth of Ed Sheeran ’s The Divide Tour; and one sixth of Elton John ’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.

Post-pandemic-era ticketing practices such as dynamic pricing and primary market resale have allowed fan demand to push an artist’s market value higher than ever before. The Renaissance World Tour averaged $253 a ticket, allowing grosses to bloom quicker than her fellow all-time leaders.

The next highest one-year earner is Taylor Swift ’s Reputation Stadium Tour, which brought in $345.7 million in 2018. Coincidentally, Beyoncé and Swift have shared a very bright spotlight this year, as their concurrent treks have dominated headlines and boosted economies. Official numbers have yet to be reported for The Eras Tour, but it’ll likely join the Renaissance World Tour in this vaulted space.

In speeding to the all-time top 10, Beyoncé maintained a breathtaking pace from May through October. The Renaissance World Tour earned $141.8 million and sold more than a million tickets from 21 shows in Europe. (Previous reports cited $154 million, but official numbers have since been adjusted.) That evens out to $6.8 million and just under 50,000 tickets (49,873) per show.

Though those averages were already the highest of any leg of any Beyoncé tour, (much) bigger business awaited across the pond. Her 35 Renaissance shows in the U.S. and Canada averaged $12.5 million each night. In all, the North American leg earned $438 million, alone enough to break the global touring records referenced above.

Three shows at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (Los Angeles area), earned $45.5 million and sold 156,000 tickets. That makes it the sixth-highest grossing engagement in Boxscore history. Like the tour it was a part of, it’s the biggest reported Boxscore for a woman, Black artist and American soloist. And like its parent tour, it reaches its all-time status with brevity. The five higher-grossing engagements range from a six-night stay at London’s Wembley Stadium for Coldplay to Harry Styles ’ 15-show mini-residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

How to Get Tickets to Beyoncé's ‘Renaissance’ Tour Movie

The tour follows Renaissance , Beyoncé’s latest solo LP. The set debuted atop the Billboard 200 last year and spawned two top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100 – “Break My Soul,” which became her seventh No. 1 hit, and “Cuff It,” which became her longest-charting song on the tally earlier this year. Renaissance and both singles won Grammy awards at this year’s ceremony, making her the most awarded singer in Grammy history.

And while the Renaissance World Tour has come to a close, its lifespan hasn’t ended just yet. Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé opens in theaters on Dec. 1, distributed directly by AMC Theaters.

Across her 20-year solo career, Beyoncé has grossed more than $1.3 billion and sold 11.6 million tickets, including her portion of co-headline runs with Jay-Z , and Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott .

Daily newsletters straight to your inbox

More From Pro

Britney spears settles legal dispute with father over conservatorship.

• By Chris Eggertsen

HYBE Stock Rocked by ADOR CEO Controversy, Spotify Shares Hit Highest Mark in Three Years

• By Glenn Peoples

A California Bill Designed to Rein in Ticketmaster Was Rewritten. Now It May End Up Helping It Instead

• By Dave Brooks

Welcome to the Spotify Machine: Podcasts, Audiobooks, Video, Education — And, Yes, Music

Astroworld victims want trial to be broadcast live to the public: ‘transparency and accountability’.

• By Bill Donahue

Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Billboard Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

optional screen reader

Charts expand charts menu.

• Billboard Hot 100™
• Billboard 200™
• Hits Of The World™
• TikTok Billboard Top 50
• Song Breaker
• Year-End Charts
• Decade-End Charts

Music Expand music menu

• R&B/Hip-Hop

Culture Expand culture menu

Media expand media menu, business expand business menu.

• Business News
• Record Labels
• View All Pro

Pro Tools Expand pro-tools menu

• Songwriters & Producers
• Artist Index
• Royalty Calculator
• Market Watch
• Industry Events Calendar

Billboard Español Expand billboard-espanol menu

• Cultura y Entretenimiento

Honda Music Expand honda-music menu

Taylor Swift shows no mercy

The pop superstar’s overdone new double album, ‘the tortured poets department: the anthology,’ feels relentless.

Who’s torturing who here? Sorry, sorry. That isn’t the freshest zinger to zing in the direction of this sprawling new Taylor Swift double album , but please know that after funneling 19 of its 31 tracks through my headphones on Friday morning, my phone died, as if by its own volition. Same for any hope I had that the overall mood might improve in the third act of this two-hour hostage situation, a despair made manifest once I located my charger and heard the lyric, “My friends used to play a game where we would pick a decade we wished we could live in … I’d say the 1830s, but without all the racists.”

As a 21st-century pop omnipresence, Swift remains mercilessly prolific and unwilling to edit for length, which makes this extended version of her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology,” feel miserable and bottomless. The big surprise is how much of that misery is intentional. In concussive contrast to the good times she’s been having in the public eye — highest-grossing concert tour in the history of the species; highest-grossing concert film to match; on-field kisses with her boyfriend after he won the Super Bowl — Swift’s new ballads are sour theater, fixated on memories of being wronged and stranded, sodden with lyrics that feel clunky, convoluted, samey, purple and hacky. There are song titles that burn hot like distress flares (“I Hate It Here”), and lines that feel waxy with Freudian slippage (“I know I’m just repeating myself”), and a profusion of soft-edged, slow-moving melodies — produced by Swift, Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner and Patrik Berger — that do her lyrics few favors. As she unloads every last item from her grievance vault, it’s hard for sentient listeners to not want to reciprocate.

That said, is this the album that finally grants us societal permission to say that Swift is not a great lyricist? She can be, sometimes, but greatness isn’t a part-time job, and the thinning thinness of her words can make big emotions feel hollow. Plus, the objects of affection that populate these midtempo reminiscences all sound like real creeps. “At dinner, you take my ring off my middle finger and put it on the one people put wedding rings on,” sings the most celebrated songwriter of her generation on her album’s title track , “and that’s the closest I’ve come to my heart exploding.” Oh man. In “ The Manuscript ,” she sings in the third person, describing a flame who once “said that if the sex was half as good as the conversation was, soon they’d be pushing strollers.” During “ I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) ,” she gloms onto some imaginary bad boy, describing how “his hand, so calloused from his pistol, softly traces hearts on my face” — which must be pretty close to what you get when you ask ChatGPT to compose a Lana Del Rey hook. Attempting to further signal her maturity, Swift deploys profanity with awkward relentlessness across too many of these songs, sounding like a child test-driving her illicit new vocabulary in hopes of convincing the greater populace that she is, in fact, 34 years old.

Her music has no problem walking up to the precipice of self-examination — Hmm, why did I want to live in the slavery era if I’m not all that into the slavery part? Hey, why didn’t I barf when that dude played his cringey ring game? — but Swift almost always steps back into the shallow end, dulling her ideas with reflexive clichés. Lightning appears in bottles. Wrinkles appear in time. Ships are abandoned or gone down with. Plans are best laid. Hearts are cold, cold. Scripts get flipped. Poisons get picked. To zest things up, she likes tweaking certain words in rote figures of speech, or grafting them onto more melodramatic phrases until a completed line begins to resemble cathartic teenager poetry. “They say what doesn’t kill you makes you aware, ” she sings on “ Cassandra ,” a piano ballad that vaguely surges in the direction of Tori Amos. (Stay that course, please.) “Old habits die screaming ,” she sings while seething tidily during “ The Black Dog .” On “ Loml ,” she feels “better safe than starry-eyed ,” but eventually grieves “our field of dreams engulfed in fire. ” On “ How Did It End ,” she flips the old playground matrimony ditty so that she’s “sitting in a tree, D-Y-I-N-G. ”

The Style section

Enough. These are highly embarrassing combinations of words made to serve an even more embarrassing narrative: the childish idea that the most famous singer alive should be pitied for living alone atop her mountaintop of money, feeling sad and aggrieved. We should all try our hardest to forget the manipulative underdog posture that Swift refuses to forfeit with each passing album, especially when the genuine tragedy-like feeling to be gleaned from all of these songs — and from nearly every Swift song that came before, too — is that Swift has traded her adulthood for superstardom.

She hasn’t been an anonymous human being since she was 17, and in terms of her art, many of her horizons seem to have stopped right there. It helps to explain why at least three songs on this double album take place on playgrounds; and why another one is set at a high school party (where the sexiest lyric of her career sounds like additional AI-generated Lana worship: “You know how to ball, I know Aristotle … Touch me while your bros play Grand Theft Auto”). It’s probably why her songs rely so heavily on the make-believe concepts of destiny, and prophecy, and fate. She has not lived a normal life. She doesn’t make normal choices. Everything in her creative and professional world happens at epic heights that are difficult to comprehend and from which there is no coming down. Where are the songs about the profound sadness in all that?

Also, who cares what I want? You are a middle-aged man , you’re saying, This music is not for you . The first part is true. But I would argue that pop music is for everyone. You’re here, I’m here, I’m writing, you’re reading, we’re in this listening life together, and it’s probably just fine to wish that the most widely circulated music of our lifetimes might be more imaginative and less self-obsessed. We’re long overdue for a Swift album that feels even a little bit curious about the world she rules.

• An eye-popping ‘El Niño’ at the Met paints the Nativity at grand scale 44 minutes ago An eye-popping ‘El Niño’ at the Met paints the Nativity at grand scale 44 minutes ago
• At Strathmore, a reduced ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ turns up its heat April 27, 2024 At Strathmore, a reduced ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ turns up its heat April 27, 2024
• Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo takes charge at Opera Philadelphia April 25, 2024 Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo takes charge at Opera Philadelphia April 25, 2024

Harper's Bazaar

Just a Few of the Biggest Concert Tours of 2024, from Olivia Rodrigo to Bad Bunny

Posted: April 28, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

Listening to your favorite musician at home is fun, but there's nothing quite like the experience of singing along with them, and tons of more fans, live. And as luck would have it, 2024 is shaping up to be a massive year for some of the world's top musical acts, so chances are your favorite performer might be stopping at a city near you soon.

Ahead, we rounded up some of the biggest concert tours of 2024, ranging from Taylor Swift's mega-popular Eras Tour to Drake and J. Cole's exciting It's All A Blur Tour - Big as the What?—set to kick off this winter. You can also expect tour dates from classic icons like Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

1) Taylor Swift

Undoubtedly one of the biggest concert tours ever, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour will continue right through 2024. The international leg of the tour kicked off in Japan, where she played four shows in Tokyo. She'll also stop in Melbourne, Singapore, Paris, Madrid, London, Milan, and more before returning to the States to play in the fall.

There's nothing like seeing T. Swift IRL, but don't fret if you're unable to nab tickets—the Eras Tour movie is now available to stream from the comfort of your home.

2) Olivia Rodrigo

This is not a drill—"Drivers License" singer Olivia Rodrigo will be hitting the road on tour starting at the end of February. The Guts World Tour runs from February through mid-August and has dates in Nashville, Toronto, Chicago, and New York City, among others. Even cooler? Rodrigo will have a stacked list of special guests—like PinkPantheress, Remi Wolf, The Breeders, and Chappell Roan—with her.

3) Red Hot Chili Peppers

Did you hear the good news? The Red Hot Chili Peppers have extended their global tour through summer 2024. The buzzy stadium tour, which kicked off in June 2022, will now run until July 2024 and bring the California-based band to places like Los Angeles, Tampa, Toronto, and Salt Lake City.

4) Bad Bunny

It's fitting that "Monaco" rapper Bad Bunny titled his tour Most Wanted —it's slated to be one of the year's hottest tours. Planned to help promote his latest studio album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana , Most Wanted will kick off in Salt Lake City on February 21 and run through May 26.

5) Billy Joel

If you haven't yet seen Billy Joel perform live, there's still time! The Piano Man has added more tour dates to his schedule, stopping in cities like Tampa, New York, Denver, and St. Louis this year. Even more exciting? He'll share the stage with fellow iconic performers Sting and Stevie Nicks for some of these dates.

Mitski recently announced that she's expanding her North American tour dates , and we couldn't be more excited. The months-long tour, which supports her 2023 studio album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, has a long list of stops, including Miami Beach, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Paris.

There's nothing quite like a Madonna concert, that's for sure. The singer's Celebration Tour , which started last October, continues straight through the spring with dates in Seattle, San Francisco, Mexico City, and more. Besides her eye-catching sets, chart-topping songs, and impressive choreography, concertgoers also get a glimpse of the performer's fantastic costumes, which include looks from Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier.

8) Bleachers

The New Jersey-founded rock band, which is fronted by Jack Antonoff—known for producing albums for top acts like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey—not only has announced a new album but a new tour , too. The tour will start in the UK in March, ending fittingly in the band's home state of New Jersey in mid-June. Check out their newly released music video for "Tiny Moves" if you need a Bleachers fix in the meantime.

9) Nicki Minaj

Nicki fans rejoice: the rapper and singer might be coming to a city near you soon as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour. The massive tour will include performances in Brooklyn, Oakland, and Baltimore, with stops at Dreamville Festival and Rolling Loud California along the way.

10) Blink 182

Live out all of your nineties and early aughts pop-punk dreams with one of Blink 182's One More Time Tour dates. The tour, which supports the band's ninth studio album, One More Time..., will bring the trio to cities all over the globe, including Sydney, Santiago, Portland, and Boston. The tour's supporting act is Pierce the Veil, which is also worth checking out.

11) Stevie Nicks

The oh-so-magical Stevie Nicks continues her touring streak with a bunch of 2024 concert dates . Set to begin in Atlantic City, NJ on February 10, Nicks will visit a dozen cities throughout the U.S. this year, such as New Orleans, Omaha, and Chicago. "Let's keep this party going in 2024," the singer-songwriter posted on her Instagram in September to announce the newly added tour dates.

12) The 1975

The 1975 is showing no signs of slowing down. The British band, famous for hits like "Somebody Else" and "Robbers," has extended their 2023 tour through 2024. Titled Still...At Their Very Best , the 22-date tour will open in Glasgow on February 8 and conclude in Amsterdam on March 24.

13) Drake and J. Cole

Rap greats Drake and J. Cole come together for the It's All a Blur Tour – Big As the What? which is guaranteed to be a good time. Drake, fresh off his 2023 It's All a Blur tour with 21 Savage, is set to hit dozens of cities starting in February, many of which J. Cole will also be in tow for. Scoop up tickets ASAP, as Drake's shows are known to sell out.

14) Janet Jackson

Superstar Janet Jackson is also extending her 2023 tour, Together Again , into 2024 with dates in Anaheim, Austin, New Orleans, and Hartford. Even cooler? Jackson's supporting act is the 2000s southern rap legend Nelly.

15) Rolling Stones

If you've ever dreamed of seeing the Rolling Stones perform live in person, now's your chance. The iconic rockers, who released their studio album Hackney Diamonds this past fall, are returning on the road for a 16-date tour with shows throughout the United States and Canada. Concertgoers can expect a mix of new tunes and Stones classics.

16) Bruce Springsteen

Famous for countless listenable hits like "Born to Run" and "Glory Days," Bruce Springsteen is set to embark on a massive world tour this year with his band, The E Street Band. The much-anticipated tour will take the Boss and his crew to cities such as Phoenix, San Diego, Dublin, and Madrid, from March through November.

17) John Mayer

Be sure to catch John Mayer's solo tour this year, which will bring the guitarist and crooner to cities throughout Europe. This leg, an extension of his popular 2023 solo tour, will kick off in Stockholm on March 13 and finish in Dublin on March 29.

18) Shania Twain

Okay, this one is technically a residency , but we're excited nonetheless. Shania Twain, most known for her incredible outfits (her hooded leopard print look, anyone?) and hits like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" is setting up shop in Vegas starting May 10. Twain's residency will take place at the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood on and off throughout December 2024.

All good things must come to an end. The Eagles, known for "Hotel California" and other amazing rock songs, began their final concert tour this winter. It launched in Phoenix on January 20, with March 16 as its last date in the United States. Eagles fans won't want to miss this one.

20) Alanis Morisette: The Triple Moon Tour

Alanis Morisette joins forces with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for their 2024 Triple Moon Tour , which has dates in North America and Canada. This tour is a great one to catch this summer, as it's slated to run from June through August.

More for You

Liz Cheney's Message to Supreme Court After Donald Trump Hearing

iPhone users in 92 countries received a recent stark warning

Scientists have discovered the maximum age a human can live to

96 Midwest Comfort Foods Everyone Should Make

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

6 Medications You Should Never Mix With Dairy

Luke Grimes on Yellowstone’s liberal critics: ‘A lot of people see a cowboy hat and think, that’s not for me’

Here Are the Fastest Declining States in America in Terms of Population

Jon Lovitz blasts anti-Israel agitators taking over Columbia University: 'It's horrible'

What happens if you don't use airplane mode on your flight? Here's the answer to that, and more common travel questions.

The 3-Ingredient Dinner Ina Garten Makes When She’s Too Tired To Cook

Social Security 2025 COLA Forecast: Here's the Good and Bad News

6 Cars That Are Plummeting in Value

Popular Bakery Item Returns to Costco and People are Lining Up for Them

Pizza Recall As Warning Issued to Customers

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Peanut Butter Regularly

"They never stuck up for me" - When Shaq blasted Magic for throwing him under the bus after his grandma's death

'Office' actress Angela Kinsey reveals she once asked a producer to remove a judgmental joke about Christians

50 Easter Casserole Recipes Made in Your Trusty 13×9 Pan

10 Countries To Live Outside the US That Are So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

Porter Robinson Announces “SMILE! :D World Tour” 70+ Dates In 2024-2025

Grammy-nominated artist Porter Robinson announces a 5-continent world tour including stops in 30+ North American cities, Europe, and Asia in support of his highly anticipated third studio album SMILE! 😀 , releasing July 26th via MOM+POP. [Pre-order here ]

Robinson will debut a completely new live production including a full live band during his SMILE! 😀 World Tour, after first experimenting with the band format at his own sold-out Second Sky festival and again in 2023 at Coachella’s main stage. Fans can expect opening acts ericdoa in North America, underscores in Europe and Galileo Galilei in Japan.

The SMILE! 😀 World Tour will kick off on August 29 in Boston and hit notable stops along the way including Forrest Hills in New York on August 31 and Hollywood Bowl on October 11, before heading onto an Asian run which spans 9 cities beginning November 2024. Porter concludes the tour by traversing across 8 countries in Europe throughout February and March 2025, including a stop at London’s prestigious Brixton Academy . Dates in Australia and Latin America will also be announced soon. Full routing is available below.

Pre-sale commences Tuesday, April 30 at 10am local time —fans can register for early access to tickets at porterrobinson.com . Various presales will take place throughout the week including a CITI presale in the U.S. (details below) ahead of the general on sale on Friday, May 3 at 10am local time. For more information on the tour and tickets, visit porterrobinson.com .

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans. VIP Packages may include premium tickets, exclusive access to the pre-show VIP lounge, access to a VIP bar, early entry into the venue, pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity, specially designed gift item, and more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com (N. America) or vipnation.eu (Europe).

CITI is the official card of Porter Robinson presents SMILE! 😀 World Tour. CITI Card Members will have access to presale tickets for the U.S. dates beginning Monday, April 29 at 10AM local time until Thursday, May 2 at 10PM local time through the CITI Entertainment program.

For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com .

For the Hollywood Bowl show, American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Monday, April 29 at 10:00am PST through Thursday, May 2 at 10:00pm PST.

SMILE! 😀 World Tour Dates:

August 29, 2024 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

August 30, 2024 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

August 31, 2024 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

September 5, 2024 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

September 6, 2024 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena

September 7, 2024 – Miami, FL – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park

September 10, 2024 – Nashville, TN – Municipal Auditorium

September  11, 2024 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre

September 13, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann

September 14, 2024 – Washington, DC – Merriweather Post Pavilion

September 15, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA – UPMC Events Center

September 17, 2024 – Montreal, BC – MTELUS

September 19, 2024 – Toronto, BC – HISTORY

September 21, 2024 – Toronto, BC – HISTORY

September 22, 2024 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore

September 23, 2024 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater

September 26, 2024 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee

September 27, 2024 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

September 28, 2024 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

September 30, 2024 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park

October 1, 2024 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion

October 8, 2024 – El Paso, TX – El Paso County Coliseum

October 11, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

October 12, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

October 13, 2024 – San Diego, CA – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

October 15, 2024 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel

October 17, 2024 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena

October 18, 2024 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

October 19, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV – BleauLive Theater

October 24, 2024 – Sacramento, CA – Wheatland Toyota Amphitheatre

October 25, 2024 – San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

October 29, 2024 – Boise, ID – Revolution Concert House

October 31, 2024 – Portland, OR – Alaska Airlines’ Theater of the Clouds

November 1, 2024 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

November 2, 2024 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

November 25, 2024 – Bangkok – Samyan Mitrtown Hall

November 27, 2024 – Singapore – The Star Performing Arts Centre

December 8, 2024 – Manila – The Podium

December 10, 2024 – Taipei – Zepp New Taipei

December 12, 2024 – Seoul – Myunghwa Live Hall

February 10, 2025 – Tokyo – Tokyo Garden Theater

February 11, 2025 – Osaka – Namba Hatch

February 12, 2025 – Nagoya – Diamond Hall

February 14, 2025 – Fukuoka – UNITEDLAB

February 21, 2025 – Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt

February 22, 2025 – Hamburg – Fabrik

February 24, 2025 – Oslo – Rockefeller Music Hall

February 25, 2025 – Stockholm – Berns

February 26. 2025 – Copenhagen – Vega

February 28, 2025 – Amsterdam – Melkweg

March 3, 2025 – Cologne – Live Music Hall

March 4, 2025 – Paris – Salle Pleyel

March 6, 2025 – London – O2 Academy Brixton

March 7, 2025 – Manchester – Albert Hall

March 8, 2025 – Glasgow – SWG3 Galvanizers

March 10, 2025 – Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre

About Porter Robinson:

At age 18, the North Carolina-based producer and songwriter burst onto the scene with a complex, bombastic brand of electro-house. Following the major success of his 2014 debut album Worlds , Porter released the RIAA Gold single “Shelter” with Madeon in 2016, followed by a Shelter Live Tour spanning 43 dates and four continents. The following year, Porter began releasing music under a new alias, Virtual Self, which led to his first Grammy nomination for the BBC Radio 1 hit single “Ghost Voices.” In 2019, Porter put on the first Second Sky Festival, which sold out all 30,000 tickets for the two-day festival in a single day. In both 2020 and 2021, Porter Robinson hosted editions of his virtual festival Secret Sky, amassing over 6 million viewers combined, and which came to be regarded as the most sophisticated virtual festivals of its time. Later in 2021, following the release of sophomore album Nurture, Second Sky Festival made its return to the Bay Area, selling out 40,000 tickets in a single day. Immediately following, the Nurture Live North American Tour sold over 150,000 concert tickets and was the highest grossing electronic tour of 2021. In 2022, in partnership with Riot Games, Robinson released “Everything Goes On” surpassing 100 million global streams . Later that year was his debut of one of two exclusive full live band performances, first at Second Sky 2022 and again in 2023 at the Coachella Main Stage.

About MOM + POP: 

In their 16th year, Mom+Pop Music has curated a critically acclaimed list of artists including  Courtney Barnett, MGMT, Beach Bunny, Caamp, Ashe, Orion Sun, Porter Robinson, SEB, Tom Morello, and many others. Solely owned and operated by Founder/co-owner Michael Goldstone and co-owner Thaddeus Rudd, M+P has a global team of 25 people and is self-distributed. Known for their artist-first ethos, M+P continues to amass industry accolades from artists, media, and colleagues including Billboard’s Independent Label Power Lists, A2IM’s Libera Award for Label of the Year, and other recognition. They have received consistent media acclaim featured in Forbes, Variety, Billboard and HITS among other outlets. Mom+Pop Music is located in New York City and has offices in Los Angeles.

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com .

Contact info:

Porter Robinson

Kate Trapani | [email protected]

Lisa Perkins | [email protected]

Live Nation Concerts

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Valeska Thomas | [email protected]

Read more about

AMC Theatres Building Distribution Team With New VP Hire After ‘Eras Tour,’ ‘Renaissance’ Box Office Success

By Rebecca Rubin

Rebecca Rubin

Senior Film and Media Reporter

• AMC Theatres Building Distribution Team With New VP Hire After ‘Eras Tour,’ ‘Renaissance’ Box Office Success 4 days ago
• Zendaya’s Tennis Drama ‘Challengers’ Aims to Lead Sluggish Box Office With $15 Million Debut 4 days ago
• Nick Jonas Film ‘The Good Half’ Sells to Utopia, Sets Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE) 4 days ago

AMC Theatres , the world’s largest cinema chain, is leaning into distribution.

The company is expanding its distribution team with a key hire and promotion, underscoring its commitment to releasing its own movies in addition to showcasing titles from traditional and independent studios. AMC Theatres launched its distribution team with the premieres of last year’s concert films, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” 

Popular on Variety

AMC is bolstering the team by promoting Kevin Arnold to VP of programming promotions and partnerships, effective immediately. Arnold, who joined AMC in 2011, has risen through the ranks in the film programming department. Now, he will oversees promotional strategies that aim to drive moviegoer engagement and increase ticket sales.

“The remarkable success of AMC Theatres Distribution last fall opened an exciting new business for AMC, and we are thrilled to have Stephanie Terifay’s expertise and enthusiasm build upon the brilliant leadership of Nikkole Denson-Randolph,” said Elizabeth Frank, AMC’s chief content officer. “Through the addition of Stephanie and the much-deserved elevation of Kevin Arnold, AMC Theatres Distribution is well positioned to continue to deliver exciting and compelling content to moviegoers at AMC and across the industry domestically and internationally.”

AMC seems to be heeding the advice of its unofficial box office queen: “Shake it off.”

More From Our Brands

Lindsey graham shrugs off ‘catch-and-kill’ scheme to help trump win election, meet hollywood power couple david and jessica oyelowo, detroit sets nfl draft attendance record at 2024 event, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, survivor: jeff probst announces season 50 will be returning players, verify it's you, please log in.