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'

Years: 2007-08

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'

Years: 2017-19

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)

Year: 1994

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

Gross: $250 million

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'

Year: 2015

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'

Years: 2013-15

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'

Year: 2018

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'

Year: 2016

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'

Year: 2014

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'

Years: 2013-15

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.

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."

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'

Year: 2014

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'

Year: 2012

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'

Years: 2016-17

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'

Years: 2002-03

Number of shows: 115

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'

Year: 2018

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'

Years: 2007-08

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'

Years: 2017-18

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'

Years: 2018-19

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'

Years: 2008-09

Number of shows: 85

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.

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.

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'

Years: 2008-10

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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'

Years: 2016-17

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'

Years: 2009-11

Number of shows: 110

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'

Years: 2017-19

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.

"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.

Related: Richest Singers l Richest Musicians