21-12-2009 @ 14:45
U2 and the Rolling Stones have been named the top touring acts of the 2000s by Billboard. Madonna is also listed in the top three.
The Rolling Stones claimed the top honours, having made more than $869 million dollars from 264 concerts during the past decade. The band played to more than 8.2 million fans worldwide over the course of the 10-year span.
Meanwhile, U2 brought in $844 million with 288 shows. All of the band’s performances sold out.
Madonna was the top grossing female artist of the decade, with more than $801 million generated at 248 shows (244 sold out). She played to 6.3 million fans.
Bruce Springsteen at number four and Elton John at number five
The Rolling Stones are rumoured to tour in 2010 and are also rumoured as one of the headliners for the 2010 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England. The Rolling Stones haven't toured since 2007, when they were supporting 2005's A Bigger Bang album.
Here is Billboard.com's list of the top touring artists of the decade:
01. The Rolling Stones ($869,471,325 U.S., 264 shows, 190 sold-out shows, 8,236,586 attendance)
02. U2 ($844,157,925 U.S., 288 shows, all sold-out, 9,869,953 attendance)
03. Madonna ($801,299.671 U.S. gross, 248 shows, 244 sold-out shows, 6,837,124 attendance)
04. Bruce Springsteen ($688,136,476 U.S. gross, 403 shows, 248 sold-out shows, 8,605,238 attendance)
05. Elton John ($603,804,670 U.S. gross, 541 shows, 470 sold-out shows, 5,789,833 attendance)
06. Celine Dion ($536,593,262 U.S. gross, 792 shows, 597 sold-out shows, 4,099,963 attendance)
07. Dave Matthews Band ($505,447,901 U.S. gross, 547 shows, 282 sold-out shows, 11,230,696 attendance)
08. Kenny Chesney ($477,931,760 U.S. gross, 622 shows, 409 sold-out shows, 9,210,288 attendance)
09. Bon Jovi ($419,481,741 U.S. gross, 249 shows, 224 sold-out shows, 5,384,747 attendance)
10. Billy Joel ($418,421,266 U.S. gross, 241 shows, 213 sold-out shows, 4,141,287 attendance)
11. The Police ($361,851,102 U.S. gross, 144 shows, 134 sold-out shows, 3,327,161 attendance)
12. The Eagles ($347,640,186 U.S. gross, 240 shows, 174 sold-out shows, 3,107,832 attendance)
13. Tim McGraw ($303,950,209 U.S. gross, 388 shows, 175 sold-out shows, 5,203,501 attendance)
14. Aerosmith ($292,201,481 U.S. gross, 320 shows, 61 sold-out shows, 4,646,827 attendance)
15. Neil Diamond ($264,810,649 U.S. gross, 288 shows, 244 sold-out shows, 3,845,603 attendance)
16. Cher ($257,319,809 U.S. gross, 383 shows, 171 sold-out shows, 3,402,569 attendance)
17. Paul McCartney ($238,755,522 U.S. gross, 106 shows, 85 sold-out shows, 1,870,274 attendance)
18. Rod Stewart ($233,733,789 U.S. gross, 281 shows, 148 sold-out shows, 3,022,292 attendance)
19. Metallica ($227,568,718 U.S. gross, 187 shows, 93 sold-out shows, 3,581,445 attendance)
20. Rascal Flatts ($222,256,153 U.S. gross, 401 shows, 274 sold-out shows, 4,514,282 attendance)
21. Britney Spears ($216,299,560 U.S. gross, 255 shows, 158 sold-out shows, 3,704,826 attendance)
22. Jimmy Buffett ($215,367,754 U.S. gross, 196 shows, 131 sold-out shows, 3,927,053 attendance)
23. Tina Turner ($212,012,527 U.S. gross, 168 shows, 106 sold-out shows, 3,205,9895 attendance)
24. Toby Keith ($271,904,093 U.S. gross, 542 shows, 200 sold-out shows, 6,355,046 attendance)
25. Trans-Siberian Orchestra ($203,605,519 U.S. gross, 728 shows, 309 sold-out shows, 5,045,297 attendance)
source: http://www.chartattack.com/news/