The Highest Grossing Concert Tours of All Time

Now more than ever, major concert tours translate to mega bucks for superstar artists.

The 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 mega bucks 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 productions 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, based on reporting from Pollstar and Billboard.

Each gross amount is in the original U.S. dollars and hasn't been adjusted for inflation.

30. Pink Floyd "The Division Bell Tour" (tie)

Year: 1994

Number of shows: 110

Gross: $250 million

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.

30. Cher "Living Proof: The Farewell Tour" (tie)

Years: 2002-05

Number of shows: 326

Gross: $250 million

For this marathon retirement tour, the self-dubbed "Cher-est show on earth," the diva pulled out all the stops — making a flamboyant, grand entrance atop a giant crystal chandelier; riding a paper-mâché pachyderm on stage; and in her late 50s, wearing 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. Where's Cher now? On her "Here We Go Again Tour," slated to wrap in spring 2019.

29. Taylor Swift "The 1989 World Tour"

Year: 2015

Number of shows: 85

Gross: $250.7 million

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.

28. Eagles "Long Road Out of Eden Tour"

Years: 2008-11

Number of shows: 161

Gross: $251.1 million

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.

27. Beyoncé and Jay-Z (aka The Carters) "On The Run II Tour"

Year: 2018

Number of shows: 48

Gross: $253.6 million

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."

26. Beyoncé "The Formation World Tour"

Year: 2016

Number of shows: 49

Gross: $256.1 million

Only time will tell, but in the eyes of many Beyoncé 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, 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.

25. Justin Bieber "Purpose World Tour"

Years: 2016-17

Number of shows: 162

Gross: $256.5 million

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 set list 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 cancelled the final fourteen shows, citing physical and mental exhaustion.

24. Bon Jovi "Because We Can"

Year: 2014

Number of shows: 102

Gross: $259.5 million

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 number one grossing tour of 2013. Perhaps the tour should've been renamed "Because We Can...Still Make a Fortune Sans Sambora"?

23. The Rolling Stones "Bridges to Babylon Tour"

Years: 1997-98

Number of shows: 97

Gross: $274 million

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 '90s 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.

22. Paul McCartney "Out There! Tour"

Years: 2013-15

Number of shows: 91

Gross: $275.7 million

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."

21. Celine Dion "Taking Chances World Tour"

Years: 2008-09

Number of shows: 132

Gross: $279.2 million

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

20. One Direction "Where We Are Tour"

Year: 2014

Number of shows: 69

Gross: $290.1 million

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!

19. Madonna "The MDNA Tour"

Year: 2012

Number of shows: 88

Gross: $305.1 million

When fans griped 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 NYC 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.

18. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band "The River Tour"

Years: 2016-17

Number of shows: 89

Gross: $306 million

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.

17. The Rolling Stones "Licks Tour"

Years: 2002-03

Number of shows: 115

Gross: $311 million

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 set lists 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."

16. U2 "The Joshua Tree Tour 2017"

Year: 2017

Number of shows: 51

Gross: $317 million

In the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, U2 began to realize 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.

15. The Rolling Stones "Voodoo Lounge Tour"

Years: 1994-95

Number of shows: 124

Gross: $320 million

Following the release of "Voodoo Lounge" — the Stones' first album sans original bassist Bill Wyman — the band embarked on a global trek that'd 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 aerobicised 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.

14. Billy Joel "Billy Joel in Concert"

Years: 2014-19 (in progress)

Number of shows: 150 (scheduled total)

Gross: $326.3 million (and counting)

Joel hasn't released an album of new pop/rock material in 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 June 2019, 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."

13. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band "Wrecking Ball World Tour"

Years: 2012-13

Number of shows: 133

Gross: $340.6 million

The first outing after the death of Springsteen's legendary saxophonist Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons, 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.

12. Taylor Swift "Reputation Stadium Tour"

Year: 2018

Number of shows: 53

Gross: $345.7 million

In the process of topping the take from her own 2015 tour (see this list's No. 29), 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.

11. The Police "Reunion Tour"

Years: 2007-08

Number of shows: 151

Gross: $362 million

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.

10. Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood "World Tour"

Years: 2014-17

Number of shows: 390

Gross: $364.3 million

After the country superstar's thirteen-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.

9. U2 "Vertigo Tour"

Years: 2005-06

Number of shows: 131

Gross: $389 million

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 concert goers 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.

8. Madonna "Sticky & Sweet Tour"

Years: 2008-09

Number of shows: 85

Gross: $408 million

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-bangin' version of "Borderline."

7. AC/DC "Black Ice World Tour"

Years: 2008-2010

Number of shows: 168

Gross: $441.6 million

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.

6. Roger Waters "The Wall Live"

Years: 2010-2013

Number of shows: 219

Gross: $458.6 million

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

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. Ed Sheeran "÷ Tour"

Years: 2017-19 (in progress)

Number of shows: 257 (scheduled total)

Gross: $551.8 million (and counting)

"Sheerios" obsessed with the English singer-songwriter's syrupy-sweet ditties bought enough tickets in 2018 to crown him the year's top-grossing concert act, and catapult his current, three-year "Divide" tour into this list's coveted top five.

After Sheeran takes the tour's final bow in summer 2019 and the receipts are tallied, industry experts project he'll climb to the all-time number one spot. You go, Ed.

3. The Rolling Stones "A Bigger Bang Tour"

Years: 2005-07

Number of shows: 144

Gross: $558.3 million

This Stones tour was so hot, even then-California Governor 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...

2. Guns N' Roses "Not in This Lifetime...Tour"

Years: 2016-2018

Number of shows: 159

Gross: $563.3 million

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 pot belly, 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!

1. U2 "360° Tour"

Years: 2009-11

Number of shows: 110

Gross: $736.4 million

Behold "The Claw"!

That's the nickname given to the gargantuan, 165-foot-high arachnid-like structure that towered over U2's stage on the top grossing tour of all time. 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 set list spanning the band's formidable catalog, including Bono donning a laser-light suit for encore numbers like "Ultraviolet." And if you're wondering what ever became of The Claw, in 2019 it'll be permanently installed at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah.