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Top 10 Highest-Grossing Concert Tours Ever
The music industry has witnessed extraordinary evolution over the decades, with concert tours becoming increasingly spectacular productions that generate unprecedented revenue. These massive undertakings involve elaborate stage designs, cutting-edge technology, and global logistics that transform live performances into unforgettable experiences. The highest-grossing concert tours in history represent not just musical excellence, but also the pinnacle of entertainment business success, demonstrating the enduring power of live music to connect artists with millions of fans worldwide. Here are the ten most financially successful concert tours ever recorded.
1. Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018-2023)
Topping the list of highest-grossing tours of all time is Elton John’s ambitious farewell tour, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road,” which generated an astounding $939 million. Spanning five years and nearly 330 shows across multiple continents, this epic journey celebrated one of music’s most decorated careers. The tour featured elaborate visual productions showcasing John’s greatest hits from his five-decade career. The sheer scale and emotional resonance of bidding farewell to a living legend drove unprecedented ticket sales, making it the most successful tour in music history.
2. Ed Sheeran – Mathematics Tour (2022-2023)
Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour, comprising the “+” – “=” ÷ symbols representing his album titles, earned approximately $910 million, securing its position as the second highest-grossing tour ever. The British singer-songwriter’s minimalist approach, performing solo with just his guitar and loop pedals, proved that elaborate productions aren’t always necessary for massive success. The tour’s accessibility and Sheeran’s ability to fill stadiums with his intimate performance style resonated with audiences globally, demonstrating the universal appeal of his songwriting.
3. Coldplay – Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022-2024)
Coldplay’s visually stunning Music of the Spheres World Tour has generated over $945 million, making it one of the most successful tours in history. The British rock band incorporated groundbreaking sustainable touring practices while delivering spectacular shows featuring LED wristbands, confetti cannons, and elaborate visual effects. Their commitment to reducing the tour’s carbon footprint while maintaining production quality set new standards for environmentally conscious entertainment on a massive scale.
4. Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour (2023-2024)
Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour by a significant margin. The three-hour-plus shows took audiences through Swift’s entire musical journey, from her country beginnings through her pop transformation to her indie-folk phase. The tour’s economic impact extended beyond ticket sales, generating significant revenue for local economies in each city visited. The unprecedented demand crashed ticketing websites and sparked conversations about concert accessibility and ticket pricing in the modern era.
5. U2 – 360° Tour (2009-2011)
U2’s 360° Tour held the record as the highest-grossing tour for years, earning $736 million across 110 shows. The tour’s name derived from its revolutionary stage design featuring “The Claw,” a massive four-legged structure that allowed for 360-degree views, ensuring no bad seats in the stadium. This architectural marvel of concert production, combined with U2’s legendary catalog and performance prowess, created an immersive experience that set new standards for stadium tours and influenced countless productions that followed.
6. The Rolling Stones – A Bigger Bang Tour (2005-2007)
The legendary Rolling Stones proved their enduring appeal with the A Bigger Bang Tour, which grossed $558 million. Spanning 147 shows across multiple years, the tour demonstrated that rock and roll legends could still command massive audiences decades into their careers. The production featured one of the largest stages ever constructed for a touring band, with elaborate lighting and video screens. This tour solidified The Rolling Stones’ reputation as one of the greatest live acts in music history.
7. Ed Sheeran – Divide Tour (2017-2019)
Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide) Tour previously held records before being surpassed by his own subsequent tour, earning $776 million across 255 shows. The tour’s success established Sheeran as a stadium-filling solo artist, performing to over eight million fans worldwide. His ability to create an intimate atmosphere in massive venues through his solo performances revolutionized expectations for what a stadium show could be, proving that stripped-down authenticity could compete with elaborate productions.
8. U2 – Joshua Tree Tour 2017/2019
U2 returned to the top-grossing lists with their Joshua Tree anniversary tour, celebrating 30 years of their iconic album. The tour earned approximately $390 million in its 2017 leg alone, with additional revenue from the 2019 continuation. The production featured a massive high-definition screen displaying striking visuals and political imagery, combining nostalgia with contemporary relevance. This tour demonstrated the lasting power of classic albums and the willingness of fans to revisit pivotal musical moments.
9. Guns N’ Roses – Not in This Lifetime Tour (2016-2019)
The reunion of original Guns N’ Roses members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan generated $584 million, making it one of the most successful tours ever. The tour capitalized on decades of anticipation for the classic lineup’s return, delivering high-energy performances of the band’s greatest hits. Spanning 175 shows across three years, the tour proved that reunion tours, when executed with genuine artistic commitment, could achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim.
10. Roger Waters – The Wall Live (2010-2013)
Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters brought his ambitious production of The Wall to life as a solo tour, grossing $459 million across 219 shows. The tour featured a literal wall being built across the stage during the performance, elaborate puppets, and stunning visual projections that brought the album’s narrative to life. This production demonstrated how concept albums could be translated into theatrical touring experiences, blending rock concert with performance art and creating one of the most visually spectacular tours in history.
Conclusion
These ten highest-grossing concert tours represent the pinnacle of live music entertainment, combining artistic excellence with unprecedented scale and production values. From Taylor Swift’s record-shattering Eras Tour to Roger Waters’ theatrical spectacle, these tours showcase diverse approaches to connecting with audiences on a massive scale. They reflect changing industry dynamics, technological advancements, and the enduring human desire for shared live music experiences. As ticket prices, production capabilities, and global accessibility continue to evolve, these tours set benchmarks that future artists will aspire to reach, while demonstrating that live music remains one of entertainment’s most powerful and profitable mediums. The success of these tours proves that despite digital streaming and technological changes, nothing can replace the magic of experiencing music performed live.
