Billboard recently compiled a list of the top 25 touring artists based on their gross ticket sales since 1990.
Coming in at number one is the Rolling Stones, who amassed more than $1.5 billion and sold nearly 20 million tickets. Also in the top ten are Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews Band.
The dominant acts were primarily those that have been around since the 1970s and 1980s. Artists like Madonna, U2 and Elton John have spent decades building a fan base and worked hard to keep it.
More importantly, as their fans age, they tend to have more disposable income. Tickets for Paul McCartney’s last tour cost an average of $241, according to Forbes Magazine.
The youngest artist to make the list was Coldplay, which debuted in 2000.
1. The Rolling Stones
Gross: $1,565,792,382
Attendance: 19,677,569
Shows: 538
2. U2
Gross: $1,514,979,793
Attendance: 20,536,168
Shows: 526
3. Bruce Springsteen
Gross: $1,196,116,507
Attendance: 15,010,773
Shows: 727
4. Madonna
Gross: $1,140,230,941
Attendance: 9,694,079
Shows: 382
5. Bon Jovi
Gross: $1,030,082,884
Attendance: 12,333,668
Shows: 578
6. Elton John
Gross: $786,791,043
Attendance: 12,164,513
Shows: 956
7. Dave Matthews Band
Gross: $776,969,736
Attendance: 17,823,077
Shows: 992
8. Celine Dion
Gross: $737,573,927
Attendance: 6,546,109
Shows: 1,143
9. Kenny Chesney
Gross: $752,706,599
Attendance: 12,681,629
Shows: 755
10. The Eagles
Gross: $702,110,908
Attendance: 7,720,760
Shows: 484
11. The Police/Sting
Gross: $556,114,962
Attendance: 7,257,611
Shows: 605
12. Roger Waters
Gross: $547,305,412
Attendance: 5,474,759
Shows: 316
13. Paul McCartney
Gross: $505,534,809
Attendance: 5,248,175
Shows: 220
14. Billy Joel
Gross: $499,978,726
Attendance: 10,408,169
Shows: 577
15. Rod Stewart
Gross: $497,033,399
Attendance: 7,885,676
Shows: 714
16. Neil Diamond
Gross: $465,448,371
Attendance: 8,870,666
Shows: 643
17. Metallica
Gross: $432,816,245
Attendance: 8,388,374
Shows: 468
18. Aerosmith
Gross: $417,573,638
Attendance: 8,405,069
Shows: 582
19. George Strait
Gross: $405,034,063
Attendance: 9,736,580
Shows: 584
20. Jimmy Buffett
Gross: $402,756,057
Attendance: 9,746,471
Shows: 539
21. Coldplay
Gross: $378,359,252
Attendance: 5,394,616
Shows: 315
22. Toby Keith
Gross: $361,256,245
Attendance: 8,608,696
Shows: 711
23. Cher
Gross: $351,625,611
Attendance: 4,531,739
Shows: 548
24. Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks
Gross: $349,906,931
Attendance: 4,906,995
Shows: 483
25. AC/DC
Gross: $337,879,092
Attendance: 5,387,353
Shows: 316
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