Concert tours have always been a major way for artists to connect with their fans and share their music live.
Over the years, some tours have not only thrilled audiences but also made a huge impact on the music industry by setting record-breaking revenue.
Here are the top 20 highest-grossing concert tours in history, showcasing the tours that have earned the most money and attracted the largest crowds.
1. The Division Bell Tour
- Artist: Pink Floyd
- Year: 1994-1995
- Gross Revenue: $534 million
This tour was in support of Pink Floyd’s album The Division Bell. It was one of the band’s final tours before their extended hiatus. Known for its elaborate stage design and multimedia elements, the tour was a major success and remains one of the highest-grossing tours in history.
2. The Police Reunion Tour
- Artist: The Police
- Year: 2007-2008
- Gross Revenue: $536 million
This tour marked the reunion of The Police after a long hiatus. It celebrated their classic hits and was notable for its extensive global reach. The tour was highly anticipated and received considerable attention, contributing to its impressive earnings.
3. WorldWired Tour
- Artist: Metallica
- Year: 2016-2019
- Gross Revenue: $538 million
This tour supported Metallica’s Hardwired… to Self-Destruct album. The WorldWired Tour was characterized by its high-energy performances and extensive global itinerary, drawing huge crowds around the world and solidifying Metallica’s reputation as one of rock’s top live acts.
4. +–=÷× Tour
- Artist: Ed Sheeran
- Year: 2017-2019
- Gross Revenue: $556 million
Ed Sheeran’s tour, named after his mathematical symbol-themed album (÷), became one of the highest-grossing tours ever. The tour was notable for its massive success in both North America and Europe, with Sheeran’s engaging performances and broad appeal contributing to its record-breaking earnings.
5. Sticky & Sweet Tour
- Artist: Madonna
- Year: 2008-2009
- Gross Revenue: $603 million
This tour supported Madonna’s Hard Candy album and is renowned for its high-energy performances, elaborate staging, and impressive visual elements. It was a massive commercial success and further cemented Madonna’s status as a pop icon with a record-breaking tour.
6. Renaissance World Tour
- Artist: Beyoncé
- Year: 2023
- Gross Revenue: $606 million
This tour was in support of Beyoncé’s Renaissance album and featured a mix of her greatest hits along with new material. Known for its elaborate stage design, high-energy performances, and diverse setlist, the Renaissance World Tour achieved record-breaking success and reinforced Beyoncé’s reputation as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
7. Vertigo Tour
- Artist: U2
- Year: 2005-2006
- Gross Revenue: $613 million
This tour supported U2’s album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. It was notable for its innovative stage design and multimedia elements. The Vertigo Tour was highly successful, helping U2 maintain their status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world and setting new standards for live performances.
8. The Wall Live
- Artist: Pink Floyd
- Year: 2010-2013
- Gross Revenue: $623 million
This tour was a reimagining of Pink Floyd’s iconic The Wall album, featuring a grand and visually stunning production. It was a major success, bringing the classic album to new generations of fans while delivering a spectacular live experience that emphasized the band’s legacy and impact on rock music.
9. Black Ice World Tour
- Artist: AC/DC
- Year: 2008-2010
- Gross Revenue: $637 million
In support of AC/DC’s album Black Ice, this tour was one of the band’s most successful. It was renowned for its high-energy rock performances and massive stage setups, drawing large crowds worldwide and reinforcing AC/DC’s reputation as one of rock’s greatest live acts.
10. Love on Tour
- Artist: Harry Styles
- Year: 2021-2023
- Gross Revenue: $645 million
This tour supported Harry Styles’ album Fine Line and featured a vibrant and engaging live show. Known for its inclusive atmosphere and captivating performances, Love on Tour resonated with a wide audience and became one of the highest-grossing tours in recent history, highlighting Styles’ success as a solo artist.
11. No Filter Tour
- Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Year: 2017-2019
- Gross Revenue: $653 million
The No Filter Tour was a major success for The Rolling Stones, showcasing their classic hits and celebrating their enduring legacy in rock music. The tour featured high-energy performances and elaborate stage setups, drawing massive crowds across multiple continents and affirming the band’s status as one of the greatest live acts in history.
12. Voodoo Lounge Tour
- Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Year: 1994-1995
- Gross Revenue: $665 million
This tour was in support of The Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge album. It was one of their most successful tours, known for its extensive global reach and elaborate stage designs. The Voodoo Lounge Tour reinforced the band’s reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances and set a high bar for future tours.
13. A Head Full of Dreams Tour
- Artist: Coldplay
- Year: 2016-2017
- Gross Revenue: $673 million
This tour supported Coldplay’s album A Head Full of Dreams. The tour was known for its colorful, visually stunning performances and engaging live show. Coldplay’s ability to create an immersive concert experience helped them achieve significant commercial success and reach a wide audience globally.
14. Not in This Lifetime… Tour
- Artist: Guns N’ Roses
- Year: 2016-2019
- Gross Revenue: $725 million
Marking the reunion of the classic lineup of Guns N’ Roses, the Not in This Lifetime… Tour was highly anticipated and proved to be a massive success. It featured the band’s iconic hits and was celebrated for its high-energy performances and impressive stage production, drawing huge crowds around the world and becoming one of the highest-grossing tours ever.
15. Music of the Spheres Tour
- Artist: Coldplay
- Year: 2022-2023
- Gross Revenue: $810 million
In support of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres album, this tour was notable for its innovative and immersive concert experience. The tour featured a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, incorporating advanced technology and visual effects to create a memorable live experience.
It became the highest-grossing tour ever, reflecting Coldplay’s continued evolution and success in the music industry.
16. A Bigger Bang Tour
- Artist: The Rolling Stones
- Year: 2005-2007
- Gross Revenue: $861 million
The A Bigger Bang Tour supported The Rolling Stones’ album A Bigger Bang. It was one of the highest-grossing tours of the 2000s and was known for its extensive global reach and impressive stage productions.
The tour reinforced The Rolling Stones’ reputation for delivering electrifying live performances and connecting with audiences worldwide.
17. ÷ Tour (Divide Tour)
- Artist: Ed Sheeran
- Year: 2017-2019
- Gross Revenue: $962 million
Ed Sheeran’s ÷ Tour was named after his album ÷ (Divide). The tour was notable for its massive success and record-breaking attendance, featuring Sheeran’s engaging solo performances and a minimalist stage setup that highlighted his musical talents.
The tour’s success helped solidify Sheeran’s position as one of the leading artists of his generation.
18. Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
- Artist: Elton John
- Year: 2018-2023
- Gross Revenue: $980 million
Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour was his final tour before retirement from touring. It celebrated his extensive career with a mix of classic hits and new material.
The tour was notable for its high emotional impact, elaborate stage design, and John’s commitment to delivering memorable performances, contributing to its significant earnings and widespread acclaim.
19. 360° Tour
- Artist: U2
- Year: 2009-2011
- Gross Revenue: $1 billion
U2’s 360° Tour was one of the most ambitious and highest-grossing tours ever. It supported their album No Line on the Horizon and featured a unique circular stage design that allowed for an immersive experience and 360-degree views of the performance.
The tour’s innovative approach and extensive global reach helped it achieve record-breaking revenue.
20. The Eras Tour
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Year: 2023
- Gross Revenue: $1 billion
Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour showcased her extensive catalog, with each segment representing different phases of her career. The tour was notable for its elaborate production, high-energy performances, and extensive setlist covering multiple albums.
Swift’s ability to connect with audiences and create a cohesive, immersive experience contributed to the tour’s unprecedented financial success.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
