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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Within the music industry, tours represent not just the musician’s incredible feat but also remarkable commercial success. Drawing millions of fans and generating staggering revenue, these highest grossing tours of all time set records that would be difficult to break. Topping the list is Taylor Swift with the Eras Tour, securing its position as the most profitable music tour with ongoing gross revenue.
10 Highest Grossing Tours of All Time
Citing Visual Capitalist, Billboard, and Yahoo! Finance, here are the top-grossing concert tours:
1. The Rolling Stones: No Filter Tour (2017–2019, 2021)
Gross revenue: US$547 Million
Shows: 58
Attendance: 2.86 Million
A testament to the Rolling Stones’ incredible legacy, the ‘No Filter Tour’ has less than 60 shows but managed to be placed among the highest grossing tours of all time. Composed of four brief summer runs across two continents—Europe and North America—the concert showcases the band’s enduring appeal and commitment to delivering unforgettable live performances.
2. The Rolling Stones: A Bigger Bang Tour (2005–2007)
Gross revenue: US$558 Million
Shows: 140
Attendance: 4.68 Million
Held two decades ago, the Rolling Stones' ‘A Bigger Bang Tour’ stands as a testament to the band’s enduring popularity, securing its place among the highest grossing tours of all time.
Drawing an audience of over 1.5 million, the iconic concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro remains one of the band's largest and most memorable performances. This tour not only showcased their legendary music but also reinforced their status as rock icons.
3. Beyoncé: Renaissance World Tour (2023)
Gross revenue: US$580 Million
Shows: 56
Attendance: 2.7 Million
Captivating over 2.7 million fans with her beloved hits, Beyoncé delivers a remarkable performance at every show of the ‘Renaissance World Tour.’
From dazzling sparkly horses to giant robotic arms, the spectacle is designed to ensure that fans experience one of the most unique concerts in musical history. With just 56 shows across 39 cities, Beyoncé has made her mark on the list of all-time highest ticket sales.
4. Guns N’ Roses: Not In This Lifetime… Tour (2016–2019)
Gross revenue: US$584 Million
Shows: 158
Attendance: 5.4 Million
The American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses reunited its 80s lineup and successfully performed 158 shows during their tour. Selling nearly 5.4 million tickets, fans reveled in classic tracks like Sweet Child o' Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, and Mr. Brownstone. Over a decade later, this remarkable tour continues to hold its place among the highest grossing tours of all time.
5. Harry Styles: Love on Tour (2021-2023)
Gross revenue: US$617 Million
Shows: 169
Attendance: 5 Million
Harry Styles deeply resonated with fans during his ‘Love on Tour,’ delivering a captivating 1 hour and 40-minute performance that featured popular hits like As It Was.
Known for his stylish concert outfits and engaging stage presence, Harry truly captivated the audience with his interactive performances. According to Hello Rayo, he also made headlines by donating US$6.5 million from his concert proceeds to various charitable causes, further enhancing his impact beyond music.
6. Coldplay: Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022-2023)
Gross revenue: US$618 Million
Shows: 107
Attendance: 9.6 Million
Having sold nearly 10 million tickets across six continents, Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour has established itself as one of the most profitable music tours by a group. With breathtaking light displays and dazzling fireworks illuminating the stadiums, this tour offers fans an unforgettable concert experience.
7. U2: U2 360° Tour (2009–2011)
Gross revenue: US$736 Million
Shows: 110
Attendance: 7.2 Million
Known for its innovative staging and fan engagement, U2’s ‘360° Tour’ remains one of the highest grossing tours of all time, drawing massive crowds.
Featuring an impressive lineup of 62 different songs, the concert welcomed epic guest performers like Lenny Kravitz, Muse, and Arcade Fire. Spanning nine legs, the tour included 110 dates and sold an impressive 7.2 million tickets, solidifying its place in music history.
8. Ed Sheeran: The ÷ (Divide) Tour (2017–2019)
Gross revenue: US$776 Million
Shows: 260
Attendance: 8.9 Million
Ended in August 2019, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Divide Tour’ brought him to meet his fans from around the globe across six continents. With 260 shows, the concert achieved record-breaking concert tour status with phenomenal ticket sales of over 8.5 million.
9. Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (2018–2020, 2022–2023)
Gross revenue: US$939 Million
Shows: 330
Attendance: 6 Million
Elton John's emotional farewell tour not only celebrates his legendary career but also ranks as one of the most profitable music tours in history. Although it faced a pause due to the pandemic, this ambitious five-year tour successfully staged 330 shows, captivating over 6 million fans across the globe.
10. Taylor Swift: Eras Tour (2023-2024)
Gross revenue: US$1.04 Billion
Shows: 152
Attendance: 4.35 Million
Ranked first among the top-grossing concert tours, Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ has captivated fans worldwide of all ages and gender identities.
With its breathtaking visuals and a nostalgic journey through her extensive discography, the 2-hour, 49-minute concert has already surpassed US$1 billion in revenue, achieving this remarkable milestone with several shows still to go.
Editor’s Choice: Taylor Swift Concert Projected to Add Nearly 1bn to UK Economy
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