The world of music is a magical realm that can captivate audiences, transcend boundaries, and make millions. While recording albums and selling singles have always been lucrative avenues for musicians, there's another dimension that has proven to be even more financially rewarding – music tours.
Live performances provide artists with a unique opportunity to connect with their fans, showcase their talents, and, of course, make a significant amount of money. In this article, we'll journey through some of the most lucrative music tours of all time, highlighting the immense wealth generated by these musical extravaganzas.
Wikicommons | U2's innovative stage design for the 360 Tour, The Claw, was designed to make a huge stadium feel more like an intimate experience
U2's "360° Tour" (2009-2011)
U2, the Irish rock band, embarked on their "360° Tour" from 2009 to 2011, and it went down in history as one of the most profitable music tours ever. The tour featured a groundbreaking stage design known as "The Claw," which allowed for a 360-degree view of the band from the audience. With 110 concerts across the globe, it grossed a staggering $736 million, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time at the time.
The Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang Tour" (2005-2007)
The Rolling Stones are no strangers to breaking records, and their "A Bigger Bang Tour" from 2005 to 2007 was no exception. This legendary rock band embarked on a journey that spanned 147 shows and raked in over $558 million in revenue, securing its place as one of the most lucrative tours in history.
Ed Sheeran's "Divide Tour" (2017-2019)
Ed Sheeran's "Divide Tour" was a global phenomenon that highlighted the power of a single artist to draw massive crowds. From 2017 to 2019, Sheeran performed a staggering 255 shows, grossing more than $776 million. His ability to connect with fans personally and deliver heartfelt performances played a crucial role in the tour's immense success.
teddysphotos/ Instagram | Ed Sheeran finished The Divide Tour with a four-show stretch in Ipswich, England
Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet Tour" (2008-2009)
The Queen of Pop, Madonna, embarked on her "Sticky & Sweet Tour" in 2008, proving to be a sweet success. With 85 shows, the tour grossed over $408 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours by a solo artist. Madonna's ability to reinvent herself and perform a visually stunning show contributed to her tour's financial triumph.
Coldplay's "A Head Full of Dreams Tour" (2016-2017)
British rock band Coldplay embarked on their "A Head Full of Dreams Tour" from 2016 to 2017, captivating audiences worldwide with their euphoric performances. With 114 shows, the tour generated a whopping $523 million, establishing Coldplay as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
gunsnroses/ Instagram | The Not in This Lifetime... tour grossed an astounding $584 million from 159 shows
Beyoncé and Jay-Z's "On the Run II Tour" (2018)
When music royalty comes together, the results can be truly astonishing. Beyoncé and Jay-Z's "On the Run II Tour" in 2018 was a testament to their star power. The tour grossed over $253 million from only 48 shows, proving that the power couple could easily conquer the music world.
Guns N' Roses' "Not in This Lifetime... Tour" (2016-2019)
Guns N' Roses, one of the most iconic rock bands ever, staged a comeback with their "Not in This Lifetime... Tour" from 2016 to 2019. Featuring a reunion of original members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, the tour grossed an astounding $584 million from 159 shows, solidifying their place in rock history.
