The 15 Biggest Concert Tours in History

These days, massive shows aren’t just about lights and guitar solos; they’re also about the record-breaking concert ticket sales and the most successful concert events that reshape the global music scene. If you’ve ever wondered where the highest-grossing concerts of all time stand, or which artist quietly rakes in hundreds of millions of dollars, you’re in the right spot. We’re counting down the most profitable concerts in history, shining a spotlight on the artists, the production value, and the staggering figures that put them in the record books. Let’s start at the lower end of the ranking and work our way up to the colossal sums at the top.

15. Bon Jovi’s Lost Highway Tour

• Revenue: ~$210 million
• Number of Shows: ~100+
• Dates: 2007 – 2008

Bon Jovi kicked off the list with their Lost Highway Tour, pulling in an estimated $210 million across more than 100 shows. Their knack for blending classic rock anthems with contemporary sounds helped them stay relevant for multiple generations of fans. Stadiums from North America to Europe were packed with loyal listeners craving that signature Bon Jovi style—big hooks, energetic performances, and plenty of sing-along moments. While some might overlook Bon Jovi in the grand scheme of biggest music tours by ticket sales, the Lost Highway Tour proved they could compete with younger acts, bringing in massive crowds and revenue in a fiercely competitive industry.

14. Pink Floyd’s The Division Bell Tour

• Revenue: ~$250 million
• Number of Shows: 110
• Dates: March 30, 1994 – October 29, 1994

Pink Floyd’s The Division Bell Tour was one of those legendary rock undertakings that fans still talk about today. Although it happened back in 1994, the revenue, topping $250 million, remains jaw-dropping. With 110 performances, this tour featured the band’s trademark atmospheric soundscapes, mesmerizing light shows, and larger-than-life inflatable props. The synergy of classic hits and newer tracks attracted crowds from every corner of the globe, proving that Pink Floyd could sustain its commercial success even without Roger Waters in the lineup. The Division Bell Tour also paved the way for future large-scale spectacles, showing promoters how big ideas and hefty budgets could result in largest concert earnings worldwide—especially when tied to an iconic band name.

13. Bruce Springsteen’s 2023 Stadium Tour

• Revenue: ~$300 million
• Number of Shows: 5–10 major dates
• Dates: ~May 14, 2023 – June 20, 2023

Bruce Springsteen, famously known as “The Boss,” barely needs an introduction. Even in 2023, he kept stadiums roaring, generating an estimated $300 million from a handful of massive shows. Maybe it’s the timeless storytelling in his lyrics, or maybe it’s his three-hour performances that leave audiences drenched in sweat and nostalgia. Either way, Springsteen still proves he’s got the mojo to headline some of the highest-grossing live performances around, even without stacking dozens of dates. It’s a testament to his dedicated fan base and his reputation for leaving everything on the stage—no wonder folks still call him The Boss.

12. Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour

• Revenue: ~$411 million
• Number of Shows: 85
• Dates: August 23, 2008 – September 2, 2009

Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour wasn’t just another pop outing; it was a bona fide theatrical experience. Spanning 85 shows, the tour pulled in around $411 million, establishing the Queen of Pop as a heavyweight among the highest-paid musicians from touring. Costume changes came in a never-ending flurry, and each segment of the show had its own theme, from futuristic dance sets to nostalgic throwbacks. Fans everywhere marveled at her ability to stay innovative decade after decade, driving most expensive concert tickets ever sold in certain markets. Madonna’s business acumen and willingness to constantly evolve her persona made this tour a blueprint for future mega-tours by female pop stars.

11. Roger Waters’ The Wall Live Tour

• Revenue: ~$459 million
• Number of Shows: 219
• Dates: 2010 – 2013

Roger Waters resurrected the concept behind Pink Floyd’s legendary album “The Wall” for this monstrous live event, rolling out 219 shows that brought in roughly $459 million. Combining epic storytelling with cutting-edge production, Waters used massive props, intricate lighting, and, of course, a literal wall that would be constructed and torn down on stage. This touring spectacle demonstrated that fans are willing to shell out top dollar for a meticulously planned, thematically charged concert experience. Even younger audiences who missed the original Pink Floyd heyday lined up for tickets, drawn by both the mystique of Pink Floyd’s legacy and the chance to witness one of the biggest arena concerts by revenue in modern times.

10. The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang Tour

• Revenue: ~$558 million
• Number of Shows: 144
• Dates: 2005 – 2007

The Rolling Stones have long been a staple in the conversation about highest-grossing concerts of all time, and their A Bigger Bang Tour only solidified that status. Between 2005 and 2007, Mick Jagger and company booked 144 shows across multiple continents, amassing about $558 million in ticket sales. With decades of hits behind them, the Stones attracted both die-hard fans and newcomers simply curious to see living legends in action. Each performance balanced raw rock ’n’ roll energy with sophisticated staging that was a far cry from their early club gigs. Even after all these years, the band managed to stay at the forefront of concert industry revenue trends, proving that classic rock can still rake in colossal profits.

9. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour

• Revenue: ~$580 million
• Number of Shows: ~56
• Dates: 2023

Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour was a masterclass in how to pack stadiums with fewer total shows. Hauling in around $580 million across roughly 56 performances, Queen Bey leveraged her star power to command premium ticket prices and near-instant sellouts. The spectacle included jaw-dropping choreography, stunning visuals, and a strong focus on audience engagement—some fans walked away saying it felt like an immersive music festival more than a standard concert. The enormous demand and staggering revenue underscore her ongoing influence on the biggest music tours by ticket sales, setting fresh benchmarks for stadium productions worldwide.

8. Guns N’ Roses’ Not in This Lifetime... Tour

• Revenue: ~$584 million
• Number of Shows: 158
• Dates: 2016 – 2019

After years of rumors and speculation, Guns N’ Roses reunited for the Not in This Lifetime... Tour, pulling in around $584 million over 158 shows. Fans, old and young, flocked to see Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan back on stage together. While the band’s 1980s heyday seemed like ancient history to some, the raw power of their performances left no doubt that they could still dominate. The union of nostalgia and top-tier production value was a winning formula for capturing audiences—and concert revenue. It also proved that well-timed reunions can translate into immense success on the road, contributing to some of the largest concert earnings worldwide in recent history.

7. Metallica’s WorldWired Tour

• Revenue: ~$630 million
• Number of Shows: 143
• Dates: 2016 – 2019

Metallica’s WorldWired Tour took the heavy metal giants across six continents, demonstrating that metal fans are as dedicated as they come. Grossing approximately $630 million from 143 shows, the tour spotlighted the band’s timeless appeal and enduring relevance. By updating their stage production—emphasizing towering LED screens and immersive pyrotechnics—Metallica managed to keep each performance fresh for both new and longtime followers. They also diversified their setlists, weaving in classics like “Enter Sandman” with recent cuts, proving they’re not stuck in the past. This success story resonates with many concert industry revenue trends, indicating rock (and even heavier subgenres) can still stake a claim among the most successful concert events worldwide.

6. Coldplay’s A Head Full of Dreams Tour

• Revenue: ~$650 million
• Number of Shows: 114
• Dates: 2016 – 2017

Long before their futuristic Music of the Spheres World Tour, Coldplay hit the stadium circuit with the A Head Full of Dreams Tour, pulling in roughly $650 million across 114 shows. Known for their colorful wristbands that lit up entire arenas, the group turned each concert into a community-centered celebration. Meanwhile, their feel-good anthems and visually captivating backdrop gave fans a multisensory feast. It was all about creating a shared experience that left attendees feeling uplifted. The strategy worked, earning Coldplay a spot among the best-selling stadium tours in history and setting the bar high for what a modern rock tour could look like.

5. U2’s 360° Tour

• Revenue: ~$736 million
• Number of Shows: 111
• Dates: June 30, 2009 – July 30, 2011

U2 has always loved pushing boundaries, and the 360° Tour was no exception. Staged beneath the massive structure lovingly called “The Claw,” Bono and his bandmates raked in about $736 million across 111 shows, making it one of U2’s record-breaking concert revenue achievements. By placing the stage in the center of the stadium, they effectively surrounded themselves with fans, erasing the traditional divide between performer and audience. This approach also boosted venue capacity, meaning more tickets sold and more money earned. It was a visionary move that helped define the most profitable live concerts in history, proving creativity and innovation can go hand in hand with big earnings.

4. Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide) Tour

• Revenue: ~$776 million
• Number of Shows: 255
• Dates: 2017 – 2019

Ed Sheeran took a simple formula—one man and his guitar—and turned it into a revenue juggernaut during his ÷ (Divide) Tour. With 255 shows that netted around $776 million, it became a prime example of Ed Sheeran’s highest-earning tour. Sheeran’s ability to make stadiums feel personal, telling stories between songs and engaging fans directly, made the events feel almost intimate. Despite lacking the elaborate theatrics used by many pop stars, the ÷ Tour demonstrated that genuine artistry and strong songwriting can still lead to some of the most expensive concert tickets ever sold.

3. Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

• Revenue: ~$939 million
• Number of Shows: 330
• Dates: September 8, 2018 – July 8, 2023

Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour was an emotional victory lap, celebrating decades of hits and a legendary stage presence. Spanning 330 shows, the spectacle brought in about $939 million, cementing Elton John’s place among the world’s highest-grossing live performances. Fans across North America, Europe, and Oceania flocked to see the Rocket Man one more time, turning each concert into a collective sing-along for classics like “Tiny Dancer” and “Bennie and the Jets.” The extended timeline also allowed Elton John to reach a broad audience, many of whom admired his style since the ’70s. It all added up to a legacy-defining run that showcased how a farewell tour can become one of the largest concert earnings worldwide.

2. Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour

• Revenue: ~$1.15 billion
• Number of Shows: ~175
• Dates: 2022 – 2025

Coldplay is back in the spotlight with the Music of the Spheres World Tour, likely to surpass $1.15 billion in total revenue once the final tallies come in. Filled with futuristic visuals, high-tech wristbands, and environmental initiatives, the tour underscores how modern pop-rock shows can strike a balance between entertainment and social responsibility. Already, it’s among the biggest concert tours by revenue, drawing stadium-sized crowds in multiple continents. Chris Martin and company employ immersive set designs that blur the line between band and audience, forging a sense of unity that makes each concert memorable. It’s safe to say this tour is blazing a new path in music industry’s biggest live events—and it’s not even over yet.

1. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

• Revenue: ~$2.1 billion
• Number of Shows: 152
• Dates: March 17, 2023 – December 8, 2024

Riding a wave of fan anticipation, Taylor Swift claimed the top spot with the Eras Tour, grossing an astounding $2.1 billion over 152 shows. Swift harnessed her extensive discography—ranging from country ballads to synth-pop anthems—to build a performance that felt like multiple mini-concerts in one. Tickets sold out at lightning speed, spurring extra dates and venue upgrades, and turning it into the Taylor Swift highest-grossing tour so far. Beyond the concert halls, local economies also got a massive boost, as fans poured money into hotels, restaurants, and transportation. Each night, Swift introduced surprise acoustic sets and costume changes that paid homage to her past albums, elevating the experience to a new level of excitement. No wonder people are calling it one of the most successful concert events in recent memory.

They Keep Getting Bigger and Better

There you have it—a complete countdown of the biggest concert tours by revenue. From classic rock legends to contemporary pop icons, these shows pushed creative boundaries, drew millions of fans, and generated an astonishing amount of cash. Not only do they illustrate concert industry revenue trends, but they also remind us why live music remains such a cultural force. When artists tap into personal storytelling and cutting-edge production, fans respond in droves, buying out stadiums and setting new records. And guess what? There’s always another mega-tour on the horizon that might just topple these giants—and we’ll be watching.