Making Billions, Winning Hearts
K-pop stans and Swifties have shown that certain artists create music that resonates with fans on a different level. In today’s world where pop culture is looked at as a stage for beats, rhythms, and monumental live performances, few artists have managed to transcend what it means to “go on tour”. The Swifties did not hesitate to show their resolve when it came to showing their love, pushing Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour to become the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. Generating a jaw-dropping revenue of $1 billion, Swift hasn’t just surpassed all her predecessors but has set the standard for all of those to perform after her.
Taking a victory lap, it’s time to take a look at who Swift and her “Swifties” left in the dust.
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Number 10: The Rolling Stones – No Filter Tour (2017–2021)
Grossing: $546,500,000
A four-year expedition that saw this legendary band traverse through a global pandemic to perform live on stage for their fans, with state-of-the-art production and a setlist comprised of songs etched in the rock hall of fame it is no surprise to see this tour make the list.
Number 9: The Rolling Stones – A Bigger Bang Tour (2005- 2007)
Grossing: $558,255,524
Taking back-to-back spots on the top 10 grossing tours list is not a small undertaking, but it’s not surprising to see it done by one of the best rock groups in history. The “A Bigger Bang Tour” reached all around the world, bringing their music from North America to Asia to Europe. Songs like “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Start Me Up,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” were accompanied by newer tracks like “Rough Justice” and “Streets of Love.”
Number 8: Beyoncé’s Renaissance Revelry (2023)
Grossing: $579,800,000
Taking spot number 8, Beyonce’s renaissance revelry tour during 2023 took global stages by storm, enticing and capturing millions of fans as Beyonce sets the stage for her upcoming country album renaissance act II which is likely to once again take the global music scene by the reigns.
Number 7: Guns N’ Roses – Not in This Lifetime… Tour (2016–2019)
Grossing: $584,200,000
This highly anticipated tour, reuniting the legendary Guns n’ Roses band for the first time in 23 years, was an enormous event in rock history. Under a name coined from an interview where lead vocalist Axl Rose responded to a question on a possible reunion with “not in this lifetime” the band went out and rocked every corner of the world.
Number 6: Harry Styles – Love on Tour (2021–2023)
Grossing: $617,300,000
Known for his attention to aesthetics and his electrifying performances, Styles presented a critically acclaimed solo tour from Australia to Asia all the way to the United States, further strengthening his claim as a flagship figure within contemporary music.
Number 5: Coldplay – Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022)
Grossing: $667,726,905
Setting an example for ethical musical tours, Coldplay toured the world while prioritizing environmental sustainability within the execution of their tour. Their worldwide tour made clear to artists globally that environmental stewardship is not an unprofitable endeavor.
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Number 4: U2 – U2 360° Tour (2009–2011)
Grossing: $736,421,586
If Coldplay’s example of environmental stewardship was not sufficient, the legendary band U2 set the stage for the same cause and beliefs a decade prior. Using revolutionary production elements, the band was able to pioneer the technological sophistication and scale of using a 360° stage which audience members from any angle can enjoy.
Number 3: Ed Sheeran ÷ Tour (2017–2019)
Grossing: $776,200,000
With over 250 shows, Sheeran’s divide tour found the solo artist icon performing from intimate cozy stages to massive world-renowned stadiums. Globally recognizable songs like “Shape of You” and “Perfect” delighted the ears of fans in every continent in the world (except for Antarctica, sorry penguins) bringing together all the enjoyers of Sheeran’s pop-folk-rock album divide.
Number 2: Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018–2023)
Grossing: $939,100,000
The legendary performer, known for elaborate set-ups and a flamboyant style, Elton John took the spotlight on his 5-year farewell tour marking his retirement from the touring scene. The influential tour showed upcoming and current artists what a happy ending to a touring career looks like.
Number 1: Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour (2023)
Grossing: $1,039,263,762
She did it, the influential generational popstar that is Taylor Swift achieved what no other before her could, earning 1 billion dollars in her “The Eras Tour”. Taking a genius approach to performing songs through her discography accompanied by elaborate set changes and designs.
The list of the top-grossing concert tours proves to fans and artists around the world that connecting with each other is a powerful event. This connection through live music brings fans of all ages, genders, and beliefs together to do one thing, enjoy music. These artists, through their dedication to their craft and their understated hard work, have facilitated these connections and experiences in ways that are unforgettable.
As the curtain closes on every performance the question remains: who will make the list next? And will there ever be a tour that rivals Taylor Swift for her position of the number one highest-grossing concert tour in the world?
