Top 20 Concert Tours
As someone who goes to a broad mix of shows, I was surprised as to how pathetic this list is:
Top 20 Concert Tours
1. (1) Bon Jovi; $1,901,442; $95.39.
2. (3) Jay-Z; $1,055,401; $82.75.
3. (4) Michael Buble; $949,624; $81.61.
4. (5) Taylor Swift; $901,328: $58.05.
5. (6) The Black Eyed Peas; $867,945; $63.57.
6. (7) Muse; $665,767; $45.50.
7. (8) John Mayer; $633,160; $61.02.
8. (9) Rascal Flatts; $526,910; $63.89.
9. (10) Brad Paisley; $513,403; $53.26.
10. (12) Mariah Carey; $454,593; $97.59.
11. (11) Guns N’ Roses; $451,238; $72.87.
12. (13) Carrie Underwood; $356,308; $49.35.
13. (14) Jeff Dunham; $309,580; $44.77.
14. (15) Furthur; $255,895; $47.47.
15. (16) Celtic Woman; $246,680; $56.37.
16. (17) Daughtry; $240,746; $40.74,
17. (19) Jason Aldean; $215,395; $31.90.
18. (18) Breaking Benjamin / Three Days Grace; $210,979; $37.14.
19. (20) Rain — A Tribute To The Beatles; $193,800; $44.27.
20. (New) Experience Hendrix; $149,592; $60.35.
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May 19th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
BR: Not sure what you mean. Concert Ticket Prices are TOO HIGH! Or, that the performers are not what you want to see for the money? :shrug:
All I know is that “Chicago” was here in NC for a performance this weekend in Durham. Tickets ranged from $45-65.00 and that it was sold out. I didn’t see them on your list….
What are you asking?
Frankly, (Shame on ME) if Hall and Oates came to NC…I’d pay well over a Hundred Bucks to see them!
I saw Bruce Springsteen TWICE in NC in the last two years and it only cost me $45.00.
Who knows what music hits folks “taste buttons.”
May 19th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
The James Taylor and Carole King show is a true gas.
May 19th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
wow, that’s a lot of crappy live show for people to be paying for…
May 19th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
and didn’t Springsteen tour last year? Why isn’t he on that list?
May 19th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Hendrix in last place. I was a 14 yr old kid who had to take the bus down to buy tickets too see a guy few even had ever heard of in 1967, Jimi Hendrix. I paid $20 to get 4 front row seats for myself and friends. It was incredible , where was this guy from dressed psychedelic, played like there was no guitarists before. It was his 2nd tour the first he opened for the Monkees…lol. Anyway that kid and millions others had to find out where he was coming from and LSD connected those dots. If you never tried it its not too late. I think someone should dose all the guys at Goldman on a work day to see what their view of the world is that day. Wouldn’t that be a trip sending GS down the Rabbit Hole to look at themselves and the rainbows while showing films of the holocaust they created. Shades of Clockwork Orange. Don’t be afraid to see the real you, and take LSD ,so go now find the true in you but with friends at home…not at a wild concert.
May 20th, 2010 at 12:34 am
This list is truly disgusting
All albums for the artists on this list (less Jay-Z) should be gathered up and used for BP’s junk shot. In the case of Daughtry, the band members themselves should be included.
Concert ticket prices are WAAAYYY too high.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:15 am
This is truly awful! Soon these people might be making an amount they are actually worth!
May 20th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Pathetic as in how little they’re taking in? Or pathetic as in musically pathetic? [BR: The latter]
I was thinking the first figure was for the entire tour, but those figures sounded too low for entire tour. I see at the link that it is “average box office gross per city” during the past week.
I must be getting old. I haven’t hear of half the acts on this list. Who the hell is Jeff Dunham? Or Daughtry? Or Jason Aldean? Hell, I never even heard of Muse.
Jay-Z and Michael Buble are the only two I’d even consider spending an hour of my time listening to. Yeah I know, Buble is not very hip, but I’m a sucker for that updated Sinatra / Tony Bennett big band sound. But I’d probably pass at that ticket price.
Nice photo of Jay-Z breakfasting with Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion this morning:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/;kw=8664,35690,0
Jay-Z look as if he’s ready to take over whenever Bloomberg decides to retire.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:32 am
Well, for some reason the square brackets got stripped right out of that Jay-Z / Bloomberg link. Let’s try again using percent char + hex encoding.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/;kw=%5b8664,35690,0%5d
May 20th, 2010 at 5:07 am
I think he means: If this was a radio station, he would never listen to it…
The numbers are impressive. The groups are pop-ish and not…
A comedian, an American Idol loser, a Sinatra wanna-be, bubble-gum pop, poppy-country, ugh…
May 20th, 2010 at 5:18 am
In the interests of being fair and balanced, isn’t the “FreshBold” tour bringing in higher revenues?!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Well all I know is I’m counting down the days to see a master , Jeff Beck , at Wolf Trap in Vienna Virginia. The concert is a week before my birthday in June and the going market price for my set of six 6th Row center seats , pre-purchased for $42 as a member of Wolf Trap , are now selling on the online after market upwards of $340 to $360 each. However , being my birthday I’ve saved these 6 tickets , along with 10 more also altogether in the 21st Row dead center , are for my hand-chosen friends to celebrate. Nothing pathetic about this show.
However as we come closer to the show the price for the 5th row center seats will undoubtedly go further up , based upon my watching the price rise of choice seats for when Clapton & Beck played Madison square Garden 2 days earlier this year (top tickets listed at $1,500 ) I may be tempted to sell one or 2 at these “what the market will bare” prices to pay for the rest of my tickets for my friends & then the cost of my upgraded Wolf Trap membership.
As I said , nothing pathetic at all about Jeff Beck “Live”.
May 20th, 2010 at 6:05 am
i was fortunate (two nights ago) to see Pat Metheny live at a small venue called the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA. Coming up this season at this same small theater (but i won’t get to go) are (this weekend) Delbert McClinton, (5 days later) Bela Fleck, (in June) Stanley Clark, (3 days later) Tommy Emmanuel, (in July) B.B. King, (next night) Boz Scaggs, (middle of July) Chris Isaak, (a week later) Levon Helm, (end of July) Cindy Lauper and a lot of other variety in between and beyond, down to The Capitol Steps (political satire set to music) in Oct. , John McLaughlin in Nov. and (also in Nov.) Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes.
They also have comedians roll through (“Tater Salad” Ron White and Paula Poundstone a week apart in March of 2011).
May 20th, 2010 at 6:21 am
Hey Mathman,
That’s one great artist when it’s bookended by Pat Methany & John MacLaughlin ( new album BTW ). Have seen both Pat Metheny Group and Stanley Clark ( once with Bela Fleck & Jean-Luc Ponty as a trio ) 3 times at Wolf Trap. saw Bela Fleck & the Flecktones at Wolf Trap.Just recently got into Tommy Emanuel and he’s definitely a class act on the guitar as is electric blues master Joe Bonamassa. Both deservedly on the ascent for their respective virtuosity.
For your viewing pleasure check out this link to a 360 view of the in-house structure at Wolf Trap and see why it’s one of the best things Northern virginia has to offer:
http://www.emarketing360.com/ind/va/fccv/java/HSWolfTrapFileneCenter.html
You can keep the singers , bring on the guitar virtuosos. Had literally “feet on the stage” front row seat for Eric Johnson (Aug/2006 ) and twice for Robin Trower ( Oct/2006_Sept/2009 ) at the Brichmere in Alexandria,Va.
May 20th, 2010 at 7:04 am
The bigger is better era in concert tours in long over. The people making good consistent money performing are barely represented on this list. From a profitability standpoint the business model for music stars is way different these days. We hear about it enough in declining CD sales but this where it shows up. The big glitzy tours were used as promotional vehicles for a long time to punch up CD sales. Now, being a performer is actually all about the performance. The smallish venues are where the payoff is both in terms of profit and payoff for building the brand with loyal fans. People enjoy shows where they feel connected and you don’t get that in the 300′s at MSG. Big gross revenues is impressive but even more so is being able to sell a show twice a year in 30 cities and not lose interest from your fan base. Musicianship has come through a long weird period of the Boomers (and technology) and is back to being just that once again. If your see an “audio recording section” at the show you know they have figured this out.
May 20th, 2010 at 8:44 am
The top 20 seem fairly diverse in style to me. The numbers don’t seem too bad for a recession and so many other entertainment choices these days. It’s a tough business.
Taliesyn- The recent Jeff Beck show at New Orleans jazz fest was great. Video wall close-ups on the virtuoso technique and fluid playing was a bonus. The whole powerhouse band seemed to be having fun while playing on such a high level. You should enjoy it.
May 20th, 2010 at 9:59 am
this window is open .. so ..
I wondered about the lines of input myself .. nemo researches “average box office gross per city”
.. when I went looking for abit more – the backlink research was nill and Google didn’t help in a quick search either
what is the parenthesize # umm # of shows in the average .. or last reporting period rank?
and Taliesyn “being my birthday I’ve saved these 6 tickets , along with 10 more … for my hand-chosen friends to celebrate” … a party bus with a kegger … woohoo
May 20th, 2010 at 10:14 am
and the music business complains about sales?
because most new music (as listed) is awful
where is a linkin park tour? Chilli peppers?
Saw Beck/Clapton…my 13 yr old(great drummer) actually liked clapton better than beck, who played too much new music.
Was at N.O. jazz fest, quite the shows, so for those in NYC, the Neville brothers are at the Nokia TS for 25$.
Now that is a bargain
May 20th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Greg0658 Says:
“…and Taliesyn “being my birthday I’ve saved these 6 tickets , along with 10 more … for my hand-chosen friends to celebrate” … a party bus with a kegger … woohoo….”
Well on that front everyone has to get there by their own means , mostly because some friends will be coming right from work while other will be met at the outdoor Southwestern style bar at Sweetwater microbrew tavern where we all 1st met & became an extended family of friends. However I am making the effort to reserve a large table at either of Wolf Trap’s outdoor restaurants in the park to have a common area for us all to gather. Then all back to my place in Great Falls for an after concert gathering of friends.
CB Says:
” Taliesyn- The recent Jeff Beck show at New Orleans jazz fest was great. Video wall close-ups on the virtuoso technique and fluid playing was a bonus. The whole powerhouse band seemed to be having fun while playing on such a high level. You should enjoy it.”
Thanks for the recommendations. Frankly I rather like Jeff Beck’s new direction with orchestra form his new album. As if he’s going to leave behind his more gritty British-style electric jazz-fusion rock like he displayed at the 2007 Clapton Crossroads festival that put his choice for jazz prodigy bass virtuoso , little Tal Wilkenfeld who was all of 22 when she shard the stage with Mr.Beck who beamed at her like a proud Papa whenever she showed her stuff on Bass. Missed that tour entirely because before he could get to Wolf trap he skipped to the UK right after playing Philly. Anyway I’m psyched because this times it’s *all* Beck without Clapton which means we’ll be getting much than promotion of his new album. Best birthday present I’ve had in a long time.
May 20th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Saw Jeff Beck at the Fox Oakland just last year, it was wonderful.
All these big money makers are playing big, obnoxious venues. Let them have it. I love the fact that I can see such wonderful talent at nice, small venues. I don’t want the bands and musicians I like to be “popular”, then I would have to go to horrible places like Shoreline to see them.
May 20th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
tude Says:
” All these big money makers are playing big, obnoxious venues. Let them have it. I love the fact that I can see such wonderful talent at nice, small venues. I don’t want the bands and musicians I like to be “popular”, then I would have to go to horrible places like Shoreline to see them ”
Amen Brother! I swore off large arena concerts after seeing the Who perform the so-called ” Final Performance of Tommy” at the meadowlands in Jersey. Unless you’ve got boucoups bucks or are a guest on one for the good seats all you’re paying for is a view of the jumbotrons. Ridiculous!
I’ve seen Keith Emerson , Eric Johnson , Robin Trower ,Robert Fripp , & Rickie Lee Jones literally 6 to 7 feet away at the Birchmere in Alexandria ,Virginia in these past few years. ( In Rickie Lee Jones’ case it was this last December ). My favorite largest venue remains Wolf Trap hands down.
And real talent doesn’t fill arenas because most people’s taste in music is in their mouths frankly. *Real* virtuoso talent doesn’t even interest them which is sad , but their loss ids a true music lover’s gain every time.
( BTW: I am reminded of that great line from “Amadeus” when King Leopold comes to Her Mozart to compliment him on his new piece except for one thing , *too many notes” to which patiently replies ” and which notes does his majesty suggest I take out?”
I rest my case. ;-)
May 20th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
A few bands like U2 or Pink Floyd may be able to pull it off in large venues because their unique sound doesn’t get lost, but I can frequently see top talent (IMO) and interesting shows in micro venues. They’re not cheap, though. I just saw Al Kooper and tix were $50 and drinks were in the $10 range. I saw Jakob Dylan, wilco and Susan Tedeschi in smallish places and those were worth it.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Oh, and I forgot, the Red Elvises and Fastball on one-nighters in Austin, TX at the Continental Club, right across from the Austin Motel. For it’s size, an incredible place. Austin has something good nearly every night.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Nashville Pussy is on tour right now (http://www.nashvillepussy.com/shows). Most entertaining show this side of KISS. No BS.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Think my first attempt got censored – trying again. Nashville P_ssy is touring right now, and they might be the best entertainment value out there. (Think of a cross between KISS, AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd, but nasty.) You’ll thank me later.
And you don’t even need to shave or get dressed up for one of their shows, Barry! In fact, I’d strongly encourage you not to.
May 20th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I don’t go to arena shows any more, they’re just too crowded with lousy sound and sight lines and $100 tickets. I much prefer 1000-2000 seat theater shows or club shows (if my back is up for standing up all night). I saw the Decemberist for $24 bucks last year ($7 Ticketmaster fee) and it was one of the best shows of the year. I’m planning on seeing Lyle Lovett for the second time ($57 but he puts on a great show and its in a 2000 seat theater).
May 20th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I have only payed for for a complete Album for only ONE of those artists. The first Black Eyed Peas CD “Let’s get it started”.
I am either getting OLD or I have never cared for what everyone else cares for.
Right now I’m listening to Miike Snow. Some Cold Play esque type stuff that I saw on a pretty girl’s Facebook page of favorites.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
We go to local smaller venues, 30 min. from home. Will be seeing Jeff Beck in June. Also have available SPAC and Bethel Woods (woodstock) Nice, haven’t done MSG in twenty years.
May 20th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Boy, what a lame cast of characters. I remember when they used to make REAL music! Ah for the days of Eddie Cantor.
May 21st, 2010 at 12:20 am
AndrewBW Says:
May 20th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
“…. Ah for the days of Eddie Cantor.”
Was afraid you’d say something like Rudi Vallee. then agian there’s always Jollie ( Al Jolson to the uninitiated ) However you’re just shy of the age of Cab Calaway & Louis Armstrong. Gimme the virtuoso musicians every time.
(My Father once told me about seeing him at the Cotton Club as a very young GI. )
Then again there’s simply Ella.
And pleeease don’t say they just don’t play like that anymore because there’s plenty of genuine talent out there , you just don’t hear of then save by chance conversation or net search serendipity looking for something completely different.
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:15 am
For all the people saying that they don’t recognize anyone on the list, Furthur is a name for “the surviving members of the Grateful Dead, plus someone to cover Jerry Garcia’s role.”
The Dead ruled concert sales for a long time, and they’re still doing it.