Rolling Stones top-grossing tour artist of 2005

Concert website Pollstar is reporting that the Rolling Stones raked in $162M in earnings last year, followed by U2 ($138.9M) and Celine Dion ($81.3M). The real story is how higher ticket prices rather than more shows helped put the Stones over the top. I have long thought that a lot of times, the people going to see bands like the Stones and U2 these days are doing it more for status than anything else. Although I am the last one to begrudge someone from making a buck, that is not what the spirit of rock n' roll is all about. As a lover of live music, I've started to focus more on supporting local indy acts and also taking part in festivals where often, you can see a number of up and coming bands along with international headliners. Package tours are also a good bet because they give young artists an opportunity to reach new fans.

Here are the top 20 grossing artists who toured in 2005, courtesy of Pollstar, with gross earnings followed by average ticket price:

1. The Rolling Stones $162.0 / $133.98
2. U2 $138.9 / $96.92
3. Celine Dion $81.3 / $136.04
4. Paul McCartney $77.3 / $135.46
5. Eagles $76.8 / $104.17
6. Elton John $65.8 / $102.46
7. Kenny Chesney $61.8 / $54.63
8. Dave Matthews Band $57.0 / $47.09
9. Neil Diamond $47.3 / $63.02
10. Jimmy Buffett $41.0 / $76.49
11. Mötley Crüe $39.9 / $46.48
12. Green Day $34.8 / $38.07
13. Toby Keith $31.6 / $46.11
14. Rascal Flatts $28.2 / $34.92
15. Bruce Springsteen $26.3 / $81.00
16. Gwen Stefani $24.2 / $54.46
17. Coldplay $24.1 / $40.80
18. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers $23.6 / $38.05
19. Barry Manilow $22.7 / $153.93
20. "Anger Management Tour" $21.6 / $64.03

(Personally, I am hoping beyond hope for a mammoth AC/DC tour with the Darkness in the opening slot for 2006.)