The music industry’s most successful tours show extraordinary planning, fan devotion, and performance on a global scale. These record-breaking concerts generate billions in revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships, often spanning multiple years and continents.
From Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking Eras Tour to classic runs by rock legends like U2, we’ll explore the tours that set live music records. In this article, I will discuss the all-time highest-grossing tours, female artists’ achievements, and record-breaking ticket sales.
Which Is The Highest Grossing Tour Of All Time?
As of 2025, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is the highest grossing tour, crossing $2 billion. Spreading across multiple countries and with 149 shows, Taylor’s tour was widely known. Her performance, stage, and even the entire experience made her fans go gaga over her (and we understand why!)
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Tours Of All Time
The live music concerts have seen exponential growth, with top-tier artists getting unprecedented global audiences and revenues.
Here’s a table that ranks the top 10 highest-grossing concert tours based on their gross revenues.
| Rank | Artist | Tour Title | Actual Gross (USD) | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | $2,077,618,725 | 2023–2024 |
| 2 | Coldplay | Music of the Spheres World Tour | $1,201,654,283 | 2022–2025 |
| 3 | Elton John | Farewell Yellow Brick Road | $939,100,000 | 2018–2023 |
| 4 | Ed Sheeran | ÷ Tour | $776,200,000 | 2017–2019 |
| 5 | U2 | 360° Tour | $736,421,586 | 2009–2011 |
| 6 | Ed Sheeran | +−=÷× Tour | $649,529,567 | 2022–2025 |
| 7 | Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band | 2023–2025 Tour | $630,792,517 | 2023–2025 |
| 8 | Harry Styles | Love On Tour | $617,325,000 | 2021–2023 |
| 9 | P!nk | Summer Carnival | $584,700,000 | 2023–2024 |
| 10 | Guns N’ Roses | Not in This Lifetime… Tour | $584,200,000 | 2016–2019 |
Now, let’s discuss each of these record-breaking tours in detail, seeing what made them such phenomenal financial and cultural successes.
1. The Eras Tour
| Artist | Taylor Swift |
| Gross | $2,077,618,725 |
| Year | 2023-2024 |
| Number Of Shows | 149 |
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shattered all previous concert revenue records, becoming the first tour to cross the $2 billion mark. This ambitious production spans Swift’s entire career through themed segments representing each album era.”
With amazing stage designs, multiple costume changes, and a three-hour-plus runtime, the tour became a cultural phenomenon that boosted local economies wherever it played. The huge demand created “Swiftonomics” – a big economic boost in cities hosting concerts, with fans spending thousands on tickets, travel, accommodations, and merchandise.
2. Music of the Spheres World Tour
| Artist | Coldplay |
| Gross | $1,201,654,283 (ongoing) |
| Year | 2022–2025 |
| Number Of Shows | 184 (ongoing) |
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour is a vibrant show that combines the band’s anthemic rock-pop sound with stunning visuals and a strong emphasis on sustainability. As only the second tour in history to officially report gross revenues exceeding $1 billion (and the first to formally report it to Boxscore), it demonstrates the band’s enduring global appeal.
It also holds the record for the most-attended tour ever, surpassing 10.9 million tickets sold across its run, which extends into 2025. Known for its kinetic dance floors, power-generating bikes for fans, and interactive LED wristbands lighting up stadiums.
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour brings their iconic songs to fans worldwide, even in 2025: find out where you can catch them live at Coldplay concerts.
3. Farewell Yellow Brick Road
| Artist | Sir Elton John |
| Gross | $2,077,618,725 |
| Year | 2023-2024 |
| Number Of Shows | 149 |
Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was a monumental and poignant final journey through his unparalleled five-decade career. Spanning five years and an impressive 330 shows, it briefly held the title of the highest-grossing tour ever before being surpassed by Taylor Swift.
The tour grossed nearly $940 million, attracting over 6 million fans worldwide eager to witness the legend perform hits like “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” one last time. Lavish costumes, elaborate stage designs, and heartfelt performances defined the tour, serving as a fitting tribute to one of music’s most iconic and enduring figures, concluding his touring career on an incredibly high note.
4. ÷ Tour (Divide Tour)
| Artist | Ed Sheeran |
| Gross | $776,200,000 |
| Year | 2017–2019 |
| Number Of Shows | 255 |
Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide) Tour shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing tour of all time upon its completion in 2019, a title it held until Elton John’s farewell tour concluded. Remarkably, Sheeran achieved this largely as a solo performer, armed with just his acoustic guitar and a loop pedal station, and today he is one of the most famous singers worldwide.
The tour sold nearly 8.9 million tickets across 255 shows worldwide, showcasing his unique ability to command massive stadium audiences with intimate performances. Hits like “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” and “Perfect” resonated globally.
5. 360° Tour
| Artist | U2 |
| Gross | $736,421,586 |
| Year | 2009–2011 |
| Number Of Shows | 110 |
U2’s 360° Tour remains legendary for its groundbreaking production and scale. Centered around “The Claw,” a colossal four-legged stage structure standing 164 feet tall, the tour offered unobstructed views for audiences in massive stadiums worldwide. This innovative design allowed for increased capacity and a unique shared experience.
Grossing over $736 million from 110 shows, it held the highest-grossing tour record for eight years. Attracting over 7.3 million fans, the tour featured powerful performances of U2’s extensive catalog, blending rock anthems with visually stunning effects.
6. +–=÷× Tour (Mathematics Tour)
| Artist | Ed Sheeran |
| Gross | $649,529,567 (ongoing) |
| Year | 2022–2025 |
| Number Of Shows | 165 (ongoing) |
Continuing his dominance in live music, Ed Sheeran’s +–=÷× Tour (pronounced Mathematics Tour) is another global stadium run showcasing his signature solo performance style, albeit with occasional band support for certain songs.
Launched in 2022 and extending into 2025, the tour has already grossed over $649 million from its reported 165 shows, placing it high among the all-time earners while still in progress.
It blends hits from his extensive back catalog with newer material from albums ‘=’ and ‘−’, demonstrating his continued ability to captivate massive audiences worldwide.
7. 2023–2025 Tour
| Artist | Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band |
| Gross | $630,792,517 (ongoing) |
| Year | 2023–2025 |
| Number Of Shows | 110 (ongoing) |
Bruce Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band got on their first major outing in six years with this ongoing tour, proving their timeless appeal and electrifying stage presence remain undiminished.
Running from 2023 through 2025, the tour has already amassed over $630 million across 110 scheduled shows, highlighting the fierce loyalty of their multi-generational fan base.
Known for marathon concerts often exceeding three hours, Springsteen delivers a powerful mix of beloved classics like “Born to Run” and “Dancing in the Dark,” alongside tracks from his more recent albums.
8. Love On Tour
| Artist | Harry Styles |
| Gross | $617,325,000 |
| Year | 2021–2023 |
| Number Of Shows | 169 |
Harry Styles’ Love On Tour solidified his transition from boy band member to bona fide global solo superstar. Running for nearly two years across 169 shows, the tour grossed over $617 million and played to more than 5 million people worldwide.
Characterized by Styles’ flamboyant fashion, infectious charisma, and genre-blending music from his albums Fine Line and Harry’s House, the tour was a massive success. Hits like “Watermelon Sugar,” “As It Was,” and “Sign of the Times” became stadium anthems.
9. Summer Carnival
| Artist | Pink |
| Gross | $584,700,000 |
| Year | 2023–2024 |
| Number Of Shows | 97 |
Pink’s Summer Carnival tour showcased her unique brand of high-flying acrobatics blended seamlessly with powerful pop-rock anthems. Grossing over $584 million across 97 shows primarily in stadiums during 2023 and 2024, the tour reaffirmed her status as one of pop’s most dynamic live performers.
Known for breathtaking aerial stunts, including her signature bungee-cord flights over the audience, Pink delivered visually spectacular and vocally impressive performances. The setlist featured hits like “Get the Party Started,” “So What,” and “Raise Your Glass,” alongside newer material.
10. Not in This Lifetime… Tour
| Artist | Guns N’ Roses |
| Gross | $584,200,000 |
| Year | 2016–2019 |
| Number Of Shows | 158 |
The Not in This Lifetime… Tour marked the highly anticipated reunion of classic Guns N’ Roses members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan after more than two decades. This generated immense excitement among rock fans worldwide, propelling the tour to gross over $584 million across 158 shows between 2016 and 2019.
It became one of the longest and most successful reunion tours in history, playing extensive sets filled with iconic hits such as “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “November Rain.”
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Female Tours of All Time
Female artists have consistently pushed boundaries and set records in the live music industry, headlining massive global tours that rival any in scale and success. Their tours often combine exceptional vocal talent, intricate choreography, stunning visuals, and powerful thematic concepts.
Here are the top 10 highest-grossing concert tours headlined by female artists, based on reported actual gross revenues:
| Rank | Artist | Tour Title | Actual Gross (USD) | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | $2,077,618,725 | 2023–2024 |
| 2 | P!nk | Summer Carnival | $584,700,000 | 2023–2024 |
| 3 | Beyonce | Renaissance World Tour | $579,800,000 | 2023 |
| 4 | G.E.M. | I Am Gloria World Tour | $424,000,000 | 2023–2025 |
| 5 | Madonna | Sticky & Sweet Tour | $411,000,000 | 2008–2009 |
| 6 | P!nk | Beautiful Trauma World Tour | $397,300,000 | 2018–2019 |
| 7 | Taylor Swift | Reputation Stadium Tour | $345,675,146 | 2018 |
| 8 | Blackpink | Born Pink World Tour | $330,000,000 (est.) | 2022–2023 |
| 9 | Karol G | Mañana Será Bonito Tour | $313,300,000 | 2023–2024 |
| 10 | Madonna | The MDNA Tour | $305,158,363 | 2012 |
Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour” made history by becoming one of the highest-grossing tours ever by a female artist. With stunning visuals, fierce choreography, and a powerful stage presence, she again proved why she’s called Queen Bey.
For a full breakdown of dates, cities, and what made the shows unforgettable, check out our Beyoncé Concert 2025 guide.
Highest-Grossing Tours By Year
From legendary rock bands to modern pop superstars, here’s a look at the highest-grossing concert tours each year in the 21st century.
| Artist | Tour | Actual Gross | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | $1,043,421,552 | 2024 |
| Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | $1,039,263,762 | 2023 |
| Coldplay | Music of the Spheres World Tour | $342,192,313 | 2022 |
| The Rolling Stones | No Filter Tour | $115,500,000 | 2021 |
| Elton John | Farewell Yellow Brick Road | $87,100,000 | 2020 |
| Pink | Beautiful Trauma World Tour | $215,200,000 | 2019 |
| Ed Sheeran | ÷ Tour | $432,400,000 | 2018 |
| U2 | The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 | $316,990,940 | 2017 |
| Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band | The River Tour | $268,300,000 | 2016 |
| Taylor Swift | The 1989 World Tour | $250,733,097 | 2015 |
| One Direction | Where We Are Tour | $290,000,000 | 2014 |
| Bon Jovi | Because We Can | $259,500,000 | 2013 |
| Madonna | The MDNA Tour | $305,158,363 | 2012 |
| U2 | 360° Tour | $293,281,487 | 2011 |
| Bon Jovi | The Circle Tour | $201,100,000 | 2010 |
| U2 | 360° Tour | $311,637,730 | 2009 |
| Madonna | Sticky & Sweet Tour | $281,600,000 | 2008 |
| The Police | The Police Reunion Tour | $212,227,302 | 2007 |
| The Rolling Stones | A Bigger Bang Tour | $425,100,000 | 2006 |
| U2 | Vertigo Tour | $260,000,000 | 2005 |
| Madonna | Re-Invention World Tour | $125,000,000 | 2004 |
| The Rolling Stones | Licks Tour | $299,520,230 | 2003 |
| Paul McCartney | Driving World Tour | $126,100,000 | 2002 |
| U2 | Elevation Tour | $143,000,000 | 2001 |
| Tina Turner | Twenty Four Seven Tour | $122,500,000 | 2000 |
Most Tickets Sold For A Concert In One Day
The record for the most tour tickets sold in a single day belongs to Robbie Williams. On November 19, 2005, a staggering 1.6 million tickets were sold within the first 24 hours of going on sale for his 2006 Close Encounters World Tour.
These tickets generated approximately £80 million (around $142 million USD at the time), showcasing the immense anticipation for his tour across the UK and Europe. This feat remains documented by Guinness World Records.
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Conclusion: Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” Is The Highest Grossing Music Tour In The World
Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour shattered all previous records, grossing over $2 billion, followed by Coldplay’s ongoing Music of the Spheres tour, which crossed the $1 billion mark and set attendance records. Elton John’s extensive farewell tour also stands as one of the highest-grossing in history.
Beyond gross revenue, the speed of ticket sales shows his fan devotion, with artists like EXO and Monty Python seeing shows vanish in under a minute. Robbie Williams holds the record for sheer volume, selling 1.6 million tickets in just one day.
Live music is dominated by tours that happen on a big scale, generating revenue and connecting with millions of fans globally.
FAQs
Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour (2023-2024) is the highest-grossing tour, earning over $2.07 billion USD across 149 shows worldwide
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022-2025) holds the record for the most-attended tour, selling over 10.9 million tickets.
Taylor Swift holds this title with The Eras Tour, significantly surpassing all previous records set by female artists.
The EXO concert in Seoul was reported to sell out in under one second.
Robbie Williams sold 1.6 million tickets in 24 hours for his 2006 Close Encounters World Tour, a Guinness World Record.
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