Live music has evolved into an unparalleled global industry, where the connection between artists and fans powers massive productions that break records and captivate millions. In an era where album sales have declined, the true music money-maker has become the concert tour, where the stakes are high and the crowds are huge. Today, let’s celebrate the 10 biggest-grossing tours ever — the unforgettable journeys where artists not only played music but made history.
1. Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour (2023–2024)
Gross: $2.08 billion
Shows: 149
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour didn’t just break records, it shattered them — becoming the first tour ever to cross the $2 billion mark. With nearly 150 shows, Swift’s masterclass in storytelling and spectacle brought fans across the globe to witness every era of her career, creating a cultural phenomenon.
2. Coldplay – Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–2025)
Gross: $1.27 billion
Shows: 194
Coldplay’s sprawling Music of the Spheres tour has been an epic global journey filled with colorful visuals and anthemic songs. Still ongoing, this tour has taken the band across continents, setting the pace as one of the highest-grossing live acts ever.
3. Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018–2023)
Gross: $939.1 million
Shows: 330
Elton John’s farewell tour stretched over five years and 330 shows, making it one of the longest runs in concert history. With a career-spanning setlist and timeless classics, Elton created an unforgettable send-off that packed arenas worldwide.
4. Ed Sheeran – ÷ (Divide) Tour (2017–2019)
Gross: $776.2 million
Shows: 255
Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour combined stadium intimacy with a global reach, playing to nearly 9 million fans. His unique loop-pedal performance style and heartfelt songwriting made this tour the highest-grossing for a solo artist at its time.
5. U2 – 360° Tour (2009–2011)
Gross: $736.4 million
Shows: 110
U2’s 360° Tour set a new standard for live show innovation, featuring a massive stage design that allowed the crowd to surround the band. The tour broke attendance and revenue records, blending rock legends with state-of-the-art production.
6. Ed Sheeran – +–=÷× Tour (2022–2025)
Gross: $649.5 million
Shows: 165
Ed Sheeran’s follow-up tour to Divide continues to build on his incredible live legacy. With a strong focus on algorithmic and grassroots fan engagement, this ongoing tour shows the power of sustained connection in the streaming age.
7. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – 2023–2025 Tour
Gross: $630.8 million
Shows: 110
The Boss and his band deliver rock ’n’ roll epics with passion and stamina, drawing on decades of storytelling and connection. Their ongoing tour proves that live music legends still have huge audiences eager for that raw energy.
8. Harry Styles – Love On Tour (2021–2023)
Gross: $617.3 million
Shows: 169
Harry Styles brought charisma, fashion, and a modern pop-rock sound to a global audience. His Love On Tour combined strong ticket sales with glowing reviews, cementing his status as one of the biggest stars of his generation.
9. Pink – Summer Carnival (2023–2024)
Gross: $584.7 million
Shows: 97
Pink’s high-flying acrobatics and powerhouse vocals have always set her apart. The Summer Carnival tour’s near-$600 million haul is a testament to her relentless touring energy and the connection she builds with fans.
10. Guns N’ Roses – Not in This Lifetime… Tour (2016–2019)
Gross: $584.2 million
Shows: 158
Reuniting classic members, Guns N’ Roses reignited their rock legend with a massive stadium tour. Not in This Lifetime… became one of the most successful rock tours ever, blending nostalgia with fresh energy for millions worldwide.