Top 5 Highest-Grossing Music Tours of All Time

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the five highest-grossing tours in history, featuring insights into the largest stops, the aftermath of each tour, standout moments, and the history of each band or artist.

1. Taylor Swift – Eras Tour (2023-2024)

Gross Revenue: $1.1 billion (projected)

Tour Overview:
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is set to be the highest-grossing tour ever, with an estimated $1.1 billion in earnings. This global spectacle is a tribute to her career, with each section of the show dedicated to a specific "era" of her discography. It features songs from every one of her albums, offering fans an emotionally-charged and musically diverse experience. With over 50 shows scheduled, Swift's tour has already broken numerous records for ticket sales, even amid high demand and scalper controversies.

Largest Stop:
The largest stop on the Eras Tour was at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Swift played six sold-out shows. Each night, the stadium was packed with over 70,000 fans, making this stop the biggest of the tour. The LA leg alone generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and included surprise guest performances from various artists, adding a unique flavor to each show.

Aftermath and Outcome:
Swift’s Eras Tour is not only a financial triumph but also a cultural one. The tour has reignited interest in her older albums, with many returning to the charts thanks to the performances. Swift's attention to detail in storytelling has deepened fan connections, and the sheer scale of the tour has set a new benchmark for live music. The tour’s success is also likely to lead to significant boosts in her future recording and business ventures.

Standout Moments:
One of the standout moments occurred during her stop in Glendale, Arizona, where Swift surprised fans by announcing two new songs from her re-recorded albums. This performance kicked off the tour with an emotional high, emphasizing her commitment to reclaiming her past work.

History of Taylor Swift:
Taylor Swift started her career as a country singer in the mid-2000s but quickly transitioned into pop, where she reached new levels of global stardom. Each of her albums represents a different phase of her life, and the Eras Tour encapsulates that journey, from her early country roots (Fearless) to her indie-inspired pandemic albums (Folklore and Evermore).

2. Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018-2023)

Gross Revenue: $939 million

Tour Overview:
Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour marked the end of a legendary 50-year touring career. Spanning five years and nearly 300 shows, this farewell was an emotional rollercoaster for fans who had followed John since the 1970s. The tour's setlist was a mix of his biggest hits, including classics like "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer," paired with elaborate stage designs that highlighted John’s flamboyant and theatrical persona.

Largest Stop:
The largest stop took place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where John performed three back-to-back sold-out shows in November 2022. The location held special significance as it was the same stadium where he had performed two historic concerts in 1975, wearing his famous sequined Dodgers outfit. The 2022 shows were a symbolic full-circle moment in his career, attracting fans from around the world.

Aftermath and Outcome:
Following the tour, Elton John officially retired from touring but remains involved in music through collaborations and charity work. The tour cemented his legacy as one of the greatest live performers of all time. Financially, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was a huge success, adding to his already impressive net worth and ensuring his music will continue to thrive across generations.

Standout Moments:
One standout moment occurred during his final Los Angeles show, where John was joined on stage by Dua Lipa to perform their hit collaboration "Cold Heart." The emotional farewell was broadcast live, allowing fans worldwide to witness the legendary performer's final bow.

History of Elton John:
Elton John began his career in the 1960s and has since become one of the best-selling music artists in history. His flamboyant stage presence, combined with timeless songwriting and a voice that resonates across generations, has made him an icon. Hits like "Your Song," "Bennie and the Jets," and "Candle in the Wind" have cemented his place in the annals of rock history.

3. Ed Sheeran – ÷ Tour (2017-2019)

Gross Revenue: $776 million

Tour Overview:
Ed Sheeran’s ÷ Tour set a new standard for solo artists in live performance. Featuring just Sheeran, a guitar, and his loop pedal, the tour took an intimate approach to large-scale stadium concerts. Despite the minimalistic production, the ÷ Tourwas a massive financial success, thanks to Sheeran’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. The tour supported his third studio album, Divide, which included global hits like "Shape of You" and "Perfect."

Largest Stop:
The largest stop on the ÷ Tour took place at Wembley Stadium in London, where Sheeran performed four consecutive sold-out shows, drawing in nearly 90,000 fans per night. Wembley has long been a symbol of success for UK artists, and Sheeran's shows there were a triumphant homecoming.

Aftermath and Outcome:
The ÷ Tour solidified Ed Sheeran’s status as one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Financially, it set a new record for the highest-grossing solo tour of all time. Sheeran took a hiatus after the tour but returned with new music and continued to dominate the charts globally.

Standout Moments:
One of the most touching moments occurred during Sheeran’s stop in Ipswich, where he grew up. The local crowd was filled with his family, childhood friends, and early supporters, making it an emotional highlight of the tour.

History of Ed Sheeran:
Ed Sheeran rose to prominence in 2011 with his debut album + (Plus) and quickly became a household name with his blend of acoustic pop, heartfelt lyrics, and folk influences. His songwriting and storytelling skills have earned him critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.

4. U2 – 360° Tour (2009-2011)

Gross Revenue: $736 million

Tour Overview:
U2’s 360° Tour revolutionized concert staging with its innovative circular stage that allowed fans a 360-degree view of the performance. Running from 2009 to 2011, the tour promoted their album No Line on the Horizon and was characterized by its massive "claw" structure, which became an iconic part of the show. The tour drew over 7 million fans across 110 shows.

Largest Stop:
The biggest stop on the tour was at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where U2 performed to a crowd of over 97,000 fans. The concert was also streamed live on YouTube, attracting millions of viewers, making it one of the most-watched live-streamed events at the time.

Aftermath and Outcome:
The 360° Tour broke the record for the highest-grossing tour in history at the time and set new standards for production design in live performances. The success of the tour reinforced U2’s status as one of the greatest live bands ever, known for their ability to merge music with activism.

Standout Moments:
A standout moment occurred in Berlin, where U2 performed on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The performance was not only a musical spectacle but also a powerful political statement.

History of U2:
Formed in Dublin in 1976, U2 has become one of the most influential bands in rock history. Known for their anthemic sound, political activism, and Bono’s powerful vocals, U2 has consistently evolved over the decades, remaining relevant in the ever-changing landscape of rock music.

5. The Rolling Stones – A Bigger Bang Tour (2005-2007)

Gross Revenue: $558 million

Tour Overview:
The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang Tour spanned two years, from 2005 to 2007, in support of their A Bigger Bang album. It was an ambitious global tour that saw the band playing across multiple continents in large-scale stadiums. Known for their relentless energy, despite their decades-long career, the band delivered classic hits like "Satisfaction" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" to millions of fans. The tour further solidified their status as one of the most legendary live acts in rock music history.

Largest Stop:
One of the most notable moments of the A Bigger Bang Tour was the performance at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This free concert drew an audience of over 1.5 million people, making it one of the largest attended live performances in history. The sheer size of the crowd demonstrated the Stones' ability to attract massive audiences across generations, even decades into their career.

Aftermath and Outcome:
The A Bigger Bang Tour grossed $558 million, placing it among the highest-grossing tours of all time. The financial success of the tour reaffirmed The Rolling Stones as one of the most profitable touring bands in history. Following the tour, the band continued to release music and perform live, proving that age had not diminished their impact or relevance in the music world.

Standout Moments:
In addition to the record-breaking stop in Rio, another standout moment took place during the Buenos Aires show, where the band played through a downpour, showcasing their dedication and connection with fans. Mick Jagger’s performance in the rain became an iconic image, reflecting the unstoppable nature of the band.

History of The Rolling Stones:
Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands in history. With their blend of rock, blues, and rebellious spirit, they have influenced countless artists and movements. Over the years, the band—fronted by Mick Jagger and featuring guitarist Keith Richards—has released some of the most memorable and influential albums in rock, including Exile on Main St., Let It Bleed, and Sticky Fingers. The Stones are known not only for their music but for their wild stage antics, longevity, and timeless appeal.