Tough Touring in 2010 - for Most
Conventional wisdom has been that even when financial times are tough, the entertainment industry holds it's own. That was not the case for touring acts in 2009 - and this year was no different.
2010 was a very challenging year for the touring business. Worldwide grosses were down 25% and the US numbers mirror that. But certain sectors - including country, most major festivals and tours by superstars in pop, urban and dance/electronic-performed well. The enduring draw of superstars is reflected by the achievements of the year's top touring acts, including Bon Jovi, U2, AC/DC, Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas.
Other veteran talents account for the balance of the year's top 10 tours: James Taylor/Carole King, the Eagles, Metallica, the Dave Matthews Band and Paul McCartney. Bon Jovi turned in the number one grossing tour of 2010. The U.S. rockers grossed $147.8 million playing 69 sellout shows between Nov. 22, 2009 and Nov. 20, 2010.
It was the second time in three years that Bon Jovi topped the chart compiler's annual list, a feat that had previously been achieved only by the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead in the past 25 years. The Stones claimed that honor in 1998 and 1999, the Grateful Dead in 1991 and 1993.
2010 was a very challenging year for the touring business. Worldwide grosses were down 25% and the US numbers mirror that. But certain sectors - including country, most major festivals and tours by superstars in pop, urban and dance/electronic-performed well. The enduring draw of superstars is reflected by the achievements of the year's top touring acts, including Bon Jovi, U2, AC/DC, Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas.
Other veteran talents account for the balance of the year's top 10 tours: James Taylor/Carole King, the Eagles, Metallica, the Dave Matthews Band and Paul McCartney. Bon Jovi turned in the number one grossing tour of 2010. The U.S. rockers grossed $147.8 million playing 69 sellout shows between Nov. 22, 2009 and Nov. 20, 2010.
It was the second time in three years that Bon Jovi topped the chart compiler's annual list, a feat that had previously been achieved only by the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead in the past 25 years. The Stones claimed that honor in 1998 and 1999, the Grateful Dead in 1991 and 1993.
