Bon Jovi scores 2008's top-grossing tour

Musicians (L-R) Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, Jon Bon Jovi, and David Gryan arrive at a benefit gala for The Recording Academy's New York Chapter in New York September 26, 2007.
REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

By Ray Waddell

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Bon Jovi was the top touring act in 2008, just ahead of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, according to sales data collected by Billboard.

Bon Jovi's Lost Highway trek through North America and Europe, grossed $210.6 million. Springsteen's Magic tour pulled in $204.5 million. The survey covers the period November 14, 2007, through November 11, 2008.

Rounding out Billboard Boxscore's top 10 were Madonna ($162 million for the still-underway Sticky & Sweet tour), the Police ($150 million on the second leg of their reunion tour), Celine Dion ($91 million), Kenny Chesney ($86 million), Neil Diamond ($81.2 million), Spice Girls ($70 million), Eagles ($56.6 million) and Rascal Flatts ($55.8 million).

For the overall touring industry, grosses reported to Billboard Boxscore totaled slightly less than $4 billion worldwide, the most ever for a year and up almost 13% over last year.

But global reported concert attendance was virtually flat, with 6% fewer shows. And North American concert attendance was down nearly 2%, after a nearly 20% decrease last year, continuing a troubling trend.

Reuters/Billboard