Music is perhaps one of the few things that have grown alongside civilization since its earlier years. Back when the closest thing to electricity was lightning bolts, people already played with musical instruments. Like actors performing on stage plays, musicians also gathered crowds around them whenever they started singing. Well, though there are now more ways to enjoy it, none of them could undoubtedly beat experiencing it live.
Over the years, along with the many improvements in technology, music has become more accessible to everyone. Besides purchasing a physical or digital copy of their records, fans now have the chance to listen to their favorite artist’s songs through streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. Although this may be the case, many still wish to see them perform their music before their very eyes, on a stage in a spacious venue. After all, live performances have a particular charm to them, one that’s hard to find in studio records.
Well, in case you still need more convincing, may this article be of help to you. For so many years, several artists’ fans have willingly spent a few points off their credit cards on concert tickets to watch them perform live. Some of these tours even ended up becoming one of the highest-grossing ones in music history – a few of which we’ll be talking about today. Now, let’s take a look at them, shall we?
Madonna
One of music’s most iconic figures, the Queen of Pop, Madonna, has never failed to impress her fans throughout her ongoing career. From 2008 to 2009, the singer performed in several concert venues for her Sticky and Sweet tour. Of course, it comes as no surprise that it was another success for Madonna. Grossing around $408 million, the Sticky and Sweet event now takes credit for being the highest-grossing tour led by a female artist – the previous title-holder was Madonna’s Confessions tour, with $194.7 million.
AC/DC
Although pop music has become the go-to genre in more recent years, one can’t deny the significance of rock ‘n’ roll. Among history’s famous bands to ever grace the airwaves is AC/DC – in fact, the group and their music are almost synonymous with the rock genre itself. From 2008 to 2010, the band went on their Black Ice world tour. By the end of the event, it grossed around $441.1 million, making it the fourth highest-grossing tour ever. However, besides music, AC/DC also played a significant role in the investments made in the medical field. In a recent study regarding chemotherapy, researchers proceeded with the treatment while the band’s song Thunderstruck played through the speakers. Apparently, the record’s vibrations made the procedure more effective.
Coldplay
If there’s one band almost everyone recognizes today, it would arguably be Coldplay – with hits like Yellow, The Scientist, and Fix You, who wouldn’t? However, besides releasing popular songs, the group also allocates a good amount of investment money to their concerts. During their 2011 Mylo Xyloto tour, Coldplay spent around $5.64 million on wristbands for fans to wear throughout the event – the wristbands change colors in time with the music. For their Viva La Vida tour, concert-goers received a free copy of their side album LeftRightLeftRightLeft. Although these events undoubtedly provided a memorable experience for Coldplay’s fans, perhaps their most successful one took place in 2016. To support their at-the-time new album, the band went on their A Head Full of Dreams tour. It earned around $523 million, making it the fifth highest-grossing tour in history.
Ed Sheeran
Another singer that has slowly but surely ruled the airwaves in recent years is Ed Sheeran. From playing his songs on sidewalks to having his own sold-out concerts around the world, the singer has undoubtedly made it big over the years. In fact, he has become such a popular figure in the music industry, to such a degree that even the iconic Elton John loves his songs – guess that’s one way to know you’re making the right decisions in your career. With his ever-growing fame, it comes as no surprise that his recent tour became the highest-grossing tour of all time, earning a whopping $735 million. This goes to show some determination and deep love for one’s passion can surely go a long way.
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