Taylor Swift
Although U2 tops the list,
Taylor Swift and
Kenny Chesney are in second and third place, respectively, on
Pollstar's tally of the Top 25 tours of the year in North America. U2 dominated the field by grossing $156 million for 25 shows in 21 cities. Swift's tour grossed $97.7 million for 80 concerts in 59 cities. Chesney grossed $84.6 million for 55 performances in 55 cities. The Top 5 is rounded out by Lady Gaga ($63.7 million) and
Bon Jovi ($57.1 million).
Jason Aldean landed at No. 23 for a total of $28.3 million for 62 concerts.
Keith Urban is listed at No. 25 for 57 concerts that grossed a total of $27.3 million. With average ticket prices spiking above $100 for several acts, including Elton John, Celine Dion and Paul McCartney, tickets to country concerts remained a relative bargain in 2011. The average ticket price for Aldean's shows was $34.63, and all country acts were well under the $100 average -- Swift ($71.54), Chesney ($72.78) and Urban ($57.96).