Pollstar’s Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium
Pollstar has compiled an intriguing list highlighting the top touring artists of the millennium based on ticket sales since 2001. This compilation showcases a diverse range of artists across various genres, yet a significant portion of the list is dominated by rock and metal acts. Below is a detailed look at the findings from the report.
The Leading Rock Band of the Millennium
At the forefront of the ticket sales is Coldplay, who has sold an impressive 24.8 million tickets from 2001 onwards. According to Pollstar, the band has grossed over $2.48 billion with an average ticket price of $100.23 across 731 shows. Despite their top ranking in ticket sales, several other artists have outperformed them in terms of the number of concerts played.
Concerts Played by Other Top Artists
While Coldplay tops the ticket sales chart, artists like Dave Matthews Band and Elton John have played more concerts during the same period, with the former performing over 1,100 shows and the latter exceeding 1,200. Dutch composer André Rieu takes the lead with a staggering 1,700 performances since 2001.
Other Rock and Metal Acts on the List
Alongside Coldplay, several other notable rock and metal artists have made it to Pollstar’s list. These include:
- U2
- Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
- Metallica
- Bon Jovi
- The Rolling Stones
- Guns N’ Roses
- Eagles
- Phish
- Iron Maiden
- Roger Waters
- Paul McCartney
- Depeche Mode
The Rolling Stones’ Unique Performance Stats
Interestingly, The Rolling Stones, despite playing the fewest concerts on the list with only 341 shows, still managed to secure the 12th spot by selling 12.5 million tickets. Their average ticket price was the second-highest at $162.96, just behind Taylor Swift’s $165.54. Swift, who began her headlining tours in 2009, boasts the highest total gross from ticket sales, exceeding $3.1 billion.
Looking Ahead: Rock Shows in 2026
As we look forward to the future of rock music, 2026 promises an exciting lineup of tours featuring prominent acts such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, My Chemical Romance, and more. Fans can eagerly anticipate a vibrant concert scene filled with the energy of live rock and metal performances.
Conclusion
Pollstar’s report on the most popular touring artists of the millennium highlights the impressive ticket sales of various rock and metal bands, with Coldplay leading the way. The diverse lineup not only showcases the enduring popularity of these genres but also sets the stage for future concerts that fans can look forward to in the coming years.
FAQs
1. Which band sold the most tickets this millennium?
Coldplay holds the record for the most tickets sold, with 24.8 million tickets sold since 2001.
2. How much gross revenue did Coldplay earn from their tours?
Coldplay earned over $2.48 billion from ticket sales during their tours.
3. Which artists have played the most concerts since 2001?
André Rieu leads with 1,700 concerts, followed by Elton John with over 1,200 and Dave Matthews Band with over 1,100 shows.
4. What is the average ticket price for The Rolling Stones?
The Rolling Stones had an average ticket price of $162.96, making it one of the highest on the list.
5. What rock tours are scheduled for 2026?
Major tours scheduled for 2026 include Metallica, Iron Maiden, and My Chemical Romance, among others.
