U2 top list of tour earners

U2 had the highest-earning tour of 2011, according to Billboard magazine.

The 'Sweetest Thing' rockers grossed more than $293m (€224.3m) at 44 concerts, watched by almost three million people, as their record-breaking 360 Degree tour concluded with a string of dates in North America.

During the tour – which lasted three years in total - the band, made up of vocalist Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen, beat a record set by The Rolling Stones for having the highest grossing tour ever, taking $763m (€584m) in total.

Bon Jovi fell from last year's number one spot to second on the list in 2011 after raking $193m (€147.7m) from 68 shows, while Take That's summer 'Progress' tour - their first time on the road as a five-piece since 1995 – generated $183m (€140m) to put the band in third.

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters and Taylor Swift made up the top five in the list, which was based on tours that took place between November 1, 2010 and November 8, 2011.

Lady Gaga made $72m (€114.8m) with over 45 shows in her 'The Monster Ball' tour, which concluded in May, while Dutch violinist Andre Rieu and soul star Sade made surprise entries at the bottom of the top 10.

Billboard magazine's Highest Earning Tours of 2011:

1. U2 – $293.3m (€224.3m)

2. Bon Jovi – $193m (€147.7m)

3. Take That – $185m (€140m)

4. Roger Waters – $150m (€114.8m)

5. Taylor Swift – $97.3m (€74.4m)

6. Kenny Chesney – $84.6m (€64.75m)

7. Usher – $75m (€57.4m)

8. Lady Gaga – $72m (€55m)

9. Andre Rieu – $67m (€51.25m)

10. Sade – $50m (€38.25m)