U2’s tour most successful of ’09 in US

U2 enjoyed the most successful tour of 2009 in the lucrative north American market, according to the music trade publication Pollstar.

The band’s 20 show American stadium tour emerged as the fifth most successful in history and sold a total of 1.3 million tickets in the US and Canada at an average of €65 per ticket.

The “360 degree” tour – which featured a claw-like stage that offered largely unobstructed 360 degree views of the foursome – netted the band just under €86m.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are America’s second top ticket sellers, with tour takings amounting to just under €67m.

The Rolling Stones hold the record for the most successful tour in American history. Their 2005 tour made a total of €113m.

Elton John and Billy Joel’s joint tour was the third most successful tour, with ticket sales worth €61m.

Britney Spears and AC/DC’s tours took €58m and €54.3m respectively.