Concert tour revenue, ticket sales fall in 2010

[December 31, 2010]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gross revenues and total ticket sales from concert tours were down considerably in 2010 as the faltering economy and a glut of overpriced shows shunned by fans cast doubt on the music industry's last sure bet.

Pollstar year-end numbers show overall grosses for the top 50 tours worldwide fell 12 percent to $2.93 billion and ticket sales dropped 15 percent or about 7 million from 2009's 45.3 million.

Estimates from the touring industry trade magazine show Bon Jovi pulled in more than $201 million worldwide to land 2010's top tour. AC/DC was next ($177 million), followed by U2 ($160 million), Lady Gaga ($133 million) and Metallica ($110 million) rounded out the top five.

Pollstar reported ticket prices were the only number to increase from 2009 to 2010: Up $2.86 or about 4 percent.

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Online:

http://www.pollstar.com/

[Associated Press]

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