In the time of digital streaming services, live performances have become an increasingly lucrative space for musicians — especially as ticket prices continue to rise. But even before concert tickets went for hundreds of dollars a pop, some of the most popular groups and solo acts raked in multimillions with their world tours. And after months of stay-at-home orders, fans will be even more hyped to get back to their favorite venues.
David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour: $86 Million
Gross adjusted for inflation: $193.9 million
Although David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour was poorly received at the time — it spanned from May to November in 1987 — it was one of the highest-grossing tours when adjusted to today’s dollars. The centerpiece of the tour set was a giant spider that required 43 trucks to transport it between stops, IQ reported.
Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow Tour: $126.8 Million
Gross adjusted for inflation: $161.6 million
Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow Tour grossed $126.8 million and was attended by more than 1.6 million people worldwide, Billboard reported. The tour kicked off in January 2007 in San Diego and featured Pink — who had a high-grossing tour of her own — as a special guest.
