Rolling Stones Lead Mid-Year Tour Figures

July 21, 2006, 12:40 PM ET

Ray Waddell, Nashville
Touring is a global business and the Rolling Stones are, predictably, the top touring band in the world for the first half of 2006. Based on figures reported to Billboard Boxscore from Nov. 1, 2005, through mid-May, the Stones' Bigger Bang tour, produced by Michael Cohl, reported $147.3 million in grosses from 45 shows in U.S. arenas and international stadiums.

While it's doubtful U2 would have passed its elder brethren, the band, which is at second for the mid-year, would have improved its already hefty take of $73 million for the period had it not postponed dates because of a family illness. As reported today, those shows have been rescheduled for later this year.

Bon Jovi is the third-highest-grossing act for the period, reporting more than $65 million and 866,873 in attendance, selling out 54 of 57 shows. Rounding out the top 10 are Billy Joel ($47.4 million), Cirque du Soleil's Delirium ($38.7 million), Aerosmith ($35 million), Coldplay ($29 million), Luis Miguel ($25 million), Trans Siberian Orchestra ($24 million), and Paul McCartney ($17.6 million).

CM8ShowAd("Middle");In general, the touring industry is maintaining a healthy pace. Gross dollars for January-June 2006 are up 24.6% from the same period last year, driven mostly by the tours cited above. High ticket prices help boost the increase, however, because attendance is up just 5.4%.

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does that not contadict itself? the first half of 2006 sarts in JANUARY.

and did i miss the mention of Madonna? not that i care, but its just odd.

if its only based on figures through mid-May than Madonna wouldn't be included since her tour started at the end of May. i think.

true... but the article does say "mid-year"... is that not July 1st?

I wouldn't pay to see them. IN fact I am getting so cranky I doubt I'd go at all. I'd rather listen to the music at home. Arena shows have way too many morons ( So I will be one less.) Today is Mick's birthday - 63 I think.

Someone tell Nillson Keef was trying to put the lime in the coconut.



Rolling Stones Set Fall North American Stadium Run (from billboard)

July 25, 2006, 11:00 AM ET



Ray Waddell, Nashville
The Rolling Stones will return to North American for another leg of their A Bigger Bang tour, which is destined to be the top-grossing trek in history. The second North American leg, which follows a run of European stadiums, will launch on Sept. 20 at Boston's Gillette Stadium. The dates will be sponsored by RadioShack.

The Stones are the top-grossing band in the world for the first half of 2006, with nearly $150 million in grosses and 1.1 million in attendance, according to Billboard Boxscore. A Bigger Bang is expected to ultimately ring up total box office of more than $400 million.

The band will play primarily stadiums in such markets as New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas. The run includes such non-traditional tour markets as Halifax, Nova Scotia, Missoula, Mont., Regina, Sask., and Boise, Idaho.

Tour promoter Michael Cohl says ticket prices will be about 10-15% less on the upcoming leg, with an additional $20 discount for students. As-yet-unannounced "young, contemporary opening acts" are promised, according to the band.

An American Express presale begins tomorrow (July 26) for some shows. A limited number of Gold Circle seats will be available, while the remaining 90% of the house will average $89 for stadium shows and $99 for arena gigs.

Additionally, 200 fans will have the opportunity to view each show from onstage, as was the case with the first leg. These seats will also be available at the time of the general public on-sale.

Here are the Rolling Stones' North American tour dates:

Sept. 20: Boston (Gillette Stadium)
Sept. 23: Halifax, Nova Scotia (Halifax Commons)
Sept. 27: East Rutherford, N.J. (Giants Stadium)
Oct. 2: Wichita, Kan. (Cessna Stadium)
Oct. 6: Missoula, Mont. (Grizzly Stadium)
Oct. 8: Regina, Sask. (Mosaic Stadium)
Oct. 11: Chicago (Soldier Field)
Oct. 17: Seattle (Qwest Field)
Oct. 20: El Paso, Texas (Sun Bowl)
Oct. 22: Austin, Texas (Zilker Park)
Oct. 27: Atlantic City, N.J. (Boardwalk Hall)
Nov. 3: Vancouver (BC Place Stadium)
Nov. 5: Oakland, Calif. (McAfee Coliseum)
Nov. 8: Phoenix (Cardinals Stadium)
Nov. 11: Las Vegas (MGM Grand)
Nov. 14: Boise, Idaho (Idaho Center)
Nov. 18: Los Angeles (Dodger Stadium)



Rolling Stones Set Fall North American Stadium Run

The Rolling Stones will return to North American for another leg of their A Bigger Bang tour, which is destined to be the top-grossing trek in history. The second North American leg, which follows a run of European stadiums, will launch on Sept. 20 at Boston's Gillette Stadium. The dates will be sponsored by RadioShack. More...

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