Billboard names Bon Jovi top grossing act of 2010

After the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi this year became only the third band in Billboard history to win the highest grossing act twice in three years, when they became the top touring band of 2010 by virtue of their Circle tour which is set to extend to 2011 as well. Playing at 69 shows the New Jersey band has apparently notched up $146.5 million. Bon Jovi had previously received the honour in 2008 for his Lost Highway tour. Though Bon Jovi truly deserves this recognition they might have been helped majorly by the fact that last year’s toppers U2 (No.2) had to postpone the second leg of their 360⁰ world tour — which grossed $131 million in just 22 shows — due to Bono’s back surgery. And the fact that the total amount Bon Jovi earned this time is far less than the $210 million they made in 2008 could be reflective of the uncertain economic conditions this year. The top 10 list is also adorned by other veterans like AC/DC (No. 3), Eagles (No. 7), Metallica (No. 8 ), Dave Matthews Band (No. 9) and Paul McCartney (No. 10). Below is the list of the top 10 of 2010. You can find the top 25 bands and their performance videos here.

1. Bon Jovi — 69 shows – $146,507,388

2. U2 — 22 shows – $131,502,369

3. AC/DC — 28 shows – $122,633,027

4. Lady Gaga — 122 shows – $116,227,987

5. Black Eyed Peas — 82 shows – $81,579,114

6. James Taylor & Carole King — 54 shows – $62,326,410

7. Eagles — 40 shows – $62,166,344

8. Metallica — 33 shows – $61,947,556

9. Dave Matthews Band — 57 shows – $61,247,906

10. Paul McCartney — 21 shows – $55,760,403