02-21-2009 J.Biz
Billboard.com has compiled its annual list of top musician money makers. All of the artist on the list went on tour in 2008 which appears to be a huge cushion in these bleak times when it gets harder and harder to sell music through retail. As we revealed to you here on Lifestyle Unrated, Madonna had her international Sticky and Sweet Tour last year and made a killing between ticket sales and merchandising. She is actually on her way to having one of the top five grossing tours of all time as she extends it through 2009.
Looking down the list you can see that not all these artist sold a lot of records last year, but the majority of money to be made is definitely through ticket sales for live shows. Acts like Bon Jovi, AC/DC, and the Eagles are oldies but goodies, and show that older money is the biggest force driving the music business. But you can't count out the tween entertainment like Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers whom made over $111 million combined. I bet 2009 will be a year of many more tours, as the global economy weakens, and people rather pay for a moment, rather than a recording.
Here is the Billboard 2009 Music Money Makers List:
1. Madonna: $242,176,466
2. Bon Jovi: $157,177,766
3. Bruce Springsteen: $156,327,964
4. The Police: $109,976,894
5. Celine Dion: $99,171,237
6. Kenny Chesney: $90,823,990
7. Neil Diamond: $82,174,000
8. Rascall Flatts: $63,522,160
9. Jonas Brothers: $62,638,814
10. Coldplay: $62,175,555
11. The Eagles: $61,132,213
12. Lil Wayne: $57,441,334
13. AC/DC: $56,505,296
14. Michael Buble: $50,257,364
15. Miley Cyrus: $48,920,806
16. Taylor Swift: $45,588,730
17. Journey: $44,787,328
18. Billy Joel: $44,581,010
19. Mary J. Blige: $43,472,850
20. Kanye West: $42,552,402
|
