Determining which artist has sold the most concert tickets is an interesting question. With so many hugely popular musicians touring the world year after year, there are several contenders for the top spot. Factors like longevity of career, touring frequency, average ticket prices, and venue sizes all play a role in total ticket sales. Quick research shows a few names consistently rising to the top – artists like U2, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen. Given their decades of popularity and prolific touring, these veteran rockers certainly belong in the discussion. However, when examining verified data on total concert tickets sold, one name stands alone at the top – Garth Brooks.
Garth Brooks’ Concert Success
Country music superstar Garth Brooks has cemented himself as the artist with the most tickets sold for live concerts. Certified records from various venues and tour promoter reports indicate Brooks has sold over 160 million tickets over the course of his career. This puts him well ahead of other top touring acts like The Rolling Stones (75 million), U2 (75 million), Elton John (75 million), Billy Joel (65 million), and Bruce Springsteen (60 million). Brooks has managed to sell so many tickets through a mix of factors:
- Length of touring career – Brooks has been touring consistently since 1990.
- Touring frequency – Brooks played over 350 shows on his World Tour from 1993-1995.
- Residency shows – Brooks played a highly lucrative 5-year residency of shows in Las Vegas.
- High ticket prices – Brooks’ brand loyalty allows him to charge premium ticket prices.
- Massive venues – Larger venues equals more tickets sold per show.
The numbers reveal Brooks’ dominance as a top-selling live act. But just how does Brooks’ tour ticket numbers compare in detail with other mega touring artists?
Comparing Garth Brooks’ Total Ticket Sales
Artist | Total Tickets Sold |
---|---|
Garth Brooks | Over 160 million |
The Rolling Stones | 75 million |
U2 | 75 million |
Elton John | 75 million |
Billy Joel | 65 million |
Bruce Springsteen | 60 million |
The numbers show Garth Brooks leading the pack with over 160 million tickets sold. The Rolling Stones, U2, and Elton John are tied for 2nd with 75 million tickets each. Billy Joel follows with 65 million, then Bruce Springsteen with 60 million tickets sold. The data highlights just how far ahead Brooks is compared to other iconic touring artists of recent decades.
Key Factors in Garth Brooks’ Touring Success
So what has enabled Garth Brooks to sell so many more concert tickets than other famous touring musicians? Here are some of the key factors that have led to his absolutely staggering ticket sales numbers over the years:
A Long, Consistent Touring Career
Brooks has been touring consistently since starting out in the late 1980’s. He hit his peak during the 90’s, but never stopped performing live. He has toured almost every year for over 30 years now. This gives him a big advantage over bands that toured heavily in the 60’s and 70’s but less frequently in recent decades.
More Shows Per Tour
When Brooks tours, he PLAYS. His early 90’s world tour included over 350 shows across 100 cities. Compare that to top recent tours from legacy acts like The Eagles or Paul McCartney playing 30-50 shows. More shows equals more tickets sold.
Returning to Cities Multiple Times on Tour
Unlike bands who visit a city only once per tour, Brooks has consistently returned to major markets multiple times within a single tour. He will play 10 shows over 2 weeks in a major hub like Chicago. This allow him to sell even more dates out in a single city.
Residency Show Model
Brooks played a 5 year residency of shows at casinos and venues in Las Vegas. Performing in one place for an extended engagement allowed fans to reliably buy tickets and led to huge sales.
Expensive Average Ticket Prices
Brooks tickets are not cheap – averaging from $150-$200 per seat. Higher ticket prices mean larger gross sales per show. His brand loyalty allows him to charge more than many other acts can get away with.
Larger Venues
While many acts play theaters and arenas, Brooks plays stadiums and can sell out massive venues. Bigger venues means more seats and tickets available. His 1996 tour included 70,000 seat stadium shows across North America.
How Other Top Artists Compare
Looking at other iconic touring artists helps reveal why Brooks has been able to sell so many more tickets. Here’s a look at factors that limit ticket sales for other top touring acts:
The Rolling Stones
– More limited touring schedule, mostly just major tours every 5 years
– Play smaller venues like arenas compared to Brooks’ stadium shows
– Only book one show per city, rarely return within the same tour
– 50+ years as active band limits viability of extremely long tours
U2
– Do not tour nearly as consistently or as often as Brooks
– Have taken long breaks between tours like 2008-2017
– Smaller venue sizes than Brooks’ stadium shows
– Traditionally only 1-2 shows per city per tour
Elton John
– Tours less frequently than Brooks
– Avg ticket prices lower than Brooks
– Has played more limited residency engagements
– Smaller venues; no massive stadium shows
Billy Joel
– Played significant concerts only starting in the 1970s vs Brooks 1990s onwards
– Slightly smaller venue sizes than Brooks
– Just 1-2 shows per city on tour
– Lower average ticket prices than Brooks
Impact of Garth Brooks’ Record Ticket Sales
Garth Brooks’ absolutely staggering amount of tickets sold cements his status as the concert industry’s top touring act. Here are some of the key impacts of his record-setting sales numbers:
- Established Brooks as the best selling live performer of all time
- Revolutionized expectations for country artists as stadium headliners
- Proved viability of high-price tickets for country music
- Forced other acts to be more strategic with touring schedules to compete
- Brought in over $1 billion in gross tour revenue for Brooks’ career
- Made Brooks one of the top-grossing live acts of all time
Brooks’ massive concert ticket sales have made country music a leading genre for major touring. Other recent country superstars like Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, and Luke Bryan now regularly play stadiums and have Brooks to thank for paving the way.
Can Anyone Catch Garth Brooks?
Given that Garth Brooks has sold well over 50 million more tickets than other top touring acts, it seems unlikely any current artists will catch him. However, there are a few scenarios where another artist could conceivably approach his ticket sales numbers:
- Taylor Swift continues touring at her current pace for another 25 years
- A massively popular young pop act emerges that can sell out consistent worldwide stadium tours for decades
- A legacy act books 10 straight years of residency shows in a major market
- An existing artist somehow gets even more massively popular late in their career like Brooks did
Realistically, none of these scenarios seem overly likely. Brooks’ combination of longevity, touring frequency, and special appeal is truly unmatched. For now, and likely for years to come, Garth Brooks can comfortably claim the title as the artist with the most tickets sold in concert history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when examining verified data on total concert tickets sold, Garth Brooks stands alone as the #1 touring artist of all time. He has sold a certified 160+ million tickets over his 30+ year touring career. This places him well ahead of other iconic touring acts like The Rolling Stones, U2, and Elton John. Brooks’ ability to consistently tour for decades playing hundreds of stadium shows per tour has driven his unrivaled ticket sales. His country music success has paved the way for other artists in the genre to become major touring headliners. Given the scale of Brooks’ lead, it appears unlikely any current or future artist will match his record-breaking numbers. Garth Brooks’ combination of longevity, touring acumen, loyal fans, and special appeal has cemented his status as the best-selling live performer in history.