Irish rockers U2, who netted $130 million from their massive world tour and other deals, are the world’s top-earning musicians, according to Forbes.com. The group made $10 million in ticket sales on each tour stop and, along with merchandising revenue, hit the top of the list ahead of Australian heavy metal group AC/DC, who earned $114 million from their worldwide tour.
R&B singer Beyonce Knowles came in third with $87 million, three spots above her husband, rapper Jay-Z. New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band and pop diva Britney Spears rounded out the top five.
“Nearly half of the artists that make up this year’s list of the top-earning music acts have been around long enough that they could have appeared on the soundtrack to “Back to the Future,” Forbes.com said.
The financial website added that the top two bands, along with Springsteen and Madonna, who came in at No. 8, could make as much as $372 million between June 2009 and June 2010.
Lady Gaga, edged past Madonna to grab the No. 7 spot, after earning $62 million from her 106-date tour, record sales and marketing deals. The full list can be found at www.forbes.com.