The Mega-Watt Giants: The Biggest Concert Tours Ever

Alright, guys, buckle up! We're about to dive into the biggest concert tours ever that have set the music world ablaze with their colossal stages, mind-blowing special effects, and record-breaking attendance. So, grab your glow sticks, and let's get this show on the road! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and biggest concert tours ever.

The Granddaddy of Them All: Ed Sheeran's ÷ (Divide) Tour

Starting off our list is a name that might surprise you – Ed Sheeran. This British singer-songwriter might not be the first artist that comes to mind when you think of biggest concert tours ever, but his ÷ (Divide) Tour is a beast all its own. Kicking off in 2017, this tour spanned a staggering 255 shows across four years, grossing over $776.2 million and selling 9.1 million tickets. Sheeran's intimate, loop pedal-driven performances might not have the same spectacle as some other tours on this list, but the sheer scale and endurance of this tour are nothing short of incredible.

The Queen Bey's Record-Shattering Formation World Tour

Next up, we have Beyoncé and her Formation World Tour. This 2016 tour was a celebration of her sixth studio album, Lemonade, and boy, did it leave a mark. With 49 shows across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, Beyoncé raked in a whopping $256 million. But what's even more impressive is that she became the first woman to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where she paid homage to America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a performance that has gone down in history as one of the greatest live music events ever.

The Rolling Stones' Never-ending Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour

The Rolling Stones are no strangers to the biggest concert tours ever list. Their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour from 1989-1990 was a monster, playing to a 4.3 million strong audience across 116 shows. This tour was also notable for being the band's first with guitarist Ron Wood, who had joined the Stones in 1975 but hadn't yet toured with them. The tour grossed a massive $150 million (around $310 million in today's money) and featured a massive stage set inspired by the band's logo, complete with a 40-foot tall tongue and lips.

The Colossal U2 360° Tour

Now, let's talk about U2's 360° Tour, which took place from 2009 to 2011. This tour was a beast in every sense of the word, with a 360-degree circular stage that allowed fans to surround the band on all sides. The tour was in support of the band's No Line on the Horizon album and featured a 100-foot tall, 360-degree circular stage – a first for any concert tour. The 360° Tour played to 7.3 million fans across 110 shows and grossed a mind-boggling $736.4 million.

The Enormous Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's Reunion Tour

Last but not least, we have Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's Reunion Tour from 1999-2000. After a 10-year hiatus, the Boss and his band hit the road with a vengeance, playing a staggering 156 shows across four continents. This tour was a celebration of the band's first four albums, which had been re-released in 1999. The Reunion Tour grossed a massive $103.8 million and sold 5.2 million tickets, making it one of the biggest concert tours ever.

Honorable Mentions

Before we wrap up, we'd be remiss if we didn't give a shout-out to some other biggest concert tours ever:

- Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008-2009) – 85 shows, $408 million gross, 4.5 million tickets sold - Roger Waters' The Wall Live (2010-2013) – 219 shows, $458 million gross, 19.8 million tickets sold - AC/DC's Black Ice World Tour (2008-2010) – 168 shows, $441.6 million gross, 4.8 million tickets sold - One Direction's On the Road Again Tour (2015) – 75 shows, $208 million gross, 3.2 million tickets sold

The Final Act

And there you have it, folks! A rundown of some of the biggest concert tours ever that have left their mark on the music world. From Beyoncé's record-breaking Formation World Tour to the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, these tours have set the bar high for future artists looking to make their mark on the live music scene. So, the next time you're at a concert, soaking up the atmosphere and the music, remember that you're part of something truly special – a live music experience that's helping to create history.

Until next time, keep on rockin'!