Bono, of Irish rock band U2, performs at the opening act of the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. The band earned $123 million US from 20 tour dates this year. (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press)Bono, of Irish rock band U2, performs at the opening act of the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. The band earned $123 million US from 20 tour dates this year. (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press)

Irish rockers U2 had the most popular tour on the North American concert circuit in 2009, according to data from Pollstar.

The band sold $123 million US in tickets for its 360 deg. stadium tour, with 1.3 million tickets sold for the tour's 20 North American shows.

This year's U2 tour is the fifth biggest in history, according to trade publication Pollstar, which said concert tours in 2009 bucked the recession.

The biggest tour take ever was $162 million US by the Rolling Stones in 2005. U2's 2005 tour, which saw $138.9 million US in ticket sales, is No. 3 on the all-time list.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band came in second on the 2009 list, with $94.5 million US in ticket sales.

The tour by piano men Elton John and Billy Joel brought in $88 million in 2009, making it the third largest of the year.

Other top 10 earners:

  • Britney Spears, $82.5 million US.
  • AC/DC, $77.9 million US.
  • Kenny Chesney, $71.1 million US.
  • Jonas Brothers, $69.8 million US.