In 2011, the highest-grossing act to tour North America performing 25 shows in 21 cities across the continent and generating $156 million was none other than U2.  Internationally, the Irish rock band collected a whopping $231.9 million, setting the record for the year.  Taylor Swift placed second by a wide margin, followed by Elton John and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.

1. U2 sold 2,387,535 tickets worldwide (over half of which were bought on their North American tour which sold 1,701,486 tickets) and charged an average of $97.15.  Do the math and you get $231.9 million.

2. Bon Jovi– New Jersey’s own– raked in $148.8 million for the year.

3. Taylor Swift made $104.2 million.

4. Elton John

5. Roger Waters pulled in $103.6 million

6. Britney Spears

7. Justin Bieber

8. Lady Gaga

9. Katy Perry

10. Shakira

The 2011 North American tours generated a collective total of $1.19 billion, while a lot of money, is a 4% drop from last year’s $1.24 billion.