7 Most Excessive Classic Rock Tours in History

Rock and roll has always been about loud music, big dreams, and even bigger stage shows. Over the years, some bands took these elements to the extreme, bringing to life performances that were more than just concerts; they were monumental events that drew millions of fans from all corners of the globe. Here’s a look at seven of the most excessive classic rock tours in history, where the music legends didn’t just play their songs—they made history.

AC/DC, Black Ice World Tour

The year 2008 was monumental for AC/DC. With the release of “Black Ice,” their first album of new material in almost a decade, the band set out on what would become a legendary tour. Stretching across 8 legs and nearly two years, the Black Ice World Tour was an immense undertaking. Brian Johnson, the band’s charismatic singer, often expressed his sheer amazement at performing nightly with what he believed to be the best rock band in the world. Each show was a revelation, capturing the raw power and energy of rock and roll. Playing to approximately 4.9 million fans worldwide, the tour’s staggering success, amounting to $441 million, was a testament to AC/DC’s undying appeal and the timeless thrill of their music.

Roger Waters, The Wall Live

Roger Waters’ relationship with “The Wall,” Pink Floyd’s iconic concept album, took a literal form in 1990 with a staging in Berlin. However, the true scale of his vision became apparent in 2010 with The Wall Live. Over the course of 219 shows, Waters delivered a comprehensive live rendition of the album, an effort that culminated in a spectacularly high-grossing tour. The involvement of former bandmates David Gilmour and Nick Mason, if only for a single show, added to the tour’s legendary status. By its conclusion in 2013, The Wall Live not only secured the record for the highest-grossing solo tour but also etched its name into the annals of rock history with a colossal $459 million in sales.

The Rolling Stones, No Filter Tour

The Rolling Stones are synonymous with the spirit of rock and roll, a fact made evident by their No Filter Tour, which ran from 2017 to 2021. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions and the poignant loss of drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the Stones persisted, adapting with Steve Jordan taking over the drums. Their resilience paid off, with the tour grossing $546 million. The No Filter Tour’s success story is not just about the obstacles the band overcame but also about their undiminished capacity to draw crowds, proving that the Stones’ brand of rock remains as relevant as ever.

The Rolling Stones, A Bigger Bang Tour

The A Bigger Bang Tour (2005-2007) stands as the Rolling Stones’ most lucrative adventure. Every show seemed to top the last, with performances so energetic they quite literally shook the ground, as seen when they played Fenway Park. The tour’s financial success, raking in $558 million, was bolstered by memorable moments such as a special engagement at the Beacon Theatre, filmed by none other than Martin Scorsese. Somehow, the Stones turned a regular concert tour into a defining piece of rock history.

Guns N’ Roses, Not in This Lifetime… Tour

In 2016, Guns N’ Roses did the unthinkable—Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan reunited for the Not in This Lifetime… Tour. This wasn’t just a series of concerts; it was a worldwide celebration of one of rock’s most beloved bands. Spanning 175 shows across every continent but Antarctica, the tour’s name itself hinted at the improbability of this reunion. Featuring an array of opening acts and guest appearances, the tour drew in fans old and new, amassing an impressive $584 million.

U2, 360 Degree Tour

U2’s 360 Degree Tour was an engineering marvel and a musical spectacle, setting records with its massive stage known as “The Claw.” This setup allowed the band to perform in a 360-degree arrangement, bringing an unprecedented level of intimacy and engagement to stadium shows. The result was a tour that not only sold out every date but also solidified U2’s reputation as live performers par excellence. By the end of its run, the tour had grossed $736 million, a figure that stood as a towering achievement in live music.

Elton John, Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour

Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour was both a lengthy goodbye and a celebration of an illustrious career. Spanning nearly five years and 300 concerts, John’s farewell tour was an emotional, musical journey through the hits that made him a global superstar. His announcement that this would be his last tour was met with a rush for tickets, leading to an astonishing $939 million in sales. It’s a fitting tribute to an artist whose music has touched the lives of millions around the world.