Kenny Chesney made the most money on the road this summer. "USA Today" has compiled its list of the highest-grossing treks, with figures based on "Billboard Boxscore" figures covering May 1st to September 1st. Chesney, who was on his Sun City Carnival tour this year, played 39 concerts over the four-month period and entertained 848-thousand fans, earning 57-point-six-million-dollars for his efforts. The country star says he's "blown away" to be leading the list, especially given who else is on it. He notes, quote, "Those are some great shows, too! I know I've been out to see a few of them when we were off, and to be in company with Elton John -- who's out with Billy Joel -- Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, or my friend Dave Matthews, it makes you extra grateful that people chose to make you a part of their summer."
John and Joel raked in 55-point-eight-million-dollars this summer with 16 sold out concerts to take second place. The Jonas Brothers are third on the list, bringing in 36-point-seven-million-dollars from their 33 shows. Paul McCartney and the Dave Matthews Band round out the top five. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band take eighth place on the list. Others in the top ten include Coldplay, Beyonce, Fleetwood Mac, and the "American Idol" Idols Live tour.
The "USA Today" list of the Top Five Highest-Grossing Summer Tours of 2009
1. Kenny Chesney - 57-point-six-million-dollars; 39 shows; 848-thousand in attendance; 96-percent of seats filled
2. Elton John and Billy Joel - 55-point-eight-million-dollars; 16 shows; 443-thousand in attendance; 100-percent of seats filled
3. Jonas Brothers - 36-point-seven-million-dollars; 33 shows; 570-thousand in attendance; 99-percent of seats filled
4. Paul McCartney - 32-million-dollars; eight shows; 266-thousand in attendance; 94-percent of seats filled
5. Dave Matthews Band - 31-point-one-million-dollars; 31 shows; 603-thousand in attendance; 90-percent of seats filled.