I Am I Said

Billboard released the top-grossing musical acts of 2005. I was astonished at the names on the list.

Before you read on think about which groups you would think hit the top ten. They bear little resemblance to the top ten selling CDs of 2005.

U2’s Vertigo tour was the top-grossing act of 2005. No real surprise there. The Vertigo tour grossed somewhere in excess of $260 million and drew about 3 million people to 90 concerts. The Eagles came in second with $117 million from 77 shows. I thought those guys were drawing their pension by now.

But the act that came in third absolutely shocked me. Neil Diamond. Over $71 million. Neil Diamond. Egads.

Kenny Chesney, whose music I have never heard, took in $63 million with a draw of over 1 million people. The rest of the list consists primarily of artists who must be into their 60s by now: Paul McCartney ($60 million), Rod Stewart ($49 million), Elton John ($45.5 million), Dave Matthews Band ($45 million), Jimmy Buffett ($41 million) and Green Day ($36.5 million).

The ten top-grossing acts of 2005:

1. U2: $260 million
2. The Eagles: $117 million
3. Neil Diamond: $71 million
4. Kenny Chesney: $63 million
5. Paul McCartney: $60 million
6. Rod Stewart: $49 million
7. Elton John: $45.5 million
8. Dave Matthews Band: $45 million
9. Jimmy Buffet: $41 million
10. Green Day: $36.5 million

The top ten selling CDs of 2005

1. 50 Cent, The Massacre: 4.8 million
2. Mariah Carey, The Emancipation of Mimi: 4.1 million
3. Green Day, American Idiot: 2.9 million
4. Kelly Clarkson, Breakaway: 2.8 million
5. Coldplay, X&Y: 2.4 million
6. The Black Eyed Peas, Monkey Business: 2.3 million
7. The Game, The Documentary: 2.3 million
8. Gwen Stefani, Love. Angel. Music. Baby.: 2.2 million
9. Kanye West, Late Registration: 2.1 million
10. Rascal Flatts, Feels Like Today: 2 million

Anyone have any Neil Diamond tickets?