We're officially 25 years into the new Millennium and the "Most Popular Touring Artists" from over this last quarter of a century has been revealed.

Pollstar has unveiled its list of the "Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium," with Coldplay leading the rankings based on ticket sales from January 1, 2001, to the end of 2025. The British band sold 24.8 million tickets, securing the top spot. U2 follows with 20.2 million tickets sold, and Ed Sheeran comes in third with 19.6 million tickets sold.

Rounding out the top five are Dave Matthews Band, with nearly 19.6 million tickets, and Taylor Swift, with approximately 18.9 million tickets sold. Swift, who released her debut album in 2006, is the only woman in the top 10 and has grossed over $3.1 billion in the new millennium. Her "Eras Tour" became the first tour to cross the billion-dollar mark in 2023 and later reached $2.2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time.

The list also includes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Kenny Chesney, Metallica, Bon Jovi, and Elton John. Among the top 25, only four women made the list: P!nk at No. 11, Beyoncé at No. 13, and Madonna at No. 15. See the full list below.

Pollstar's chart data is based on reported and estimated box office data from events between 2001 and 2025. While ticket sales are a key metric, they differ from total revenue generated, as noted by Pollstar. Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres" tour, which ran from 2022 to 2025, grossed $1.39 billion, according to Pollstar's September report.

Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium

1. Coldplay

2. U2

3. Ed Sheeran

4. Dave Mathews Band

5. Taylor Swift

6. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

7. Kenny Chesney

8. Metallica

9. Bon Jovi

10. Elton John

11. P!NK

12. The Rolling Stones

13. Beyoncé

14. André Rieu

15. Madonna

16. Guns N' Roses

17. Eagles

18. Phish

19. Iron Maiden

20. Luke Bryan

21. Roger Waters

22. Paul McCartney

23. Toby Keith

24. Billy Joel

25. Depeche Mode

Portland Local News