Rolling Stones Break Sales Records
The Rolling Stones are again rolling into a record-setting mode. The Bridges to Babylon tour opener set a new gross record at Chicago’s Soldier Field, ousting the title from U2, whose $5.9 million total from July 1-2 shows was the previous high.
The Stones’ Sept. 23 and 25 shows took in $6,260,600 from sellout crowds totaling 107,186 on $39.50-$60 tickets. The group followed that with a single show sellout at Columbus’ Ohio Stadium Sept. 27, also a record-setter. The $3,553,069 gross topped the previous mark of $2,710,335, set by Elton John/Billy Joel in 1994. Ericcson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Carolina Panthers, hosted its first concert when the Rolling Stones rolled in Oct. 10. The $3,126,945 gross and 54,436 attendance (a sellout) establishes the record for future concerts to beat. Of course, the Stones have a history of big grosses — their 1994-95 Voodoo Lounge Tour grossed a total of $319,499,638 in 128 shows attended by 6,442,660 fans.