As the casual music fan may or may not realize is the real threat that the current cost of gas prices has on the average musician aiming to tour.  For many low to mid level artists, it is no longer financially beneficial to pack up and hit the road. The soaring cost of gas along with the numerous other expenses that artists face on the road makes it very difficult to justify a tour when more money can be made going back into the studio or releasing gimmicky re-releases and/or DVDs.  That being said, the biggest and most popular artists who can consistently fill arenas and stadiums are still doing just fine.

Despite the numbers showing that across the board artists are struggling with tours, Billboard’s boxscore midsummer numbers show that some are still enjoying tremendous success.  So far, Bon Jovi, supported by AEG Live, has sold out stadiums from North America to the Pacific Rim.  During this period, the tour has grossed $112.4 million. Gosh.

AEG also sponsored the second most lucrative tour, The Spice Girls reunion, which grossed $70 million in only 45 shows!! The third most lucrative tour so far is the Police reunion tour, which topped the 2007 list, and will likely also end up on top by the time 2008 is complete. Other profitable tours include Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, Bruce Springstein and the E-street Band, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the Van Halen reunion tour.  What no All Shall Perish?