Bon Jovi pip U2 for biggest live act of 2010

It's been a tough year for live acts around the world, with more half-full arenas and more cancelled shows than ever before. But for some it's been a bumper year.

With more people taking music off the internet for free, golden cow of the music industry has shifted from record sales to the money brought in from going out on tour.

But with the recession having a global reach, punters have been less willing to part with their cash than ever before. That said, there are always a handful of rock giants.

That list is often headed by U2, but this year, in terms of money changing hands, they've had to settle in second spot behind US stadium rockers Bon Jovi, who will be continuing their tour well into 2011, playing the RDS, Dublin on 29 and 30 June.

Some of those acts to reap the financial rewards of taking the rock circus on the road have had to put in a fair few more miles than others. And unlike in previous years, few of the acts making the list, compiled by US music magazine, have seen all their shows sell out.

In money terms, Bon Jovi raked in US$146,507,388 in 2010, U2 grossed US$131,502,369 and third-placed AC/DC grossed US$122,633,027.

Behind the three long-established financial chart toppers, and making up the top five, were more recent music-scene additions Lady Gaga ($116,227,987) and Black Eyed Peas (81,579,114). Each of the top five played to in excess of a million people, with Bon Jovi playing to crowds totalling 1,591,154.

Of the top ten, only Bon Jovi, U2 and the Black Eyed Peas sold out all of their shows, with tenth-placed Paul McCartney selling out 20 of his 21 gigs this year the only other artist to come close.

Lady Gaga was the stand-out artist for sheer number of shows, with 122 compared to a paltry 22 from our own U2 lads.

The Top Ten (as compiled by Billboard):

1. Bon Jovi (US$146,507,388 gross)

2. U2 ($131,502,369)

3. AC/DC ($122,633,027)

4. Lady Gaga ($116,227,987)

5. Black Eyed Peas ($81,579,114)

6. James Taylor and Carole King ($62,326,410)

7. Eagles ($62,166,344)

8. Metallica ($61,947,556)

9. Dave Matthews Band ($61,247,906)

10. Paul McCartney ($55,760,403)