U2's "Vertigo" world tour the top trek of 2005

NEW YORK (Billboard) - U2's world tour was the top-grossing trek of 2005, according to year-end figures set to be published Friday in Billboard magazine.

The Irish rock band's "Vertigo" tour sold $260 million worth of tickets and drew more than 3 million people to 90 concerts, all of which were sell-outs.

Coming in second to U2 this year were the Eagles, who grossed $117 million from 77 shows, followed by Neil Diamond, who raked in more than $71 million. Country star Kenny Chesney placed fourth with a gross of $63 million; his attendance draw of 1.1 million was second only to U2.

The top 10 touring grosses were rounded out by Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffett and Green Day.

The data do not reflect sales for the Rolling Stones, who just wrapped the 2005 leg of their North American "A Bigger Bang" tour. Traditionally, the group's promoter does not submit box-office information to Billboard until after the tour is complete.

In 2005, North American concerts grossed just over $2 billion, down 6.2% from 2004. Attendance was down 3.8% to 45.7 million.

Reuters/Billboard