1. U2 ($195 million)
The ageless rockers are wrapping up the most lucrative tour in the history of music: By the time U2's two-year trek ends this summer, the band will have sold $700 million worth of tickets over two years and played to more than 7 million people.
2. Bon Jovi ($125 million)
Who says you can't go home? Bon Jovi opened New Jersey's New Meadowlands Stadium with three consecutive sold out concerts last May and another in July. The band grossed $200 million playing 74 shows over the past 12 months and released a greatest hits album.
3. Elton John ($100 million)
Sir Elton has sold 250 million records worldwide over the past 30 years and isn't slowing down, grossing $204 million on 102 live shows in the past 12 months.
4. Lady Gaga ($90 million)
The Queen Monster grossed $170 million on 137 shows in 22 countries over the past 12 months. Though high production costs significantly reduced that sum, Gaga rakes in additional cash for heavy radio play, recorded music sales and endorsement deals from Polaroid, Virgin Mobile, Monster Cable, Viva Glam and others.
5. Michael Bublé ($70 million)
The Canadian crooner rode a lucrative concert tour, heavy radio play and strong album sales all the way to a spot among music’s top five earners.
6. Paul McCartney ($67 million)
The former Beatle could just sit back and collect checks -- he's the most commercially successful songwriter in the history of popular music, according to Guinness World Records -- but the road beckons. McCartney grossed $130 million on a mere 30 shows over the past 12 months
7. The Black Eyed Peas ($61 million)
The business-friendly rockers grossed $68 million on 62 shows around the world over the past 12 months and added to their coffers with lucrative endorsement deals with Samsung, Pepsi, Honda, Verizon, Chase and others.
8. The Eagles ($60 million)
The ageless rockers continue to take it to the limit -- especially on the road, where they make the bulk of their money.
9. Justin Bieber ($53 million)
At age 17, Bieber is the youngest on the list, raking in cash from an international tour, new album, biopic Never Say Never and even a perfume line.
10. Dave Matthews Band ($51 million)
Still touring after the success of 2009’s Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, the band grossed over $1 million per night over the course of 68 shows in the past 12 months.
11. Toby Keith ($50 million) - 12. Usher ($46 million) - 13. Taylor Swift ($45 million) - 14. Katy Perry ($44 million) - 15. Brad Paisley ($40 million) - 16. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ($38 million) - 17. Jay-Z ($37 million) - 18. AC/DC ($35 million, tie) - 18. Sean "Diddy" Combs ($35 million, tie) - 18. Beyoncé Knowles ($35 million, tie) - 18. Tim McGraw ($35 million, tie) - 18. Muse ($35 million, tie) - 23. Rascal Flatts ($34 million) - 24. Kenny Chesney ($30 million) - 25. Rihanna ($29 million)
