UPDATE: In a stunning new report, Pollstar reveals that heavy metal is soaring in popularity, with Metallica leading the charge. According to the latest data, Metallica ranks eighth among the top concert acts of the millennium, having sold 15.5 million tickets across 562 concerts, generating an astounding $1.5 billion in revenue.
This development highlights the remarkable success of the metal genre, which continues to gain traction alongside pop and rock legends. Following closely behind, Bon Jovi holds the ninth spot with 13.9 million tickets sold and approximately $1.3 billion in earnings. Notably, Guns N’ Roses sits at the sixteenth position, with 10.7 million tickets sold, resulting in around $1.1 billion in revenue.
The legendary band Iron Maiden also made the list, securing the nineteenth position with 10.1 million tickets sold over 620 performances, contributing to a total of $717 million in revenue. This data underscores the growing prominence of metal bands in the live music industry.
However, the top spots are still dominated by pop icons. Leading the way, Coldplay has sold an impressive 24.8 million tickets over 731 concerts, raking in nearly $2.5 billion in revenue. Following them are U2 with 20.2 million tickets and Ed Sheeran with 19.6 million, solidifying their status as major players in the industry.
Andy Gensler, the editor-in-chief of Pollstar, commented on this significant growth, stating that the last 25 years have seen an “exponential rise” in the live music sector, marked by an increasing number of superstar artists and expanding markets. He further hinted at an exciting year ahead, promising that the final report for 2025 will unveil “a new level of creative and commercial reach” for the concert industry.
As the metal scene gains momentum, fans can expect to see more electrifying performances and record-breaking ticket sales in the near future. Keep an eye on this evolving landscape as it unfolds.
