Rolling Stones Are Decade's Top-Grossing Touring Act

The Rolling Stones made more money than any other touring act this decade, according to a new list published by Billboard.com.

The Stones grossed $869,471,325 U.S. (about $931 million Canadian) from 2000 to 2009 and played 264 shows (190 of which sold out) to a total of 8,236,586 people (that's basically like playing one big concert for the entire population of New York City).

U2 were the second most successful touring act of the decade, grossing $844,157,925 U.S. (about $904 million Canadian) after playing 288 shows (all of which sold out) to 9,869,953 people. Madonna came in third place, taking in $801,299,671 U.S. (about $858 million Canadian) for 248 shows for 6,387,124 people.

Other artists included on Billboard.com's list include Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Celine Dion, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Bon Jovi and Billy Joel.

The Rolling Stones are rumoured to tour in 2010 and are also rumoured as one of the headliners for the 2010 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England. The Rolling Stones haven't toured since 2007, when they were supporting 2005's A Bigger Bang album.

Here is Billboard.com's list of the top touring artists of the decade:

1. The Rolling Stones ($869,471,325 U.S., 264 shows, 190 sold-out shows, 8,236,586 attendance)
2. U2 ($844,157,925 U.S., 288 shows, all sold-out, 9,869,953 attendance)
3. Madonna ($801,299.671 U.S. gross, 248 shows, 244 sold-out shows, 6,837,124 attendance)
4. Bruce Springsteen ($688,136,476 U.S. gross, 403 shows, 248 sold-out shows, 8,605,238 attendance)
5. Elton John ($603,804,670 U.S. gross, 541 shows, 470 sold-out shows, 5,789,833 attendance)
6. Celine Dion ($536,593,262 U.S. gross, 792 shows, 597 sold-out shows, 4,099,963 attendance)
7. Dave Matthews Band ($505,447,901 U.S. gross, 547 shows, 282 sold-out shows, 11,230,696 attendance)
8. Kenny Chesney ($477,931,760 U.S. gross, 622 shows, 409 sold-out shows, 9,210,288 attendance)
9. Bon Jovi ($419,481,741 U.S. gross, 249 shows, 224 sold-out shows, 5,384,747 attendance)
10. Billy Joel ($418,421,266 U.S. gross, 241 shows, 213 sold-out shows, 4,141,287 attendance)
11. The Police ($361,851,102 U.S. gross, 144 shows, 134 sold-out shows, 3,327,161 attendance)
12. The Eagles ($347,640,186 U.S. gross, 240 shows, 174 sold-out shows, 3,107,832 attendance)
13. Tim McGraw ($303,950,209 U.S. gross, 388 shows, 175 sold-out shows, 5,203,501 attendance)
14. Aerosmith ($292,201,481 U.S. gross, 320 shows, 61 sold-out shows, 4,646,827 attendance)
15. Neil Diamond ($264,810,649 U.S. gross, 288 shows, 244 sold-out shows, 3,845,603 attendance)
16. Cher ($257,319,809 U.S. gross, 383 shows, 171 sold-out shows, 3,402,569 attendance)
17. Paul McCartney ($238,755,522 U.S. gross, 106 shows, 85 sold-out shows, 1,870,274 attendance)
18. Rod Stewart ($233,733,789 U.S. gross, 281 shows, 148 sold-out shows, 3,022,292 attendance)
19. Metallica ($227,568,718 U.S. gross, 187 shows, 93 sold-out shows, 3,581,445 attendance)
20. Rascal Flatts ($222,256,153 U.S. gross, 401 shows, 274 sold-out shows, 4,514,282 attendance)
21. Britney Spears ($216,299,560 U.S. gross, 255 shows, 158 sold-out shows, 3,704,826 attendance)
22. Jimmy Buffett ($215,367,754 U.S. gross, 196 shows, 131 sold-out shows, 3,927,053 attendance)
23. Tina Turner ($212,012,527 U.S. gross, 168 shows, 106 sold-out shows, 3,205,9895 attendance)
24. Toby Keith ($271,904,093 U.S. gross, 542 shows, 200 sold-out shows, 6,355,046 attendance)
25. Trans-Siberian Orchestra ($203,605,519 U.S. gross, 728 shows, 309 sold-out shows, 5,045,297 attendance)