Talk about going out on top, Tina Turner has ended her run as a celebrated live performer by coming in as the highest grossing live entertainer of 2000. Turner announced earlier in the year that her Twenty-Four Seven tour would be her last tour of stadiums and arenas saying, "I've done enough. I've been performing for forty-four years. I really should hang up my dancing shoes." According to the concert trade publication Pollstar, Turner hung them up having sold $80.2 million in concert tickets in North America. This puts Turner in the fifth spot for all-time tours of North America. The Rolling Stones hold the record with $121.2 from their 1994 Voodoo Lounge Tour.

Turner beat out 'N Sync, who came in at $76.4 million and the Dave Matthews Band, who played more shows (128 in 120 cities) than any other touring act, grossed $68.2 million. KISS, also on their farewell tour, came in fourth with $62.7 million. Meanwhile, husband and wife touring duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were the fifth highest grossing act, as their Soul 2 Soul tour brought in $48.8 million.

While Turner took home the most cash from her tour, 'N Sync actually sold more tickets than any other act, with 1.65 million sold. This is the second year in a row the boys have accomplished that feat, having sold 1.8 million last year to top all other touring acts.

Rounding out the top ten touring acts of 2000 were the Dixie Chicks with $47.3 million, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with $45.9 million, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with $42.1 million, Metallica with $42 million and Britney Spears with $40.5 million.

Overall the industry pulled in $1.7 million, up from last year's $1.5.

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(December 30, 2000)