Rolling Stones Break Sales Records

The Rolling Stones are again rolling into a record-setting mode. The Bridges to Babylon tour opener set a new gross record at Chicago's Soldier Field, ousting the title from U2, whose $5.9 million total from July 1-2 shows was the previous high.

The Stones' Sept. 23 and 25 shows took in $6,260,600 from sellout crowds totaling 107,186 on $39.50-$60 tickets. The group followed that with a single show sellout at Columbus' Ohio Stadium Sept. 27, also a record-setter. The $3,553,069 gross topped the previous mark of $2,710,335, set by Elton John/Billy Joel in 1994. Ericcson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Carolina Panthers, hosted its first concert when the Rolling Stones rolled in Oct. 10. The $3,126,945 gross and 54,436 attendance (a sellout) establishes the record for future concerts to beat. Of course, the Stones have a history of big grosses -- their 1994-95 Voodoo Lounge Tour grossed a total of $319,499,638 in 128 shows attended by 6,442,660 fans.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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