SHOW ME THE MONEY

Bruce Springsteen has been named as the highest earning touring star in the US during 2003.

’The Boss’ and his E Street Band made $115.9m (£65.7m) on 47 shows, including 13 stadium shows in the New York area.

Celine Dion is second on the list, compiled by industry magazine Pollstar, making $80.5m (£45.6m) thanks to 145 shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Veterans The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac are right behind making $69m (£39m) each.

Pollstar editor Gary Bongiovanni said US concert business would make a record breaking $2.4 billion in 2003. He put the figure down to fans accepting higher ticket prices for tours.

"Back in 1994 when the Eagles charged $100 a ticket, there was practically rebellion in the streets," he told the BBC.

Celine Dion, The Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel and the Billy Joel-Elton John double bill all charged more than $100 (£56) a ticket, on average.

The top 10 earners of 2003 in the US are:
1. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - $115.9m
2. Celine Dion - £80.5m
3. Eagles - $69.3m
4. Fleetwood Mac - $69m
5. Cher - $68.2m
6. Simon and Garfunkel - $64.5m
7. Aerosmith/Kiss - $64m
8. Dixie Chicks - $60.5m
9. Billy Joel/ Elton John - $50.9m
10. Metallica Summer Sanitarium Tour - $48.8m