It started off slow but thanks to a strong final two quarters, 2005 proved to be another record year for gross ticket sales revenues in the concert business.
Pollstar estimates that revenues for all major North American concerts increased to $3.1 billion, up from $2.8 billion in 2004.
Total tickets sold, however, continued a downward trend while average ticket prices continued to rise. The Top 100 touring artists sold a combined 36.1 million tickets as compared to $37.6 million in 2004.
The average ticket price for the Top 100 tours increased to a record $57.00, up sharply over last year’s $52.39.  
Ticket price had everything to do with the rankings. The Rolling Stones took the No. 1 position with 42 shows in North America, while Green Day - which had a monster year in 2005 - played 68 dates and wound up in the No. 12 slot. read more at pollstar