![The $311 Million Men, according to "Forbes" magazine.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/d5/ce/d5cea510abf3368e0878e23d71c40931.jpg "The $311 Million Men, according to "Forbes" magazine.")
Even though they had to postpone an entire tour leg for 2010, last year’s epic run of “360” helped elevate U2 to the number seven spot on “The Celebrity 100” list in “Forbes” magazine.
The tour raked in over $311 million “in gross box office receipts”, with $10 million in ticket sales coming in from each concert. The article also states that with U2’s back catalog as well as radio play and merchandise, it makes them the obvious choice as “the highest-earning band on the planet.”
U2’s pal Bruce Springsteen also made the list, checking in at number 17. Rounding out the top five are Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, James Cameron, Lady Gaga, and Tiger Woods.
It’s always funny when you read lists like these and how much all of these celebrities end up banking. I look at the $10 million in ticket sales from “360” last year and because I went to three shows, I automatically think, “Wow, a lot of my paycheck from work is in that number!” Then you factor in the entire $311 million, and it’s mind-boggling. During the 2009 leg, I bought two shirts and a program. When I renewed my fan club membership, I received a coupon for the web store. So I used it on another “360” shirt I didn’t have. And then there's the "360" DVD to buy. All of it adds up in the end!
With North America postponed, Europe still on, and Australia this winter rumored, I wonder how U2 will rank on next year’s list?
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