It’s the end of the year—and the end of the decade. And so, like virtually every other entertainment-oriented writer out there, I’m working up an article detailing some of the significant stuff that’s happened in the last 10 years. In my case, I’m focusing on music.
Vastly aiding my research efforts has been Billboard magazine’s “The Decade in Music” special issue. The actuarial wizards at the music-industry mag have parsed data on sales numbers just about every way possible. One list in particular caught my attention, for reasons I’ll explain in a minute. But first, a bit of a digression.
As I’ve reflected on the last 10 years in music, one thing I’ve noticed is that the ’00s lack much in the way of a definable personality. Sure, there have been loads of technical innovation in how music gets distributed. But where the ’70s majored in prog rock and disco, the ’80s delivered new wave and hair metal, and the ’90s served up grunge and hip-hop, it’s hard to identify a single signature sound that’s emerged this decade. Instead, it’s a fragmented, repackaged potpourri of everything that came before.
If there’s one Billboard chart that arguably confirms that observation, it’s the magazine’s “Decade-End Top 25 Tours” list. Turns out the list is well-populated by acts that emerged in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s—even a couple that got their start in the ’60s.
Take a look at the top touring acts of the last decade. The Rolling Stones—who played their first gig in 1962!—came in at No. 1 (with 264 shows generating nearly $870 million in gross revenue). U2 was the second biggest touring act, followed by Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Celine Dion, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, and Bon Jovi. Billy Joel nabbed the last spot in the Top 10.
Of those, only two debuted in the 1990s: Kenny Chesney (1993) and Dave Matthews Band (1994). Where are the aughts, you ask? Only one band in the Top 25, Rascal Flatts (No. 21), arrived during the 2000s.
So what are we to make of this? Are the aughts really that forgettable when it comes to music and musicians that will stand the test of time? Or do you think this list skews the way it does because older fans simply have more discretionary income to pony up for the pricey shows these top notch performers put on?
I can’t say that I have the definitive answer. But I do know this: I’ve got my tickets for U2 when they come to town next spring.
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