U2 has highest-grossing tour in 2011

CEBU, Philippines - U2 is No. 1 when it comes to touring. The band had the highest-grossing tour both in North America and worldwide in 2011.

Bono, the Edge and company grossed $156 million in North America on the strength of 1.7 million tickets sold, according to Pollstar, which covers the concert industry. They grossed $231.9 million worldwide off 2.39 million tickets.

Rounding out the top five highest-grossing touring acts in North America were Taylor Swift ($97.7 million), Kenny Chesney ($84.6 million), Lady Gaga ($63.7 million) and Bon Jovi ($57.1 million).

As for the worldwide top five, U2 were followed by the reunited Take That ($224 million), Bon Jovi ($148.8 million), Swift ($104.2 million) and Roger Waters ($103.6 million). Tickets on U2's 360 Degrees tour sold for an average of $97.15 worldwide and $91.67 in North America.

U2's success in 2011 was bolstered by the rescheduling of postponed concert dates from 2010 due to a back injury frontman Bono suffered that year. (FREEMAN)