Metallica Named the 'World's Biggest Touring Act' by 'Pollstar'

Metallica Named the ‘World’s Biggest Touring Act’ by ‘Pollstar’

2019-09-21

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich – Story by Anne Erickson, photo by Ken Settle

Metallica has earned the title of “biggest band in the world,” according to a new Pollstar article

Metallica has been touring hard the past few years in support of their latest studio album, the Grammy-nominated “Hardwired…to Self-Destruct,” and all of the worldwide touring has resulted in a major honor for the metal band.

Music industry trade publication Pollstar has named Metallica the “World’s Biggest Touring Act.” In a new article called “Tour & Destroy: The Case for Metallica as the World’s Biggest Touring Act,” the publication states that Metallica tower above all the other musicians and bands when it comes to touring.

Metallica, according to Pollstar, has sold around 22.1 million tickets since 1982 and taken in roughly $1.4 billion. The guys have performed in 48 countries and on every continent.

Even though U2, according to Pollstar, has sold more than those 22.1 million tickets, the publication says that Metallica has notched record-breaking attendance records and merch sales of around $125 million in North America since their 1991 “Black Album,” making them the “biggest band in the world.”

“I keep thinking and forcing myself to think all our best years are still ahead of us,” drummer Lars Ulrich told Pollstar. “We may even turn professional and do this full time one day.”

He added, “That’s the MO. It’s always, ‘What’s your favorite record?’ It’s the next one, the one we haven’t recorded yet. It’s always about the possibilities, always about what can be, what’s coming. That, to me, is what this is all about, and I think that attitude is a big part of the why Metallica still connects to so many people around the world.”

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.