In a remarkable achievement, The Weeknd has surpassed the revenue record previously held by the legendary Michael Jackson for the highest-grossing tour ever by a Black artist.
It is bound to happen! After holding the title for 36 years for the highest-grossing tour the late musician, the king of Pop music, Michael Jackson has lost the title to The Weeknd.
Jackson held the record with his ‘Bad Tour’ in 1987, which raked in a cash value of $311 million after adjusting for inflation, meanwhile, The Weeknd’s ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ tour, which has been on the road since the summer of 2022, has cashed in $350 million in ticket sales alone according to calculations by Hot New Hip Hop.
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The Weeknd Respects Michael Jackson After Breaking His Record: The Weeknd on Wednesday afternoon (July 12) took to his official social media pages where he acknowledged this new record by posting a video of himself covering Jackson’s 1988 song “Dirty Diana” at his concert in Belgium. “my king. then, now and forever. rest easy,” he wrote in the caption of his tweet.
However, let’s not diminish the Weeknd’s incredible achievement, but it’s important to note that ticket pricing systems have evolved since the 80s. In those days, fans had a clear idea of how much tickets would cost. For instance, a ticket to see Michael Jackson on the Bad Tour at Wembley Stadium in July 1988 was priced at £17.50 (which would be about £60 in 2023).
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While the Weeknd’s tour is still ongoing, he has already attracted over a million attendees. In comparison, Michael Jackson’s Bad Tour drew in a staggering 4.5 million fans. Just based on these fan numbers, we can infer that the Weeknd’s ticket profit margin is significantly higher than that of the Bad Tour.
So, while The Weeknd may hold the title on paper and perhaps in the history books when considering the figures, calculations, and overall popularity, Michael Jackson technically still retains the title.
Who Holds The Title For Highest Seeling Tour?
Sir Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour has earned the distinction of being the highest-selling tour of all time. This iconic tour recently reached its conclusion, spanning an impressive 320 separate shows. The tour’s immense popularity and global appeal contributed to its remarkable financial success, amassing a staggering $910 million in revenue.
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This milestone solidifies The Weeknd’s impact and popularity in the music industry, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences and generate significant financial success through his live performances.
The Weeknd’s accomplishment highlights his immense talent and underscores the profound influence he has had on music and his ability to connect with fans on a global scale.
