Springsteen's Tour on Top

Bruce Springsteen could become the biggest touring artist of the year in North America with his upcoming tour, reported Reuters. He and his E Street Band head off on their second leg of their tour in North America, in New Jersey, on Sunday. This will put Springsteen and his band up against Bon Jovi and Kenny Chesney for the attention of the Garden State.

The artists could find themselves making about $70 million by the end of the year, according to the editor of the Fresno, Gary Bongiovani. Of course this isn't much by standards from the past. Last year The Police were on the top of the heap making $132 million, with the Rolling Stones taking that spot in 2006 with $138.5 million, as well as 2005 making $162 million that year, according to Reuters.

Unfortunately, like everything else, the economy seems to be affecting everything. This is the first time since 1999 that a top act is going to make as little as $70 million. Higher gas prices are keeping fans at home and concert promoters are cutting prices on their cheap seats and even the rockers are seeking economies of scale by playing in bigger markets, reported Reuters.

Springsteen's tour this year begins with three dates set in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The last time the singer and his band played at the football field was five years ago when he grossed $39 million from 10 concerts. His highest ticket price is now 20 percent higher than that at $95. His dates this year are largely in the eastern United State, reported Reuters.