From Taylor Swift to U2: Ranking the top 10 concerts of 2023
2023 set the stage for an unparalleled concert experience. The global tour industry saw a staggering $9.17 billion in gross revenue, according to Pollstar, a remarkable leap from the $6.28 billion recorded in 2022. A convergence of iconic names crisscrossing the nation fueled this surge, leaving audiences in awe. Here's a rundown of the top 10 concerts that not only impressed but redefined live music in 2023.
1. U2: A Spherical Marvel
U2's residency at Las Vegas' state-of-the-art Sphere, opening on Sept. 29, transformed the concert experience into an unquestionable marvel. The fusion of IMAX-meets-Death-Star enormity, mesmerizing visuals, impeccable sound, and the band's undiminished fearlessness made «U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere» an unforgettable spectacle. Playing the entire «Achtung Baby» album, the band showcased classics like «Elevation,» «Vertigo,» and «Where the Streets Have No Name.» U2 continues to captivate audiences at the Sphere until March 2.
2. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Extravaganza
Taylor Swift kicked off her Eras Tour with a bang, surprising fans with a 44-song setlist and a 3-hour-plus production in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17. Swift's record-breaking and fan-appreciating concert unfolded over 50 times in U.S. stadiums before venturing into a South American run. Swift's ambitious effort promises to traverse the globe through most of 2024, leaving audiences immersed in her musical journey.
3. Beyoncé: A Visual Symphony
Armed with a colossal, four-year-in-the-making production, Beyoncé delivered a 2 ½-hour stadium spectacle that leaned heavily on newer songs from «Lemonade» and «Renaissance.» The visual journey, segmented into
