Irish superstars U2 have been crowned the music industry's cash kings after raking in more than $108 million (£67.5 million) in 2009.

The band's 360 world tour has boosted their earnings for the past year, placing them atop Billboard magazine's 2010 Money Makers list.

Bruce Springsteen trails in second place with $57 million (£35.63 million), while Queen of Pop Madonna - who topped last year's survey - banked $47 million (£29.38 million).

Aussie rockers AC DC were the fourth biggest earners, followed by Britney Spears at five with $43 million (£26.89 million) and $38 million (£23.75 million) respectively.

Billboard editors compile the annual poll using information including cash earned through tours, music sales and publishing royalties.

The Money Makers title cements U2's status as rock heavyweights - they were also recently named North America's most popular touring act of 2009, with the group's latest trek scoring sales of $123 million (£76.9 million).

http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/u2-crowned-industrys-top-money-makers_1133629

U2 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, March 14, 2005.
Bono (vocals and guitar),
The Edge (guitar, keyboard, and vocals),
Adam Clayton (bass guitar),
and Larry Mullen (drums and percussion).


Clip: ELEVATION
Sept. 1, 2001 at Slane Castle, County Meath, Ireland.
Concert Attendance: 80,000