Touring is a global business and the Rolling Stones are, predictably, the top touring band in the world for the first half of 2006. Based on figures reported to Billboard Boxscore from Nov. 1, 2005, through mid-May, the Stones' Bigger Bang tour, produced by Michael Cohl, reported $147.3 million in grosses from 45 shows in U.S. arenas and international stadiums.

While it's doubtful U2 would have passed its elder brethren, the band, which is at second for the mid-year, would have improved its already hefty take of $73 million for the period had it not postponed dates because of a family illness. As reported today, those shows have been rescheduled for later this year.

Bon Jovi is the third-highest-grossing act for the period, reporting more than $65 million and 866,873 in attendance, selling out 54 of 57 shows. Rounding out the top 10 are Billy Joel ($47.4 million), Cirque du Soleil's Delirium ($38.7 million), Aerosmith ($35 million), Coldplay ($29 million), Luis Miguel ($25 million), Trans Siberian Orchestra ($24 million), and Paul McCartney ($17.6 million).

In general, the touring industry is maintaining a healthy pace. Gross dollars for January-June 2006 are up 24.6% from the same period last year, driven mostly by the tours cited above. High ticket prices help boost the increase, however, because attendance is up just 5.4%.