U2 tour was hottest ticket of 2009 in North America

U2 played 20 shows in the US and Canada as part of their 2009 tour

U2 had the most successful North American tour of 2009, according to music trade publication Pollstar.

The Irish band's 360° stadium tour sold 1.3 million tickets in the US and Canada, worth $123m (£76.3m) overall.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band came second, with tour takings amounting to $94.5m (£58.6m).

U2's tour is the fifth most successful ever held in North America. The Rolling Stones hold the record, for a 2005 tour that made $162m (£100.5m).

Pollstar's annual list is based on data provided by concert promoters and venue managers.

Giant stage

U2 played 20 shows on the North American leg of their 2009 world tour, charging an average of $93.77 (£58) per ticket.

The tour featured a giant claw-like stage that offered largely unobstructed views of the veteran foursome.

Elton John and Billy Joel's joint tour was the third most successful tour, with ticket sales worth $88m (£54.5m).

Britney Spears and rock band AC/DC completed the top five with takings of $82.5m (£51.1m) and $77.9m (£48.3m) respectively.

Madonna's Sticky and Sweet show was the highest-earning tour of 2008, taking $281.6m (£174m) worldwide.