Top 25 concert tours sales flat at $2.1b

The band brought in $231.9 million in 34 shows, narrowly beating out British boy band Take That, which took in $224 million after reuniting with its popular front man, Robbie Williams.Globally, the top 25 tours of 2011 reaped $2.1 billion, about the same as last year. But North American gross ticket sales from the Top 25 tours took in $1.19 billion, down about 4 percent from a year ago.Pollstar editor in chief Gary Bongiovanni said concert promoter Live Nations efforts to cut down on money-losing shows likely resulted in the decline. He said he expects a rise in North American revenue next year as the Beach Boys celebrate their 50th anniversary. He said the Rolling Stones, also marking 50 years together, also are likely to hit the road, though theres been no official announcement.Madonna is likely to tour to promote her first album in five years, set for release in March. And Justin Bieber, who rocked the world but not the U.S. in 2011, may return to play gigs closer to his Canadian roots.Adele, the British singer whose second album, 21, has been the top-seller this year, also is expected to draw big crowds in 2012 after undergoing throat surgery to correct a problem that led her to cancel many concerts.When she comes back, shell be doing incredible business next year. Theres obviously a lot of pent-up demand to see her, Bongiovanni said.