Kenny Chesney is still a force to be reckoned with. 31 years after his debut In My Wildest Dreams album was released, Chesney just became the only country act named in the Top 10 of Pollstar‘s Top 10 Touring Acts Of the Millennium. The list was created based on data of touring acts from 2001 to 2025. Chesney comes in seventh, with 18,198,369 tickets sold.
“When I got the news, I was shocked,” Chesney admits. “I only really think about all those faces smiling, laughing, singing – it’s the most beautiful sea of love and joy imaginable. I have never really considered how many; just how much fun everyone’s having. But when you look at this list, see names of people who set the bar in so many ways, it takes your breath away.
“And a list like this? The numbers don’t lie,” he continues. “To think we played to over 18 million people since 2001 – even with the time we had to take off – is mind-blowing for a kid from East Tennessee. But it says everything about the passion No Shoes Nation brings to this music.”
Coldplay tops the list, with almost 25 million tickets sold. They are followed by U2, Ed Sheeran, Dave Matthews Band, Taylor Swift, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, who come in ahead of Chesney. He is followed by Metallica, Bon Jovi, and Elton John. The only other country artists in the Top 25 are Luke Bryan, in the 20th spot, and Toby Keith, who comes in at No. 23.
Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney Also Named Billboard’s Top Country Artist Of the 21st Century
Earlier this year, Chesney also received another accolade, this one from Billboard. The East Tennessee native was named Billboard‘s Top Country Artist of the 21st Century.
“No one gets up to go the gym and expects to see news like this on their phone,” Chesney said when the news was announced. “All I was ever trying to do was find the best possible songs, things that spoke to the heart of how No Shoes Nation lives – and then taking that music, those albums that were slices of my life out to everyone who wanted to come out, be a part of the shows, the moments and the memories we made in every city we played.”
Kenny Chesney’s Induction Into the Country Music Hall of Fame
2025 has been a big year for Chesney. He released his HEART*LIFE*MUSIC book, and also launched his Live at Sphere Las Vegas. Most importantly, Chesney was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame last night was the proudest moment of my life,” Chensey says. “I am humbled and beyond grateful. The love I felt in the room was overwhelming. … The connection I share with my audience will forever be on display within the rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I am very proud of that. What an honor to also share this moment with June Carter Cash and Tony Brown. I am so grateful to be a part of such a small, exclusive group. Full of heroes and friends.”
Chesney recently announced he is returning for another Live at Sphere Las Vegas residency in 2026.
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Photo Credit: CMA / Kayla Schoen