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Largest Concerts in the US

The United States has hosted some of the largest and most iconic concerts in music history, drawing massive crowds and creating unforgettable moments in pop culture. These concerts often feature legendary performers from a variety of genres, from rock to country to pop.  Artists like Garth Brooks, who set records with his stadium shows, and U2, whose tours often attract millions of fans, have led some of the biggest gatherings.

Other iconic acts on this list are The Grateful Dead and The Beach Boys. These massive events not only highlight the sheer scale of the audiences but also the power of live music to bring people together. Information such as number of attendees, concert year, and location was found in Wikipedia’s list of most-attended concerts and from audacy.com. Whether through genre-defining rock performances or country music spectacles, the largest concerts in the U.S. continue to push the boundaries of live entertainment, providing fans with unique experiences that are etched into the annals of music history.

Garth Brooks - 84,000

Garth Brooks - 84,000

If country is the vibe you look for in music, then Garth Brooks is the artist for you. In 2018, the Country star had the opportunity to play the first show at Notre Dame Stadium. The concert wasn’t just for the live audience, though, and was also fit for the television!

Brooks televised “Garth: Live at Notre Dame” for the public to watch and bask in country tunes from home. The live attendees added up to 84,000, but with the CBS special, his audience was probably much more. While television watchers were warm and toasty at home, those in person endured Garth’s outstanding voice in rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Despite the cold climate, Brooks gave an unforgettable performance!

John Medina/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

U2 - 84,754

U2 - 84,754

Get ready to see a lot of U2! The first in their quartet of memorable concerts on this list is their 360 Tour. In 2009, the band gave a show-stopping performance at FedEx Field to an audience of over 84,000. The concert was a worldwide event, and it was held on a circular stage so the audience could surround them on all sides.

The show at FedEx Field was a memorable night for fans, featuring a mix of U2's classic hits like "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You." Along with the massive 360-degree stage, the tour featured a towering claw-like structure that surrounded the audience, offering an immersive experience for every person in the stadium.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

U2 - 86,145

U2 - 86,145

The Irish rock band’s music performance to take the title of their second-largest concert was from their ‘Joshua Tree Tour.’ In 1987, U2 performed at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia and gave over 86,000 rock music lovers an unforgettable display of their talent. They even had Bruce Springsteen make a cameo that had the audience screaming.

The show concluded with a cover of Ben E. King’s hit song “Stand By Me.” This tour was a pivotal moment for the band, as The Joshua Tree album had just propelled them into global stardom, featuring hits like "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."

Rob Verhorst/Redferns/Getty Images

U2 - 88,491

U2 - 88,491

U2’s third entry in their notable mix of hit concerts is their performance in 2011 at the MetLife Stadium. It was another concert from their ‘360 Tour,’ with the circular stage and claw-like structure making its appearance once again. The rock band’s two former concerts made their name even more infamous because the attendance went up to over 88,000!

The music event was monumental in the band’s storied career, marking a highlight of their 360° Tour. The concert was an immersive experience, allowing the audience to be enveloped in the music. U2 delivered a high-energy, emotionally charged performance that further cemented their legacy as one of the greatest live bands of all time.

Frans Schellekens/Redferns/Getty Images

U2 - 97,014

U2 - 97,014

U2 finishes with a bang! Their performance at the Rose Bowl in 2009 set a record of over 97,000 attendees. U2's concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, was a defining moment in the band's 360° Tour, one of the most successful and ambitious concert tours of all time.

The rock band's large crowd set a record for the largest audience the stadium had ever hosted. The Rose Bowl concert was a testament to the band’s ability to create an immersive, larger-than-life experience, blending technical innovation with the raw power of their live performances.

Raniel Diaz/black eyed peas opens for u2 @ the rose bowl/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

Garth Brooks - 102,000

Garth Brooks - 102,000

Garth Brooks’ performance at the Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge is a more recent concert. It was 2022, and Brook sold out his show to 102,000 excited attendees. After 29 years, Garth performed once again in Louisiana and he definitely showcased how talented he is.

The event was an earth-shaking one – the concert was so loud that it registered on the Richter scale! Garth’s momentous performance featured 34 songs and a surprise cameo from his wife, Trisha Yearwood. It was a concert no one would forget, and anyone would want to see it.

fatherspoon/Garth Brooks - Man Against Machine/CC BY-ND 2.0/Flickr

The Grateful Dead - 107,019

The Grateful Dead - 107,019

The Grateful Dead was welcomed by over 100,000 rock music lovers in Englishtown. The rock band was on their ‘Terrapin Station Tour,’ and their New Jersey show became one of their most illustrious events yet. This show is often remembered for its electric atmosphere and the seamless, jam-filled performances.

The Englishtown show is often remembered for its magical, nearly 4-hour set that featured a mix of Dead classics like "Truckin’" and "Sugar Magnolia" alongside improvisational jams that were characteristic of the band’s style. The massive outdoor concert became one of the defining moments of the Dead's 1977 tour, a period regarded by many fans as one of the band's peak live performance years.

Paul Natkin/Archive Photos/Getty Images

George Strait - 110,905

George Strait - 110,905

George Strait, known as the "King of Country," has long been celebrated for his timeless voice, traditional country sound, and unmatched ability to connect with fans through his music. Strait set the record for number-breaking attendance in College Station at Kyle Field. The number of tickets sold was 110,905 – that’s a lot of ecstatic country fans!

Despite having been in the spotlight for over four decades, Strait's presence and vocal ability remain as strong as ever, proving why he’s earned his place as one of the genre’s most beloved and enduring stars. The 2024 College Station concert was particularly special for fans in his home state of Texas, where Strait's connection to his audience runs deep.

Rich Fury/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The Beach Boys - 1,000,000

The Beach Boys - 1,000,000

As part of their ‘Sea to Shining Sea’ concert series, The Beach Boys played a free concert in Philadelphia. It was July 4th, and the groovy band opened for the concert on 1985 Independence Day. They were met with a whopping one million attendees!

The free event took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and featured several other talented artists. The Oak Ridge Boys, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Jimmy Page are only a few of the several infamous musicians present for the memorable performances.

Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images

Jean-Michel Jarre - 1,300,000

Jean-Michel Jarre - 1,300,000

Jean-Michel Jarre's 1986 performance in Houston was a groundbreaking moment in the fusion of electronic music and live performance. The concert was part of his Rendez-Vous tour, and it became one of the most iconic electronic music events in history. Known for his elaborate visual spectacles and innovative soundscapes, Jarre transformed the venue into a mesmerizing experience with an intricate blend of synthesizers, laser lights, and massive projections.

With a crowd of over one million people, the event cemented his international reputation. It showcased his ability to blend classical elements with electronic music, creating a unique and immersive experience. It was definitely an unforgettable evening of fun!

Daniele Dalledonne/Jean Michel Jarre/CC BY SA 2.0/Flickr