Van Halen tour grosses $93M

LOS ANGELES, June 5 (UPI) -- Van Halen's 2007-2008 North American tour grossed more than $93 million, making it the highest grossing tour in the band's history, Live Nation said.

An estimated 1 million people turned out for the concerts, which started in September 2007 in Charlotte, N.C., and ended June 2 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Alex Van Halen and Wolfgang Van Halen played a total of 74 arena concerts throughout the United States and Canada.

This was the first time in 23 years Roth performed with the band.

"We send our thanks to the countless new and longtime fans that helped make this tour our most successful," the band said in a statement. "We also send special gratitude to the tireless efforts of the Van Halen touring crew, Live Nation and the media, as well as opening acts Ky Mani Marley and Ryan Shaw."

Jason Garner, chief executive officer of North American Music at Live Nation said the tour "swept through the country, thrilling fans who grew up with their music and converting a new generation seeing them for the first time."