U2 - U2 Crowned Industry's Top Money Makers

Irish superstars U2 have been crowned the music industry's cash kings after raking in more than $108 million (£67.5 million) in 2009.

The band's 360 world tour has boosted their earnings for the past year, placing them atop Billboard magazine's 2010 Money Makers list.

Bruce Springsteen trails in second place with $57 million (£35.63 million), while Queen of Pop Madonna - who topped last year's survey - banked $47 million (£29.38 million).

Aussie rockers AC DC were the fourth biggest earners, followed by Britney Spears at five with $43 million (£26.89 million) and $38 million (£23.75 million) respectively.

Billboard editors compile the annual poll using information including cash earned through tours, music sales and publishing royalties.

The Money Makers title cements U2's status as rock heavyweights - they were also recently named North America's most popular touring act of 2009, with the group's latest trek scoring sales of $123 million (£76.9 million).