Pollstar estimates that revenues for all major North American concerts increased to $3.1 billion, up from $2.8 billion in 2004.

Total tickets sold, however, continued a downward trend while average ticket prices continued to rise. The Top 100 touring artists sold a combined 36.1 million tickets as compared to $37.6 million in 2004.

The average ticket price for the Top 100 tours increased to a record $57.00, up sharply over last year’s $52.39.

Ticket price had everything to do with the rankings. The Rolling Stones took the No. 1 position with 42 shows in North America, while Green Day – which had a monster year in 2005 – played 68 dates and wound up in the No. 12 slot. How did that happen? The Stones’ average ticket price was $133.98; Green Day’s average was $38.07.

And if you’re wondering how U2 could play 78 concerts, charge a pretty steep ticket price and still wind up at No. 2; keep in mind that while the Stones had only 42 dates, some of those where in huge stadiums. U2 stuck to arenas this time around.

Meanwhile, if you’re Celine Dion, the audience comes to you. Las Vegas’ resident diva didn’t even have to leave town to make $81.3 million. All her shows took place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

OK, enough with the yacking, let’s get to the numbers. Here are the Top 20 Touring Artists of 2005. The first dollar amount is the total gross is in millions of U.S. dollars for all dates worked in North America. The second dollar amount is the artists’ average ticket price.

1. The Rolling Stones $162.0 / $133.98

2. U2 $138.9 / $96.92

3. Celine Dion $81.3 / $136.04

4. Paul McCartney $77.3 / $135.46

5. Eagles $76.8 / $104.17

6. Elton John $65.8 / $102.46

7. Kenny Chesney $61.8 / $54.63

8. Dave Matthews Band $57.0 / $47.09

9. Neil Diamond $47.3 / $63.02

10. Jimmy Buffett $41.0 / $76.49

11. Mötley Crüe $39.9 / $46.48

12. Green Day $34.8 / $38.07

13. Toby Keith $31.6 / $46.11

14. Rascal Flatts $28.2 / $34.92

15. Bruce Springsteen $26.3 / $81.00

16. Gwen Stefani $24.2 / $54.46

17. Coldplay $24.1 / $40.80

18. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers $23.6 / $38.05

19. Barry Manilow $22.7 / $153.93

20. “Anger Management Tour” $21.6 / $64.03

All figures are base on phenomenally thorough research, comprehensive number-crunching, and lots of sweating, elbow grease and coffee from your friends at Pollstar.