Concerts grossed $1 billion from May 1 to Sept. 1, roughly equal to the same period in 2008. Attendance rose for the season's 4,200-plus live music shows to 19.2 million, up 3% from 18.7 million a year ago. The data are from Boxscore reports published by Billboard and analyzed by USA TODAY.

The industry showed consistent strength across genres with perennial stalwarts such as Kenny Chesney, the Dave Matthews Band, Beyoncé, U2, Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay putting up big numbers, while Lil' Wayne, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, The Killers and Kings of Leon showed increasing popularity.

"It was pretty much on par with last year, which is remarkable considering that this was probably the most challenging environment the business has ever faced," says Billboard touring editor Ray Waddell.

"We didn't have a great year, but we also didn't have the disaster that the economy might have foreshadowed," says Pollstar editor Gary Bongiovanni.

The industry was probably helped by the fact that many belt-tightening fans saw going to a concert as a less expensive alternative to going on vacation. Promoters made shows even more enticing by offering deep discounts on select seating or bonuses such as free CDs with the ticket purchases.

"The fans really responded," Waddell says. "They were looking for a break on prices, and there were plenty of bargains out there."

At the same time, there were plenty of people willing to pay premium prices for enhanced concert experiences. VIP packages priced at $500 and more were snapped up by hard-core fans, who in addition to the best seats got such things as T-shirts, catered receptions, preferred parking passes or a chance to meet the performers.

"People are willing to open their wallets for artists on their must-see lists," Bongiovanni says. "You had Mick Fleetwood doing meet-and-greets all across the country this summer, and that's something you may not have seen in years past."

Contributing: Jack Gillum

Enlarge By Chris Pizzello, AP Burnin' up ticket sales: Joe Jonas and the Jonas Brothers.