The Rolling Stones' Bigger Bang world tour lasted two years

The Stones made $88m (�43m) between June 2006 and June this year, largely thanks to their Bigger Bang tour, which grossed $437m (�217m), Forbes said.

US rapper and Def Jam records boss Jay-Z came second in the list with a total income of $83m (�41m).

Pop icon Madonna, 49, came third with earnings of $72m (�35m).

Rock band Bon Jovi have taken home $67m (�33m), while Sir Elton John reached fifth place after earning $53m (�26m).

TOP TEN MUSIC EARNERS 1. The Rolling Stones - $88m 2. Jay-Z - $83m 3. Madonna (above) - $72m 4. Bon Jovi - $67m 5. Sir Elton John - �53m 6. Celine Dion - $45m 7. Tim McGraw - $37m 8. 50 Cent - $33m 9. U2 - $30m 10. P Diddy - $23m Source: Forbes.com

Canadian pop singer Celine Dion came next with $45m (�22m), followed by country singer Tim McGraw, who made $37m (�18m).

Rapper 50 Cent banked $33m (�16m), with U2 coming next with $30m (14m).

Forbes said it was no surprise that artists from the older generation were leading the way in the poll.

"The really serious money comes from touring. And no-one can pull in the big bucks like an older, established music act," it said.

High ticket prices helped some of the artists boost their wealth.

Madonna, for example, charged an average of $180 (�89) during her 2006 North American tour.

Most of the musicians featured in the list do not just rely on music sales and touring for their income.

"They also exploit the power of their brand name to push other products," Forbes said. "That can be as simple as selling ringtones and fan merchandise or locking up lucrative sponsorship deals."

The Rolling Stones toured for two years around the world reaching 16 countries, before rounding it off with performances at the O2 arena.

Despite several cancelled and rescheduled gigs, the global jaunt became the most lucrative tour of all time according to Billboard magazine.

In January they topped the US music rich list for the second year running after raking in $150.6m (�76.2m) last year.