Madonna’s forthcoming world tour is set to be the most lucrative series of shows ever staged by a female performer, despite being scheduled around her children’s school holidays and, much to the annoyance of some fans, is due to visit only 11 countries – the Telegraph reports today.

The Confessions Tour, which includes 54 dates in three months, is about half the size of global tours mounted by bands such as U2 and the Rolling Stones. But music industry experts believe that Madonna’s tour, which starts in Los Angeles at the end of this month, will earn more than £100 million and see her topple Cher – whose recent two-year tour made £90 million – as the female artist whose tour raises the largest amount of money.

Madonna’s shows are expected to earn more because of high ticket prices – British fans will pay between £80 and £170 – and restricted appearances, to keep down touring costs. Aside from two dates in Japan, the tour will be confined to America and Europe. The strategy has provoked criticism, not least from Australian fans, who believe that they have been unfairly excluded.

Such complaints, however, have failed to dampen the enthusiasm of fans elsewhere.

In the first four days of ticket sales, the singer sold out 28 shows – in New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.

Based on an article by Chris Hastings, Telegraph.co.uk