All in all, it's just another $186m from 'The Wall' for Roger Waters

Pink Floyd's heyday may have been in the 1970s but the band's appeal has never been stronger, according to figures showing that co-founder Roger Waters raked in $186.4m in the last year from touring alone.

The extraordinary success of The Wall Live, a hi-tech staging of the group's seminal 1979 album, made Waters the third-most successful touring artist in the world in the 12 months from November 2011.

More than 1.6 million fans flocked to a total of 72 shows this year, according to Billboard, which compiled the statistics. Only Madonna and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band made more money from their performances.

The live production of The Wall is to return to Europe next year, including a date at Wembley Stadium, Waters revealed in November, after playing a total of 192 shows around the world.

"This wide-wall stadium show couldn't have been done 40 years ago. We couldn't have filled the space in a way that would have been emotionally, musically and theatrically satisfying," he said, adding: "Technology has changed. Now we can."

While former band mates Nick Mason and David Gilmour joined Waters on stage last year at London's O2 Arena, he said it was "unlikely" the latter would guest again.

Madonna sold out all of the 72 shows on her controversial MDNA tour, bringing in a staggering $228.4m. Bruce Springsteen also played 72 shows, selling out 54, and grossing just short of $200m.

Despite critical reviews, the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson's music meant the Cirque Du Soleil's The Immortal World Tour was the fourth-most popular event of the year. It grossed $147.3m during an 183-date run. Coldplay grossed $147.1m during their 67-date tour as the fifth-most successful act, followed by Lady Gaga who sold out each of her 65 shows and brought in $96.4m.

British acts to feature among the top earners included Elton John, whose shows brought in $32.9m, and Rod Stewart, whose $30.1m came from 35 shows played.