Take That have come second in a poll listing 2008's hardest-working UK bands.
The Manchester manband were outstripped by veteran rock group Status Quo, according to figures from the Publishing Right Society.
Quo frontman Francis Rossi told the Daily Mirror: "Playing to our fans is still and has always been the most important thing for the band.
"Nothing beats playing live and this is as relevant today as it always has been."
More than 300,000 fans attended 35 British arena shows by the group, narrowly topping the 34 performed by the reunited Manchester five-piece.
Kaiser Chiefs, Sugababes and Spice Girls also featured in the top five.