One Direction set to launch world's first $1b tour

One Direction members Zayn Malik, left, and Harry Styles. Photo / AP

One Direction are set to launch the world's first $1 billion tour.

The Story of My Life boy band will hit the road for the "Where We Are" stadium tour in 2014 and early ticket sales have put them in line to break the records held by U2 and The Rolling Stones by achieving huge ticket sales in a single year.

A spokesman told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Until now we hadn't even thought in terms of breaking records.

"But it would be amazing for 1D to climb to the very top of the tour league so early in the group's career.

"That would be a phenomenal testament to the loyalty and support of their fans."

U2 and The Rolling Stones hold the top two spots at the moment, with tour earnings of £467 million and £341 million respectively.

Currently, One Direction have 88 dates set for 2014 across Europe, the US and South America, with 80,000-seater venues already selling out.

The spokesman added: "Demand was so enormous for 'Where We Are' tickets that 21 American dates had to be added to the original schedule.

"It is absolutely conceivable that still more could be squeezed in before the end or 2014 but that will ultimately be up to the band and its management."

- BANG! Showbiz