The stock market is in the tank, the plant is closing and the neighbor is losing his home … the perfect time to go to a concert, by one measure.

The concert business grossed just under $4 billion worldwide in 2008, the most ever for a year and up almost 13 percent over last year, according to Billboard magazine.

“Overall, it’s been a pretty good year for touring,” said Ray Waddell, who covers the industry for Billboard. “I’d never say it’s recession-proof, but it’s resilient.”

In North America, the average box office gross was up 18 percent and the average attendance up 6.3 percent.

Bon Jovi’s tour was the year’s highest-grossing, based on the trade publication’s data from Nov. 14, 2007, to Nov. 11 of this year. It grossed $210.6 million and drew nearly 2.2 million fans.

Bruce Springsteen was second ($204.5 million gross) followed by Madonna ($162 million).

The most lucrative country tours were Kenny Chesney, sixth on the list with $86 million gross; and Rascal Flatts, 10th with $55.8 million.