Status Quo have topped the list for the second year running

Status Quo are the hardest-working band in British music, according to a list compiled by the Performing Rights Society (PRS).

The rockers performed to more than 250,000 fans at 27 arenas in 2009 - more than any other band.

"Performing in front of thousands of fans is the ultimate experience for any band," said frontman Francis Rossi.

Fellow music industry veterans Cliff Richard and the Shadows were in second place with Take That in third.

Coldplay and Kings of Leon made up the rest of the top five.

Status Quo have built up an army of fans in a career spanning five decades.

The band, whose hits include Rockin' All Over The World and Whatever You Want, have spent 415 weeks in the UK singles chart and sold more than 118 million recordings worldwide.

PRS is the organisation which collects royalties on behalf of songwriters.

Chairman Ellis Rich said: "Being an ardent supporter of live music, whether it is in the smallest pub or the largest arena, I'm delighted to see Status Quo, giants of live performance, topping this chart for the second year running."

Singer and guitarist Joe Brown was the busiest performer at smaller concert venues in 2009, followed by Manchester band Twisted Wheel and last year's X Factor runners-up JLS.