Some lessons of success can cross over from the music industry to the business world.

Selling out large arenas and performing in front of tens of thousands of fans isn’t entirely unlike running a multimillion-dollar business. Staying fresh and relevant is an ongoing battle for the biggest names in music, as well as top companies. Some lessons of success can cross over from the music industry to the business world – and wise executives should listen up.

In October 2007, U.S. News & World Report posted a story titled “What Springsteen Can Teach CEOs.” It discussed several strategies the rock legend has used to remain a top performer that CEOs can adapt to their operations.

For example, U.S. News & World Report points out that Springsteen shares the credit with his band mates. Although Springsteen’s name is the most well-known, on stage, he calls out to members of the E Street Band, recognizing their talents. Smart CEOs also rely on this strategy, identifying top talent and performers, and giving credit where credit is due. After all, running a company isn’t a one-man show.

There are lessons to be learned from other pop icons. Take Madonna, for instance. Since signing with Sire Records in 1982, Madonna has sold more than 63 million records. Her legacy of success continues today; in 2007, she signed a 10-year, $120 million contract with Live Nation. She is also a 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

How has the business-savvy material girl done it? Constant reinvention and taking risks have helped Madonna remain in the public eye. As an executive, you don’t have to wear lace gloves, but not being afraid to take risks can result in huge dividends.

As evidenced by Bono, philanthropy continues to be a way to make headlines. Although U2 has sold more than 50.5 million records in the United States, released 11 studio albums, played countless sold-out shows and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, Bono has used his time off stage to spread political awareness, namely surrounding the AIDS crisis in Africa. For executives, rallying behind a cause is a great way to establish a community presence and tie your products and services in to charitable endeavors.

Lastly, CEOs can look to the Police for guidance on when business loses its direction: remember your roots. Recording their first single in 1977 and releasing their first album in 1978, the band members went their separate ways in 1982 after the band garnered considerable fame and fandom.

Although the Police did not perform or record together for the next 20 years, the band continued to receive recognition, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

So, what did the Police do? They reunited on their 30th anniversary, and fans couldn’t have been more thrilled.

As an executive, when the ship veers off course, remember your company’s roots and what first drew your customers. Going back to those basics might be just the sound your customers want to hear.