iTunes Red Hot Pre-Order Perks

iTunes has it all. You can download your favorite songs, albums, TV shows, and podcasts. And if that wasn’t enough, the truly tuned in may notice a few extra perks along the way. Sometimes the extra savvy find the hidden treasures: for example, the premiere episode of NBC’s new show, “Conviction,” was released for free download on iTunes several days before the broadcast premiere. But now, thanks to a collaboration with Ticketmaster and Warner Music, Red Hot Chili Peppers fans have a special perk of their own: advance purchasing of concert tickets.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are releasing their new double album, “Stadium Arcadium,” featuring 28 tracks, on May 9th. Currently, the album is available for pre-order at the iTunes Music Store, priced at $19.90. The current single, “Dani California” is available for immediate download, but the entire album will not download until the release date. After the album is purchased, a code will be sent to you at the e-mail account registered to iTunes. The code allows album buyers to purchase Red Hot Chili Peppers tickets on May 9th, four days before they go on sale to the general public on May 13th.

Red Hot Chili Peppers has released a list of tour cities; however, venues and dates will not be announced until May 1st. Tour cities are: Portland, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City; Denver; Phoenix; San Diego; Oakland, California; Sacramento, California; San Jose, California; Fresno, California; New York; Boston; Philadelphia; Albany, New York; Buffalo, New York; Columbus, Ohio; Cleveland; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Detroit; Minneapolis; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Toronto; Montreal; Ottawa; and Quebec City.

Other pre-order bonuses include exclusive May 9th downloads: a full-color booklet, an interview with the band, and a video chronicling the making of “Dani California.” In addition, pre-order purchasers will be entered in a contest to win a limited edition 60GB iPod with the Red Hot Chili Peppers logo and signatures engraved on the back.

Apple has not released any plans to collaborate with another band in a similar manner at this time. For more information, or to buy the album, visit www.redhotchilipeppers.com, www.ticketmaster.com/redhotchilipeppers, or www.itunes.com.