Live Nation has entered into a sponsorship deal with Microsoft to provide music fans with access to exclusive digital content when they download new, customized versions of the recently launched Windows Internet Explorer version 8 web browser. The deal designates Internet Explorer 8 as a sponsor of Nickelback's Dark Horse 2009 tour and Live Nation's Bamboozle Music Festival.

As part of the deal, those who download Internet Explorer 8 at ie8-nickelback.com will have exclusive access to a live version of Nickelback's single "Something in Your Mouth," along with behind-the-scenes videos of the band from the road and a series of Nickelback web picks of the week. The Bamboozle version of Internet Explorer 8 is available at ie8-thebamboozlefestival.com and will give users access to interviews with more than 50 Bamboozle bands, including All Time Low, 3OH!3 and We The Kings.

"Microsoft recognizes the power of tapping into Live Nation's integrated platform and unique ability to connect bands with millions of consumers through live music. Likewise, we recognized the value of leveraging the innovative, timesaving features in Internet Explorer 8 to provide a positive experience to our music fans through the optimized browser," said Russell Wallach, President of North American Alliances at Live Nation. "This relationship utilizes our artists, festivals, and digital platforms to connect fans with exclusive content from artists they love with this new customized browser."

"Our customers have told us that entertainment is one of the big draws for being online, and they want a browsing experience that makes that content more personal and easier to access," added Amy Barzdukas, GM for Internet Explorer at Microsoft. "We are excited to work with Live Nation to provide an exclusive entertainment experience for our customers that builds on the unique features in Internet Explorer 8."