Australian Radio Network’s iHeartRadio Australia has jumped into bed with Optus in a unique partnership that combines a series of live events with exclusive artist experiences and content. The announcement comes off the back of Optus launching Optus Music, a data-free music streaming service.

After several recent iHeartRadio Live events, including performances by international superstars Justin Bieber, Adam Lambert and Jess Glynne, The iHeartRadio Australia Live series aims to bring music lovers closer to their beloved bands and artists, with 14 live events over the next 12 months as well as access to premium content only available to Optus and iHeartRadio customers.

MD of product and marketing at Optus, Ben White, said, “We are delighted to partner with iHeartRadio Australia as part of our ongoing commitment to giving customers game-changing entertainment experiences.

“Australians are passionate about music, and by partnering with iHeartRadio, we’re able to deliver fantastic premium music content and immersive experiences that get our prepaid customers closer to the artists and music that they love.”

The announcement comes after the KIIS Presents iHeartRadio LIVE with Jess Glynne event held on Monday, 9 May in Sydney.

The next iHeartRadio LIVE event was announced today as UK 80s pop sensation Culture Club, to give Pure Gold listeners the ultimate fan experience on Sunday, June 12.

Pure Gold Presents iHeartRadio LIVE with Culture Club ultimate fan experience, and lucky winners will attend an afternoon fan Q&A session with all four original band members hosted by WSFM’s Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones & Amanda Keller, before attending the band’s sound check ahead of their performance at the Hordern Pavilion that evening. Winners will also receive VIP tickets the Sunday evening show.

iHeartRadio Australia LIVE officially launched last year with the #BIEBERISLAND event starring Justin Bieber, and Head of iHeartRadio Australia Geraint Davies said the series was only going to get bigger and better.

“iHeartRadio Australia is dedicated to continuingly improving the iHeartRadio customer experience. This extensive partnership with Optus brings two big entertainment brands together to offer the Australian public unprecedented access to the music and artists they love,” Davies said.

“Whether it’s through attending local iHeartRadio Live events like the up and coming Culture Club ultimate experience or by sending lucky winners over to the USA to attend some of the biggest music events on the planet, it truly is a unique offering that we know is resonating with Australian audiences of all age groups.”