iTunes launches live music programme

A new deal between iTunes and Live Nation will see artists such as Duffy and Plain White T's promote their work in live performances available via Apple's download site.

Concert promoter Live Nation has a network of venues which are specially equipped for recording concerts and has agreed to provide performances to the iTunes Store.

The company believes the idea will prove attractive to artists and music industry executives, as it offers them a low-cost way of recording and then marketing live performances in a format that is easily accessible to existing and new fans.

Among the first of the videos to appear in the new section of the iTunes Store dedicated to live music are performances by reggae star Ziggy Marley, singer-songwriter A Fine Frenzy and guitar band OK Go.

The agreement will also further add to the content available from iTunes, with the ground-breaking music download store already offering consumers more than 11 million tracks.

By Claire Johnson