WORCESTER, MA. (Paid, Inc/ www.paid.com) -
Aerosmith and Paid, Inc, a cutting-edge developer of celebrity web sites and services and ecommerce software, announced today that Aerosmith's official fan club, Aero Force One (AF1) (https://www.aeroforceone.com), is open to new membership again after a transition to management by Paid, Inc. and a complete restructuring to create a uniquely interactive global community that includes fans in running the show.
Paid Inc. Celebrity Services, in collaboration with Keith Garde, longtime
Aerosmith creative and marketing consultant are revamping AF1 to reinvent the fan club and build a more vital, tightly knit
Aerosmith community by introducing an innovative new program with promotions and contests; premium memberships; more chances for fans to contribute ideas and be visibly represented in the web site content and more.
For past members whose fan club memberships are due to expire by the end of 2004 and for those who dropped their membership prior to new fan club management taking over, Paid Inc. Celebrity Services is offering a tantalizing taste of the newly revamped AF1 by automatically extending their club memberships for free until February 1, 2005. This promotion gives valued, loyal fans a risk-free way to sample and experience everything the new club and management has to offer and then decide if they want to renew their membership by the cut-off date to maintain their seniority status.
"Rewarding diehard Aerosmith fans for their loyalty and enthusiasm with exclusive events and programs is what Aero Force One is all about," said Kristen Kuliga, VP of Paid Celebrity Services. "Few bands have such a massive, true-blue, longtime following as Aerosmith. But Aerosmith never takes it for granted-they are fiercely devoted to pleasing their fans. AF1 provides an exciting, interactive way of nurturing long-term relationships between the band and its diverse base of fans."
First-timers and renewing fans can now choose from two membership levels, Gold and Platinum. Fans can sign up for Gold membership at $29.99 that includes the annual Aerosmith fan club pin, personalized membership card and a newly added Aerosmith AF1 t-shirt. Or, they can opt for the new Platinum membership at $59.99, an upgrade with all of the Gold perks plus Aerosmith's new "You Gotta Move" DVD and six classic publicity photographs of the band from the Aerosmith archives reproduced for members only.
All AF1 members are eligible to participate in an eclectic mix of special promotions, which recently included autographed "You Gotta Move" DVD give-aways, band promotion contests, and more than 600 free passes for the nationwide in-theater event premiering Aerosmith's "You Gotta Move" DVD on November 23 in conjunction with its retail release. In addition, three lucky AF1 members won a dinner with Joe Perry the week of December 6th at one of three Hard Rock Cafe locations, where Perry also autographed bottles of his new "Mango Peach Tango" hot sauce. The contest winners are listed on https://www.aeroforceone.com.
"Aero Force One is a lot more than a fan club-it's a totally new experience that will rock every fan's world," Aerosmith said in a joint statement. "It's also a way to thank our fans for always being there, to give them more of what they want, and create excitement about being part of a community that shares a real passion for rock-and-roll. For us, it will always be about the music, but AF1 reaches out even beyond that. It lets fans know they matter and that we're listening to them too."
New fan services and perks are expected to include a redesigned AF1 web site with live chats, message boards, contests, and games, enhanced premium backstage experiences and travel packages; expanded merchandising programs with limited-edition memorabilia that incorporate fan suggestions; and an AF1 Affinity Fan Card that will give fans dollars off at AF1's online store and discounts valid with other vendors. A fan suggestion area will give fans the opportunity to contribute web site content and ideas for the types of merchandise, contests and promotions they would like as part of the AF1 membership experience.
"We're listening to what the fans want and have already incorporated numerous suggestions into the fan club offering, such as the recent pumpkin carving contest and the addition of the t-shirt as part of the membership," noted Kuliga. "AF1 is a place where people can be excited about participating because they are visible in helping shape the program."
The Celebrity Services division of Paid, Inc. is responsible for AF1's promotional programs and web site (https://www.aeroforceone.com) and integrating fan management services with Aerosmith affiliates, including their record label, radio sponsors, and Internet partners.
Celebrity Services will continue developing and marketing new, innovative ways for people to participate in the Aerosmith fan community experience. With more than 120,000 registered fans, AF1 makes it easy for fans to connect with the band and with each other around the globe.
