5/23/2009

in

Tour VIP package proceeds will help fund heart transplant.

Elizabeth Lilly

Nine Inch Nails's Trent Reznor announced via his Twitter on Thursday that special VIP ticket packages will be available for NIN's upcoming tour, with all proceeds going toward helping fan Eric De La Cruz, who needs a heart transplant. Reznor said that as of Friday, $542,212 has been raised.  
  
A press release on NIN.com states that De La Cruz has continually been turned down for a transplant as he's on Nevada Medicaid and the state has no transplant centers. His sister, Veronica De La Cruz, who is a former CNN anchor and Internet correspondent, started the campaign.  
  
Jane's Addiction and Street Sweeper Social Club, which includes Tom Morello of Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine, will also play the entire tour.  
  
According to NIN.com, the available packages include a $1,000 donation from ticket-holders for an opportunity to "hang out" with NIN before the show, watch its and SSSC's sound checks, take pictures and get autographs, eat dinner with NIN backstage and watch the concert from the side of the stage. Individuals who have not purchased tickets can donate $1,200 and receive two tickets for a concert date of their choice in addition to those benefits.  
  
For a $300 donation, ticket-holders may attend NIN and SSSC's sound checks and a "handshaking/hug session" before doors open.  
  
Fans who simply want to help out can donate $10 or more at NIN.com.