Well, it’s finally all out in the open:  Wrong has officially dropped, the tour dates are everywhere, and iTunes has teamed up with DM to present the first in (what I assume is) a new series of offers. This is the second time, I believe that iTunes and DM have gotten together to offer something special. In 2005, they teamed up to offer a preorder special for Playing the Angel that allowed early adopters to buy tour tickets before they went on sale to the public.

Here’s the release from EMI:

EMI Music debuts first iTunes Pass with Depeche Mode

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, February 24, 2009
US fans to have access to new and exclusive singles, remixes, video and other content over coming weeks

Includes Depeche Mode’s upcoming 12th studio album, “Sounds of the Universe” plus additional exclusive content released on iTunes

NEW YORK . -- EMI Music today announced the debut of the first iTunes Pass with groundbreaking electro legends Depeche Mode. With iTunes Pass, music fans can get new and exclusive singles, remixes, video and other content from their favorite artists over a set period of time, delivered to their libraries as soon as they’re available.

The first iTunes Pass debuts today in conjunction with Depeche Mode’s forthcoming 12th studio album, Sounds of the Universe, to be released on April 21 in the US. Fans who sign up starting today get the alternative/dance pioneers’ new single, Wrong, as well as the Black Light Odyssey Dub Remix of the new track Oh Well. They will also receive the new album on its street date plus great music and video exclusives before and after the album’s release over the next fifteen weeks. The Depeche Mode iTunes Pass can be purchased starting today for $18.99.

“As we work to better understand music consumers and help create stronger connections between fans and artists, we are pleased to work with Apple and Depeche Mode to kick off iTunes Pass” said Ronn Werre, president, Music Services for EMI Music. “We think it’s a great new platform that will change the way artists engage with their audiences and also a powerful new way for us to build value for our artists’ music. And with iTunes Pass, Depeche Mode are once again demonstrating that they are true trailblazers and innovators when it comes to creating amazing music and connecting with their fans”

“iTunes Pass is a great way for artists to give exclusive music and video, on their own schedule, directly to their fans” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “iTunes customers are going to love getting additional content directly from their favorite artists right when they make it available”

“The relationship between Depeche Mode and their fans has always been our top priority” said the band’s manager, Jonathan Kessler. “We are thrilled to be the first to participate with Apple in giving fans the kind of deep musical experience they expect from Depeche Mode”

Today also marks the launch of the worldwide iTunes album pre-order for Sounds of the Universe.

As one of the most influential bands of the post-punk era with global sales in excess of 100 million, Depeche Mode belongs to a select premier league of supergroups who have survived from the early 1980s with their ideals, creative vision and core members intact. Formed in 1981, Depeche Mode -- Martin Gore, Dave Gahan and Andy ’Fletch’ Fletcher -- continue to win critical and commercial acclaim across the world both in the studio and on the road. All of the band’s 11 studio albums have reached the Top Ten in not only the UK and USA but 20 plus countries around the world including Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, and Belgium. Since their inception, Depeche Mode’s live shows continue to be a must-see attraction, with the group playing to 2.8 million people across 31 countries on their last tour alone.

[via webwire]

and here’s the initial tour dates:

Friday, July 24th Toronto
Saturday, July 25th Montreal
Tuesday, July 28th Washington, DC
Friday, July 31st Boston
Saturday, August 1st Atlantic City
Monday, August 3rd New York
Monday, August 10th Seattle
Wednesday, August 12th San Francisco
Friday, August 14th San Diego
Sunday, August 16th Los Angeles
Monday, August 17th Los Angeles
Thursday, August 20th Santa Barbara
Saturday, August 22nd Las Vegas
Sunday, August 23rd Phoenix
Tuesday, August 25th Salt Lake City
Thursday, August 27th Denver
Saturday, August 29th Dallas
Sunday, August 30th Houston
Tuesday, Sept 1st Atlanta
Friday, Sept 4th Tampa
Saturday, Sept 5th Ft. Lauderdale