Well not exactly free, like I said they can buy for half price or whatever it was, but amps/cabs will be provided for their shows so it's not really a matter of buying anything at all. I had them buy 5150s before since it's what I used on the previous album, but this time it was all Mesa and I want to get a similar sound when I work with them live of course.
The amps will be shipped to the shows and subsequently RETURNED. Interesting plan though, hehe.
About the "hidden amp" kind of setup, I actually remember some story I heard about UDO doing that kind of thing, although it was that they were endorsed by Marshall but had Engl amps behind the rigs. I have no idea if it's true but if it is it's pretty funny.