Guns 'n' Roses Secure Free Dr. Pepper For All?

27th September 2008 | by Aidan Williamson

Seventeen years in the making with a reputed cost of over $20 million, it seems that the Godot of albums "Chinese Democracy" may be finally making its way onto general release this year.

Even if the idea of listening to Guns 'n' Roses sounds about as appealing as an advert in an Austrian newspaper which reads: “spacious basement apartment for rent, very secure, recently renovated, one lady owner, must like children, contact Josef F. on 555-6986” then there is still cause for celebration.

In a press release back in March of this year, soft-drinks brand Dr. Pepper issued Guns 'n' Roses frontman Axl Rose the following challenge: "Tired of a world in which Americans idolise wannabe singers and musicals about high schoolers pass as rock 'n roll music, Dr Pepper is encouraging (ok, begging) Axl Rose to finally release his 17-years-in-the-making belabored masterpiece, Chinese Democracy, in 2008.

"In an unprecedented show of solidarity with Axl, everyone in America, except estranged GNR guitarists Slash and Buckethead, will receive a free can of Dr Pepper if the album ships some time - anytime! - in 2008.

"Dr Pepper supports Axl, and fully understands that sometimes you have to make it through the jungle before you get it right."

Sadly the offer (should the company follow through on their pledge) will only apply to residents of the U.S, but we know one thing. If there's anything that can take the edge off a recession, escalating amounts of foreclosures, rising unemployment and middle-class homelessness, it's a free can of Dr. Pepper.

The news comes amidst an announcement by U.S retail chain Best Buy that they have secured exclusive retail rights for "Chinese Democracy". It's expected to be released just in time for the holiday season.