Axl Rose comments on Dr Pepper campaign

Singer Axl Rose has posted a statement at the official Guns N' Roses web site regarding the announcement earlier this week that the Dr. Pepper soft drink company will give everyone in America a free can of soda if the long-delayed Guns album Chinese Democracy surfaces in 2008. Rose wrote, "We are surprised and very happy to have the support of Dr. Pepper with our album, Chinese Democracy, as for us this came totally out of the blue. If there is any involvement with this promotion by our record company or others, we are unaware of such at this time. And as some of (departed guitarist) Buckethead's performances are on our album, I'll share my Dr. Pepper with him."

Rose did not give any indication of when the album might arrive.

Both Buckethead and original Guns guitarist Slash were both excluded from Dr. Pepper's original offer.

Regarding the campaign, Dr. Pepper director of marketing Jaxie Alt said in a statement, "It took a little patience to perfect Dr. Pepper's special mix of 23 ingredients, which our fans have come to know and love. So we completely understand and empathize with (Guns singer) Axl (Rose)'s quest for perfection -- for something more than the average album."

Chinese Democracy has reportedly been in the works since 1995, with Rose the only original member still in the band. Although Rose tentatively promised that the record would be out last March, it still remains unreleased.