Guns N' Roses "in negotiations" for release of Chinese Democracy

Guns N' Roses is "in negotiations" for the release of the long-delayed Chinese Democracy album, according to a statement posted at the band's official web site. The main portion of the statement deals with the recent news that G N' R guitarist Robin Finck has rejoined Nine Inch Nails for that group's upcoming tour. The post said in part, "Robin's plans caught everyone in Guns, as well as our fans, a bit off guard...Neither we nor management, etc., know any more in this regard and we prefer not to speculate or offer opinions at this time. Robin's Robin. We're in negotiations for the release of Chinese Democracy and things are going well."

As for whether Finck will be replaced in Guns, the post adds, "When we begin to put tour plans together, we'll see where things are. Until then, Robin's touring with NIN and we're working with management on our game plans."

Finck toured with Nine Inch Nails between 1994 and 1997, and again between 2000 and 2001. He appeared on Guns N' Roses' 2006 tour and does feature on Chinese Democracy.

Although a release date has yet to surface for the album, which has been 13 years in the making, recent unconfirmed reports have suggested that the disc is finally complete and singer Axl Rose is now battling his label, Geffen Records, over monetary and digital rights issues.