Yesterday, Dr. Pepper put out a press release announcing that if Axl Rose finally releases his 17 years-in-the-making Guns N’ Roses album, Chinese Democracy, during 2008, they will give everyone in America a free can of Dr. Pepper (except Slash & Buckethead).

(Photo of Axl from Elle Blog)

From the press release:

“It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper’s special mix of 23 ingredients, which our fans have come to know and love,” said Jaxie Alt, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. “So we completely understand and empathize with Axl’s quest for perfection — for something more than the average album. We know once it’s released, people will refer to it as “Dr Pepper for the ears” because it will be such a refreshing blend of rich, bold sounds — an instant classic.”

Dr. Pepper has even set up a blog called Chinese Democracy When?, that they are encouraging customers to visit and voice their support for Axl to finish the album.

As someone who A) Loves Dr. Pepper, and B) Loves Guns N’ Roses, I have just one thing to say: Get on top of that shit Axl!

Update: Axl Rose has responded on his web site:

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 Buckethead’s performances are on our album, I’ll share my Dr Pepper with him.

Axl Rose