Just found this over on the Tommy Stinson forum
There's nothing I can really say about this other than I think Dr Pepper's safe
Original press release from Dr Pepper:
Dr Pepper Will Give Everyone* in America a Free Soda If Axl Rose Releases New Guns N' Roses Album, Chinese Democracy, In 2008
*Guitarists Slash and Buckethead Will Not Be Eligible For Free Soda
PRNewswire
PLANO, Texas
(NYSE:CSG)
PLANO, Texas, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Tired of a world in which Americans idolize 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-year-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.
"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."
Show your support for Axl and get on the nightrain of encouragement at http://www. chinesedemocracywhen. blogspot. com/ -
About Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB), a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE: CSG). CSAB is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, Accelerade, Mott's Apple Juice and Sauce, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars and other well-known consumer brands.
For additional information on CSAB and its products, visit http://www. brandspeoplelove. com/.
SOURCE: Dr Pepper
CONTACT: Chris Kooluris of Ketchum for Dr.
Pepper,
+1-646-935-4098,
Chris.Kooluris@ketchum.com
Web site: http://www. brandspeoplelove. com/
http://www. chinesedemocracywhen. blogspot. com/
~*~
Response from Axl:
Press Release from Axl Regarding Dr Pepper
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
~*~
Confirmation interview with GNRdaily.com:
Monday • March 31, 2008 6:48:18 PM
With all the talk right now regarding the Dr. Pepper challenge, we at GnrDaily decided to reach out to the corporate folks at the company and see exactly what they have in mind. Greg Artkop the Director of Corporate Communications for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, the parent company of Dr. Pepper, was kind enough to take a few minutes with me to answer some questions.
Big Pat: There is a tremendous buzz right now with regards to the Dr. Pepper
challenge. What brought this on?
Greg Artkop: Dr Pepper believes the world needs more GNR. We wanted to do our part
to get Chinese Democracy out of the studio and into our iPods.
Big Pat: On the GN’R official web site, Axl responded to the challenge, quite
quickly in fact! To fans that was a surprise. Did you read his response?
If so could you comment on it?
Greg Artkop: We were extremely pleased that Axl responded so quickly -- and favorably
-- to our offer. I guess we'll have to expand to include a Dr Pepper
for Buckethead. That was an interesting and unexpected bonus!
Big Pat: How far is Dr. Pepper willing to go with this challenge? Is there a
possibility of commercials? Or concert sponsorships? Or would you go as
far as an album tie in?
Greg Artkop: If Dr Pepper is approached to support the release we'll definitely
consider it.
Big Pat: Has your company gone as far as developing a plan to carry out the
distribution of their product should the album actually be released this
year? If so and you can share what is it?
Greg Artkop: If the album is released in 2008, everyone will have the opportunity to
download a coupon for a free Dr Pepper from our website.
Big Pat: Has anyone from your company had contact with Guns N? Roses
management or with Axl himself regarding the challenge?
Greg Artkop: We heard from GNR management regarding the challenge. They were
surprised about the offer but supportive of our efforts as you can tell
from Axl's response.
Big Pat: I’m sure our readers want to know, are you a Guns N? Roses fan? If
so do you have a favorite song?
Greg Artkop: Big GNR fan. Not enough room to list all my faves but my favorite GNR
song is still "Welcome to the Jungle." And thanks to Guitar Hero III,
I've learned that you haven't lived until you've played it on a plastic
guitar. Adrenaline kicks in every time I hear it!
Big Pat: Have you visited our web site GnrDaily.com? If so, what do you think of it?
Greg: Yes, it rocks!
Big Pat: Thanks for your time Greg, I really appreciate it.
Greg Artkop: My pleasure.
