Guns and Roses gives up free Dr Pepper, sorta

Soda manufacturer Dr Pepper promised a free soft drink to everyone in America if Guns N’ Roses releases its long-awaited Chinese Democracy album before the end of 2008.

Now that Axl and company have set a release date of November 23, Dr Pepper says it will make good on the offer. Those who want to claim a free soda can go to the Dr. Pepper website on November 23, enter some personal information and get a coupon for one 20-ounce drink that should arrive within the following 4 to 6 weeks. (The offer strangely said no free soda for former GNR members Slash and Buckethead.) The freebies expire in February 2009.

The band didn’t know about the promotion until it was announced in March 2008. When he heard about the proposed giveaway, Axl Rose explained: “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.”