GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose has issued the following comment:

"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"

The original press release from Dr. Pepper is as follows:

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

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 here.

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.