Coming Soon: Chinese Democracy (Really!)

Axl Rose knows when it comes to releasing a record these days, it’s all about timing. So what better way to grease the hype machine than to postpone, leak, further postpone, shelve then announce the (still tentative?) release of the new Guns N’ Roses Axl N’ Company album, Chinese Democracy?

Classic Rock reports that Chinese Democracy is finished and awaiting a proper release date. Since it’s been overhyped to death (and resurrected…and back again) whichever label handles the album is sure to release it at the most bankable time (early guesses include summer 2008, holiday season 2012 or posthumously, following Axl’s death in 2019).

The question remains: are longtime GNR fans still psyched about Chinese Democracy, or are they living in denial? More importantly, are Axl and the revolving-door of band members still enthusiastic towards the decade-plus project? I doubt either party will be truly fulfilled with the results, outside of jaded rawk revivalists with ‘87 on their mind (which is probably the majority of both groups).

Everybody should penalize the egomaniacs involved a dollar for every year waiting with baited breath for a new Guns N’ Roses album. A set-your-own-price download a la Radiohead, perhaps?