Tired of waiting for GNR’s Chinese Democracy? So’s Dr. Pepper – at least on paper:

…The soft drink company says it will give a free can of Dr Pepper to “everyone in America” (excluding ex-GNR members Slash and Buckethead) if “Chinese Democracy” arrives anytime during the calendar year 2008.

“It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper’s special mix of 23 ingredients, which our fans have come to know and love,” Dr Pepper director of marketing Jaxie Alt says. “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.”

While we suspect the company could give a crap about the album’s release date at the end of the day, we have to respect the fact that the (seriously goofy) marketing ploy comes replete with its own blog (+ separate blogs for terms of use and privacy policy), so we’re happy to contribute to the viral buzz this go-round.

UPDATE: Chris Kooluris of Ketchum (the media contact on the release) wrote in to assure me of his undying fondness for Guns N’ Roses.

UPDATE #2: Axl Rose himself has now been pulled into the gag, posting a response at the official GNR site and promising Buckethead he can have a Dr. Pepper. Best marketing stunt ever?

» Dr. Pepper Sweetens Pot for Chinese Democracy (Billboard)