I'm A Pepper, You're A Pepper, Wouldn't Axl Rose Want To Be A Pepper, Too?

Having his ass kicked by aging fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger wasn't enough to motivate Axl Rose to release Guns N' Roses 17-years-in-the-making-and-counting Chinese Democracy album, but maybe a push from a soft drink company will do the trick — though that's doubtful, too.

Dr. Pepper has promised to supply everyone in the U.S. (except estranged GNR guitarists Slash and Buckethead) with a can of its uniquely flavoured beverage if Chinese Democracy ships to stores anytime in 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 marketing director Jaxie Alt said in a statement released on Tuesday. “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."

Rock fans with time on their hands can go here to vote on whether they think this marketing ploy will fizzle or spur Rose into action, and on when they believe Chinese Democracy will actually be released.