Reality TV Show Could Track Chinese Democracy's Progress

04/09/08 4:30pm

The pressure is being turned up further on Axl Rose to deliver Guns N' Roses' long overdue Chinese Democracy album.

Last month, Dr. Pepper promised to give everyone in the U.S. a can of its distinctive pop if the record arrived in stores before the end of the year.

Now, there are apparently negotiations for Rose to star in a reality television series on an unnamed American cable channel that would follow his efforts to finish and release Chinese Democracy. It would include interviews and studio and rehearsal footage, of which there's supposed to be a lot to choose from, a network source told allyourtv.com.

A version of the album is apparently finished and has been played for a select group of music industry insiders and the band's label, Geffen Records. But there are said to be issues between Rose and Geffen that have to be ironed out before anything can happen. The cost of recording the album has risen to as high as $15 million U.S., making it the most expensive LP ever, and Geffen isn't crazy about footing the entire bill. Digital rights to the songs must be negotiated, and Geffen reportedly interested in additional bonus tracks to release digitally.

Neither Rose nor his management company have commented on the potential TV show, but it seems that Chinese Democracy's release may finally be drawing nearer. Perhaps the next obstacle will be dealing with pro-Tibetan protestors who may object to the album title and try to extinguish it like the Olympic flame.