LOS ANGELES – Axl Rose is accusing Dr Pepper of botching a soda giveaway tied to Guns N' Roses' new album.
And he's demanding the company take out a full-page apology in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.
His lawyer wants Dr Pepper to pay the band for what he calls "unauthorized use and abuse of their publicity and intellectual property rights."
Dr Pepper had promised a free soda to everyone in the country if Guns N' Roses released their "Chinese Democracy" album this year. It had been delayed since recording began in 1994.
The CD went on sale Sunday, but Dr Pepper's Web site malfunctioned during the 24 hours it offered the free drink. The company extended the promotion for another 18 hours, setting up a toll-free line to accept coupon requests.
A Dr Pepper spokesman didn't address the demands but says this was "one of the largest responses" the company has ever received for a giveaway.
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