Claim: Dr Pepper is giving away coupons for free soda in conjunction with the release of Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy album.
TRUE
Origins: Companies sometimes generate publicity by tying promotions to external events, such as the outcomes of sporting events (e.g., Taco Bell's "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" World Series
Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy has gained notoriety over the last several years as the album with perhaps the longest gestation period in the annals of modern popular music. Although recording of Chinese Democracy began in the
announced (and then canceled) since then, and while several tracks from the work had been made available for preview, performed live, or leaked on the Internet over the years, as of the beginning of 2008 there was still no firm release date planned for the album. By 2004, the band's label, Geffen Records, had reportedly poured over
It was against this backdrop that, in March 2008,
Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is a reality. The soft-drink maker said in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album dropped in 2008. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, goes on sale Sunday
"We never thought this day would come," Tony Jacobs,
For 24 hours beginning on Sunday, 23 November 2008 at
Those who can't get through on the web can request a coupon by calling
Last updated: 24 November 2008
Sources: |
Cohen, Sandy. "'Chinese Democracy' Album: A 17-Year Evolution." Associated Press. 21 November 2008. Associated Press. "Judge Denies Axl Rose Bid to Stop Release of CD." USA Today 16 March 2004. Associated Press. "Dr Pepper to Deliver on Its Free-Soda Promise." 21 November 2008. Billboard. "Dr Pepper Issues Challenge to Guns N' Roses." MSNBC.com. 27 March 2008.