Dr Pepper to make good on GNR offer

Enjoy Dr Pepper at 10, 2 and . . . 11/23?

Everyone in the United States can claim a free beverage from the soft drink company on that date, thanks to Guns N’ Roses.

Earlier this year, Dr Pepper officials teased that they would give everyone in the country a free can if GNR’s “Chinese Democracy” arrived before the year was out. It was part of a whimsical promotion connecting the long-gestating album with the soft drink.

“It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper’s special mix of 23 ingredients,” a company official said in March. “So we completely understand and empathize with Axl’s quest for perfection -- for something more than the average album.”

Now that the official word has come that the long-delayed recording is scheduled for release Nov. 23, exclusively at Best Buy stores, Dr Pepper is making good on the gag.

“We never thought this day would come,” said Tony Jacobs, the company’s vice president of marketing, in a statement posted at www .chinesedemocracywhen.blog spot.com. “But now that it’s here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper’s on us.”

Anyone wanting to take the company up on the offer will need to go to its website, www .drpepper.com, on the day the album comes out, register and then wait for their coupon for a free 20 ounce Dr Pepper to show up in the mail. The coupon will be offered only during the 24 hours from 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Nov. 23, and it will expire Feb. 28, 2009.

“Chinese Democracy,” we’re told, will be released without an expiration date.

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randy.lewis@latimes.com