‘Chinese Democracy:’ A history

1998

“Chinese Democracy” history:

With a new line-up, Guns N’ Roses hunkers down to record “Chinese Democracy” at a studio in the San Fernando Valley. The revamped band consists of Finck, former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson (pictured) and drummer Josh Freese. Keyboardist Dizzy Reed, who has now been with the band for a few years, remains.

The world outside of “Chinese Democracy:”

The WB is starting to pick up, thanks to the premiere of “Dawson’s Creek,” and a teen-star-in-waiting, Miley Cyrus, turns 6. “Sex and the City” premieres.  (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)

1999

“Chinese Democracy” history:

The album must be coming soon! Music starts to surface from recording sessions, and a demo of “Catching in the Rye” is leaked. What’s more, the band officially puts out its first music with the new line-up. The industrial-tinged song “Oh My God” is included as part of the soundtrack to “End of Days,” but is poorly received by fans and critics.

The world outside of “Chinese Democracy:”

“The Soprano’s” debuts on HBO, and at a Guns N’ Roses-less Grammys, Lauryn Hill wins the best new album title for her “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”   (Todd Rosenberg / For the Times)

2006

“Chinese Democracy” history:

Things pick up in the Guns N’ Roses world. The band performs in New York in the spring, followed by European and North American tour dates. But the North American tour starts to sputter out, and the final few dates are cancelled, with Rose saying the band needs time to finish “Chinese Democracy.”

The world outside of “Chinese Democracy:”

Superstardom starts to descend upon Miley Cyrus, who now stars in the Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana. The WB ceases to exist as a television network, and “Braveheart” start Mel Gibson is arrested for drunk driving, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigns.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

2007

“Chinese Democracy” history:

The album now has a release date! It is tentatively set for March 6, 2007. Another round of tracks leaks to the Internet, but March 6 comes and goes without a release of “Chinese Democracy.”

The world outside of “Chinese Democracy:”

The Dixie Chicks win a Grammy Award for album of the year, the WGA goes on strike and the Guns N’ Roses-influenced Hinder become rock ‘n’ roll stars. “The Sopranos” ends its run. Actress Abigail Breslin is nominated for a best supporting actress award for her appearance in “Little Miss Sunshine.”  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

2008

“Chinese Democracy” history:

“Chinese Democracy” officially becomes a cultural punchline, with Dr. Pepper announcing that it will give everyone in America free soda if the album comes out by the end of the year. To everyone’s surprise, it appears that it will, with Billboard breaking the news that “Chinese Democracy” will be released exclusively to Best Buy the week of Thanksgiving. Yet as of mid-October, there has been no official comment from the band.

The world outside of “Chinese Democracy:”

New “ Star Trek”! A “Star Trek” movie from J.J. Abrams nears completion, and the presidency of George W. Bush nears its end. Meanwhile, a “ Sex and the City” movie is a big hit, and Shawn Johnson wins a gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)