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Axl Outraged by Dr Pepper Promo Fizzle

Fury over 'exploitation' of fans in promo that offers free drinks linked to album release

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 27, 2008 2:33 AM CST
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(Newser) – Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose is furious about a nationwide soft-drink giveaway linked to the band's latest album that went bad, reports E! Online. In a promo not authorized by the band, Dr Pepper offered free 20-ounce bottles if Guns N' Roses' new album was released in 2008. But so many people demanded coupons online that the company's website crashed. Rose's attorney condemned the "raw exploitation" that was an "unmitigated disaster which defrauded customers."

Bottles of Dr Pepper on a store shelf. Axl Rose is threatening to sue over a promotion that went wrong.
Bottles of Dr Pepper on a store shelf. Axl Rose is threatening to sue over a promotion that went wrong.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan, file)
Guns N' Roses front man Axl Rose is complaining about an unauthorized Dr Pepper promotion linked to the band's new album.
Guns N' Roses front man Axl Rose is complaining about an unauthorized Dr Pepper promotion linked to the band's new album.   (AP Photo/ Beth Keiser)
Axl Rose performs with Guns N' Roses at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The band is threatening to sue Dr Pepper over a promotion that went wrong.
Axl Rose performs with Guns N' Roses at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The band is threatening to sue Dr Pepper over a promotion that went wrong.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Shannonals
Dec 3, 2008 2:05 AM CST
Dr. Pepper should have known a problem would arise with the servers.
Mr.C
Nov 30, 2008 2:11 AM CST
Dr. Pepper actually did a good job handling it. They didn't foresee the servers not handling the traffic, but they did extend the offer and set up a hotline to take care of people.
Guest
Nov 28, 2008 12:58 AM CST
Axl's new record is an "unmitigated disaster which defrauded customers." G'n'R sucks.

'Our clients are outraged at your treatment of their fans'
Associated Press

Dr Pepper and rocker in a war of hype
New York Times

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