No, Seriously: "Chinese Democracy" Coming Out Next Month

Anyone who ever bet that there would be a true democracy in China before Axl Rose got around to releasing his constantly delayed Guns N' Roses comeback album Chinese Democracy -- well, get ready to pay up. Maybe. Rolling Stone has reported that the album has an official release date: November 21st.

The group and its record label (Geffen) were likely encouraged by the band's successful tour. Aside from a few early hiccups, GNR has been well-received in Europe, and are already adding dates to their American itinerary. The band and its handlers have not officially confirmed the release date, and the Guns N' Roses website, at last check, was bereft of any information. Rolling Stone was apparently encouraged by a strange note from the band saying, "there are 13 Tuesdays left between now and the end of the year."

Chinese Democracy was initially set for release in 1998. It has reportedly cost an astounding $13 million to make.

Regardless of the release date, Axl and his new bandmates will be busy through the New Year, with an arena-rocking schedule that takes them from Jacksonville to Ottawa to San Diego. Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach will fill the opening slot on all the dates, and a "special guest" will serve as the bridge between Bach and GNR. The latter role will be filled by that most special of bands, Papa Roach, for the first weeks in the U.S.

"It's been a long time getting here," Axl said in a statement, "but we look forward to coming to your town and having a lot of fun."