· Seems Axl Rose likes the idea of Dr. Pepper giving away free soda if Guns N’ Roses releases its oft-delayed Chinese Democracy LP before year’s end. Rose said - in a statement, of course - that "we are surprised and very happy to have the support of Dr. Pepper with our album. As for us, this came totally out of the blue. If there is any involvement with this promotion by our record company or others, we are unaware of such at this time. And as some of Buckethead’s performances are on our album, I'll share my Dr Pepper with him." Clearly, this will do nothing to motivate him more.
· Dan The Automator (Gorillaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School) is teaming up with Jon Spencer Blues Explosion drummer Russell Simins for a new project called Men Without Pants. Their debut album, Naturally is due out on May 27.