Guns N' Roses "negotiating" to release album

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Guns N' Roses is "in negotiations" for the release of its decade-in-the-making album "Chinese Democracy," according to a post on the band's Web site (http://web.gunsnroses.com/).

The message did not elaborate on the discussions, or offer a release date for "Chinese Democracy," which was last on Interscope's release schedule in March 2007.

If the album sees the light of day, it will be the first release of new material since 1991's two "Use Your Illusion" albums. Singer Axl Rose has since parted ways with the lineup from that era.

In other GNR news, guitarist Robin Finck has left Guns N' Roses to return to Nine Inch Nails, and will tour with the latter act this summer.

"Robin's plans caught everyone in Guns, as well as our fans, a bit off-guard," the band said. "Neither we nor management, etc., know any more in this regard and we prefer not to speculate or offer opinions at this time."

"When we begin to put tour plans together, we'll see where things are," the post added. "Until then, Robin's touring with NIN and we're working with management on our game plans."

Reuters/Billboard