Guns N' Roses' lawyer to Dr Pepper: 'Our clients are outraged at your treatment' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Hollow · 11-27-2008, 01:06 AM

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/musi...-roses-la.html

Quote:

Guns N' Roses lawyer Alan S. Gutman has lashed out at the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, claiming in a letter to the company that the soda makers failed to make good on a promise and "violated" Guns N' Roses' rights in "numerous respects."

In the letter, obtained by The Times, Gutman writes that W. Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses are "outraged at the treatment of their fans and the American public in general." Earlier this year, Dr Pepper officials teased that they would give everyone in the country a free soda if the band's album “Chinese Democracy” arrived before the year was out. Gutman writes that the promotion was "clumsily implemented " and an "unmitigated disaster."

After the release of "Chinese Democracy" was officially announced this fall, Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, posted at www.chinesedemocracywhen.blogspot.com: “We never thought this day would come. But now that it’s here, all we can say is: The Dr. Pepper’s on us.”

As Pop & Hiss noted Sunday, Dr Pepper's website was flooded with customers, who had 24 hours to fill out a voucher for a free soda on Nov. 23, the day "Chinese Democracy" was released exclusively to Best Buy. Fans who submitted their information to the site would receive a coupon for a free 20-ounce bottle of Dr Pepper. When Dr Pepper's site failed to respond to the traffic, the company extended the offer through Monday.

Writes Gutman, "What happened on November 23 was a complete fiasco. In what could only be characterized as reckless indifference or complete stupidity, Dr Pepper was completely unprepared for the traffic to its site. Most visitors were greeted with error messages. Some people who got through to Dr Pepper's servers were told to call a toll free number, few of whom got through. Many walked away angry as Dr Pepper ... soured the momentous music event that was 'Chinese Democracy's' release."

Gutman is requesting that Dr Pepper "contact us to discuss an appropriate payment to our clients" for the unofficial brand association. Gutman is also requesting the company run a full-page ad in a number of major American newspapers, including the L.A. Times, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, apologizing for the way the campaign was run. Finally, Gutman is asking Dr Pepper to expand the redemption window for the free soda offer to "make good on its promise."

A Dr Pepper spokesperson responded with a statement. "For us, this was a fun giveaway that has always been about the fans, and we’ve taken great steps to fulfill it." The company said it extended the giveaway window from 24 to 48 hours, added a toll-free line and set up "an interactive voice recorder to accept coupon requests."

"This was one of the largest responses we have ever received for a giveaway, and we’re happy we were able to satisfy the thirst of so many Dr Pepper fans," read the statement.

When the Dr Pepper promotion was announced in March -- when "Chinese Democracy" had no release date -- Dr Pepper noted that everyone in America, excluding former GNR guitarists Slash and Buckethead -- would be granted a free soda. Soon after, a statement attributed to Rose was posted on the official Guns N' Roses website, and back then, the band seemed game for the marketing ploy.

yeah, poor planning. i was never able to get through the site either.

Nighthawk76 · 11-27-2008, 02:27 AM

What does everyone think of Chinese Democracy now that it has finally been released? Over all, I think it that its a good album. Even though without Slash, Duff and Izzy it doesn't sound anything like GN'R. I still think Axl should have billed it as a solo album. There is no more Guns N' Roses no matter how much he might want to believe there is. Still, it's a pretty good CD.

Janice · 11-27-2008, 02:48 AM

I don't listen to their music, but I think this Dr. Pepper story is silly, confusing and hilarious all rolled into one.

Lee · 11-27-2008, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I don't listen to their music, but I think this Dr. Pepper story is silly, confusing and hilarious all rolled into one. :lol:

So you don't think Dr. Pepper did anything wrong?

Nighthawk76 · 11-27-2008, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I don't listen to their music, but I think this Dr. Pepper story is silly, confusing and hilarious all rolled into one.

Their not really a band anymore and haven't been since the mid-90's. Its just Axl Rose backed up by studio musicians. Chinese Democracy is more or less a solo album.

Janice · 11-27-2008, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

So you don't think Dr. Pepper did anything wrong?

I don't know, Lee. To be honest, I don't care enough about the story to devote any serious thinking to it. I just think this thread title is funny, what little I know of the story is funny. I don't know who is at fault. I guess whoever broke a promise is to blame.

Hollow · 11-27-2008, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I don't listen to their music, but I think this Dr. Pepper story is silly, confusing and hilarious all rolled into one.

it's probably just axl rose getting mad over not getting his dr. pepper. the promotion was poorly done, but i don't think they needed to bring a lawyer into it.

Zoneboy · 11-27-2008, 03:15 AM

Schwepp's could just as easily had the coupons inserted into the Sunday paper along with the others. This might not have met the overwhelming demand but it certainly couldn't hurt. It looks like the promotion backfired on them but hopefully they'll be able to honor it.

Brad Russ · 11-27-2008, 11:46 PM

I don't know who's at fault, and honestly, I don't really care. Sounds to me like Dr. Pepper did a pretty good job at fulfilling their promise, but who knows. Either way, it doesn't change my feelings about Guns & Roses or Dr. Pepper. Infact, I'm drinking a Dr. P right now. lol!

Janice · 11-28-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Mel

I don't know who's at fault, and honestly, I don't really care. Sounds to me like Dr. Pepper did a pretty good job at fulfilling their promise, but who knows. Either way, it doesn't change my feelings about Guns & Roses or Dr. Pepper. Infact, I'm drinking a Dr. P right now. lol!

Now if you were listening to Guns & Roses while drinking a Dr. Pepper, that would be twice as funny.

Brad Russ · 11-28-2008, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Now if you were listening to Guns & Roses while drinking a Dr. Pepper, that would be twice as funny.

It's funny that you mention that, because reading this thread actually gave me a slight urge to listen to them. lol! I have some of their songs on my playlist, so I think I'll listen to a few, just to amuse myself.

catlover79 · 11-28-2008, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Now if you were listening to Guns & Roses while drinking a Dr. Pepper, that would be twice as funny.

11-27-2008, 03:15 AM	#8
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	Schwepp's could just as easily had the coupons inserted into the Sunday paper along with the others. This might not have met the overwhelming demand but it certainly couldn't hurt. It looks like the promotion backfired on them but hopefully they'll be able to honor it.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

11-27-2008, 11:46 PM	#9
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	I don't know who's at fault, and honestly, I don't really care. Sounds to me like Dr. Pepper did a pretty good job at fulfilling their promise, but who knows. Either way, it doesn't change my feelings about Guns & Roses or Dr. Pepper. Infact, I'm drinking a Dr. P right now. lol!
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song.

11-27-2008, 02:27 AM	#2
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	What does everyone think of Chinese Democracy now that it has finally been released? Over all, I think it that its a good album. Even though without Slash, Duff and Izzy it doesn't sound anything like GN'R. I still think Axl should have billed it as a solo album. There is no more Guns N' Roses no matter how much he might want to believe there is. Still, it's a pretty good CD.

11-27-2008, 02:48 AM	#3
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	I don't listen to their music, but I think this Dr. Pepper story is silly, confusing and hilarious all rolled into one.