Plans to give every American a free can of Dr Pepper soda if Guns ‘N Roses release their long-delayed album Chinese Democracy this year have thrilled frontman Axl Rose.

The reclusive singer has been working on the project, which has so far cost an estimated $13 million, for over a decade.

Rose admits he was stunned when Dr Pepper bosses made their announcement earlier this week.

He writes on the band’s website: "We are surprised and very happy to have the support of Dr Pepper with our album Chinese Democracy, as, for us, this came totally out of the blue."