A Universal Music spokesman has dismissed as "meritless" the lawsuit brought by GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose against the company seeking to prevent them from releasing a "greatest hits" album. "Fortunately, since the court has denied their application for a temporary restraining order, the album will be released as scheduled on March 23," Universal's Peter LoFrumento told Reuters.
Although Geffen (a unit of Universal Music Group under Vivendi Universal) officials had no further comment on the dispute, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters that the label has been waiting seven years for Rose to deliver "Chinese Democracy" and has poured $13 million into production of that album after repeated promises that he was about to finish the project.
"Every year there's been a new reason why Axl is not done with the record," the source told Reuters, adding that Geffen went ahead with the greatest-hits package only because Rose failed to come through with "Chinese Democracy". "Had he delivered this record like he promised seven years ago, this would not be happening right now."
A representative for Rose was not immediately available for comment, according to Reuters.
