Chinese Democracy 'ready for release' - report

The long-awaited new album from Guns N' Roses - an industry in-joke called Chinese Democracy - is finished and ready for release.

According to reports, Chinese Democracy - which has been 14 years in the making and cost a rumoured $13 million - has been handed over to Geffen Records.

NME.com reported the label was haggling with the band's front man, Axl Rose, over money and rights.

Therockradio.com also reported Rose was in talks to create a reality television show documenting the album's release and the band's comeback.

A source said, "There is a lot of footage to choose from. Some of it is incredibly personal and revealing about Axl's life."

Guns N' Roses launched a worldwide tour last year, playing two critically-acclaimed dates at Auckland's Vector Arena.

They played several new songs, including Better and IRS, versions of which have been floating around on the internet for some time.