Why Can’t I Get My Free Dr. Pepper For Chinese Democracy?

Trying to get a free Dr. Pepper coupon today and finding yourself unable to get through? You aren’t alone.

Dr. Pepper appears to be overwhelmed by the response to its offer of free Dr. Pepper in honor of Guns N’ Roses long-awaited release of “Chinese Democracy.” The Dr. Pepper Web site, www.drpepper.com, is returning a number of errors today as its server seems to be being bombarded with more traffic than it can handle. Those who do get through past the errors are often finding themselves stuck on the Flash-heavy site’s “Loading” screen with no progress.

In case you hadn’t heard, Dr. Pepper said it’d give anyone visiting the site Sunday a 20-ounce soda following its statement earlier this year that it’d hand out free Dr. Pepper if Guns N’ Roses’ “Chinese Democracy” actually did come out in 2008. (The album — which is officially available for the first time today — had been in the works for 14 years and had seen more than a few delays.)

Take a note from Axl, though, and have some patience: The free Dr. Pepper coupon giveaway will remain active until 12:01 a.m. tonight. We’re assuming that’s Eastern time, although the company has never explicitly stated.

Dr. Pepper has also now set up a toll-free number for those unable to connect online. You can call 1-800-696-5891 to get your coupon.

Welcome to the jungle, baby. The free soda jungle, that is.