January: March 13 announced as release date for long-delayed “Chinese Democracy.” “It’s a lock,” says Interscope spokesperson.

February: Interscope announces innovative “pay what you want as long as it’s at least $19.98 plus a $6.75 convenience fee” promotion for the album.

March: Axl Rose demands Dee Dee Ramone re-record Tommy Stinson’s bass tracks. When told that Ramone, as well as his other choices (John Entwistle, Berry Oakley, Jimmy Blanton), are dead, Rose wipes all bass tracks and postpones album release “indefinitely.”

April: Wearing a number of disguises, including blackface, a goatee and prosthetic track marks, Stinson re-records bass parts. Release set for “late spring.”

May: Interscope parent company Universal acquired by Warner Music. Warner Music acquired by EMI. EMI acquired by Sony BMG. Sony BMG acquired by Halliburton.

June: Rose severs ties with Interscope/Halliburton and links with Steve Jobs. “Chinese Democracy” to be first released on Apple’s eLabel, which will pair album with its own new technology.

July: Rollout of controversial digital music player/cell phone/firearm “iGun” announced.

August: Rose leaves Apple, citing its inability/unwillingness to manufacture complementary “iRose.” “It’s Guns N’ Roses,” Rose tells MTV.

September: iGun rollout goes ahead. Sales “disappointing.” Lack of both firepower and new Guns N’ Roses album considered major factors. Also, reloading requires visit to Apple store and $60 fee.

October: “iGuns for Handguns” campaign goes tragically awry.

November: Rose announces near completion of both binaural and quadraphonic mixes of “Chinese Democracy.”

December: Rose tells fans to quit waiting: “Just download it off the Internet like everyone else has been doing for the last five years,” he says.