Blogger arrested over leak of Guns N’ Roses songs

Axl Rose, lead singer of Guns N’ Roses. — AP pic

LOS ANGELES, Aug 28 — A blogger suspected of streaming songs from the unreleased Guns N' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" on his website was arrested yesterday and appeared in court, where his bail was set at US$10,000 (RM33,000).

FBI agents arrested 27-year-old Kevin Cogill yesterday morning on suspicion of violating federal copyright laws. Cogill appeared in court in the afternoon wearing a T-shirt; his girlfriend sat court and afterward said, "Rally the troops," but declined further comment.

Federal authorities say Cogill posted nine unreleased Guns N' Roses songs on his website in June. The songs were later removed.

In later posts, Cogill wrote that the FBI had questioned him and asked his readers if any of them knew a good attorney. He was represented yesterday by a federal public defender.

According to an arrest affidavit, Cogill admitted to agents that he posted the songs on his website. Prosecutors said the leak could result in a "significant" financial loss for the band.

Cogill will not face any special Internet restrictions, but was ordered to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Sept 17.

"Guns N' Roses representatives have been made aware of the arrest and are leaving the matter to the authorities," said Larry Solters, the band's spokesman.

"Chinese Democracy" is a much anticipated — and repeatedly delayed — new album by Guns N' Roses that is more than 10 years in the making. At least one of the album's songs could be heard legally: The band wrote on its website in July that its track, "Shackler's Revenge" will be featured on the video game Rock Band 2, slated for release in September. — AP