DoubleTalkingJive wrote:

I guess there is still work to be done but that stuff can be done quickly, at the least the recording done...we hope

'In regard to a release date for the album itself, certain minor - and I do mean minor -- additions, as well as contract negotiations, need to be completed. Barring any unforeseen complications, these things have now been adequately scheduled.'

(Axl Rose, 2006)

But as always, Axl does his double talkin' jive: My favourite parts regarding the - absolutely misleading - 'tentative release date':

'We do hope you can hold on just a bit longer, and if not, please take a break and we'll be more than glad -- if you so choose -- to see you again later.'

They were talking bout a release date in less than 3 weeks! Why would anyone take a break for such a short time? It's clear that Axl knew that they had no chance to meet that date. I bet he knew that finishing the album would take more and he was looking forward a long mixing process as well. And he had to know about the contract negotiation problems... so I don't get why he lied to his fans