Skwerl got himself hauled in by the FBI today over this whole GNR / Chinese Democracy leak fiasco, which seems to mean that people take this whole copyright thing pretty seriously. We weren’t going to make a big spectacle of this, since it’s obviously a pretty serious situation, but the plankton hacks over at the Los Angeles Times managed to pick up on the story and run it a highly suspicious impressive two hours after the incident went down. So here we are.
In all likelihood, he’ll be back fighting the good fight from his couch by this evening. But anyone who feels like getting as equally theatrical as the feds (who were anything but quiet and graceful during their ass-crack-of-dawn descent on Skwerl’s sleepy house this morning) can come show their support with Britney and I today at the LA District Court on 255 East Temple. 2 PM. Bring your MP3 players.
In the meantime, well-wishes in the comments, lawyer-fund donations in the PO Box, and on we rock.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:27 PM
You have some pretty crazy laws - a federal offence? surely its just a civil matter?
August 27th, 2008 at 12:30 PM
use this as defense, pass it onto him:
The Metal Sludge Article from back in the day:
Take a Leak
STEAL THIS TRACK: GUNS N’ ROSES CHINESE DEMOCRACY LEAK, DAY 1 - “CHINESE DEMOCRACY”Saturday, May 5th, 2007 at 11:28am by Axl Rosenberg
Oh boy oh boy, do I live for days like today. Three brand spankin’ new studio-quality tracks from the perpetually in-the-works Axl Rose/ Guns N’ Roses comeback album Chinese Democracy have leaked, and your good friends Axl and Vince will be sharing them with you over the course of the next three days.
First up: the title track. It would logically seem that this is the song intended to open the album: the extended, moody build-up with the people whispering in Chinese, those first sweet, fuzz covered licks that Robin Finck teases us with, Axl’s sudden scream, and then an EXPLOSION of rock. Like the “Madagascar” track that leaked earlier this year, it would seem that Axl’s vocals still need some work, but otherwise, man, does this song (which the band has already been playing live since 2001) kick some major ass. It’s like some super-sick hybrid of GN’R and White Zombie: industrialized hard rock with just the right amount of tasty grooves to remind us why we always loved Axl in the first place. Finck and Buckethead trade off during the solo, with Finck supplying the sustain-heavy first half and BH going all Tom Morello on our asses for the big finish. The completed version should be KILLER.
[Ed: File has been removed as per legal request. Sorry.]
source/link:
http://www.metalsucks.net/?p=812
metal sludge did the exact same thing..they didnt get arrested.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Rock on Skwerl.
Good luck with all this BS, if I was in LA I’d show my support.
Albums get leaked for almost every major release weeks before they come out. Axl should get his head out of his ass (as much as I love the guy and think he’s the last true rock and roll star) and just put the album out. I think the mere fact that people attacked this site like vultures when the leaks came out just proves that people are craving it, and that it is going to sell; regardless of the quality of the tracks.
I have personally been checking the GNR forums daily for 5 years now hoping for leaks, and every few months we get another little sneak peak of what this project is going to be. So far half good, half shit. The fans have waited long enough for this.
Again good luck Skwerl, hopefully this doesn’t cost too much. They are clearly using you to make an example of.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:45 PM
not to mention the best (and most cost-efficient) promotion an unreleased album could ever get.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:52 PM
FrEe SkWeRl !! !!1@
August 27th, 2008 at 12:55 PM
so, how’s chinese democracy workin’ out for you now?
August 27th, 2008 at 1:13 PM
good luck skwerl
August 27th, 2008 at 1:13 PM
i’ll be there.
August 27th, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Wow, FBI over a leaked release? Over there in the USA, does it feel like the Islamic Republic of Iran yet? Or is the Chinese FBI behind all the disgrace.
August 27th, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Surely he understood he was risking prosecution when he posted them? I’m not saying the matter could not be dealt with civilly, but surely this isn’t exactly a surprise?
August 27th, 2008 at 1:47 PM
That’s Chinese democracy for ya ! Down with tyranny !
August 27th, 2008 at 1:48 PM
He violated federal copyright laws, went to the press and media and bragged about doing so, and now people act surprised that he got arrested?
Guns isn’t responsible for this arrest. It’s Universal & the FBI making an example out of someone (who, quite frankly deserves it).
The album will be released in either November 2008 or March 2009, depending on how negotiations go. That’s all I can say on that matter.
August 27th, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Sometimes that 15 minutes has a price attached.
August 27th, 2008 at 2:13 PM
FREE KEVIN SKWERL! FREE CHINESE DEMOCRACY! FREE BEER!
August 27th, 2008 at 2:16 PM
UHAUHAHU WHAT IS THE COUNTRY?
USA!
EXPLAINED!
no blood for oil!
August 27th, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Oh, man….. lol.
You can steal MY tracks, Skwerl.
August 27th, 2008 at 2:54 PM
awwwww shit… Nig would have had a FIELD DAY with this…
dangermouse
August 27th, 2008 at 3:04 PM
where’s my dr. pepper?
August 27th, 2008 at 3:16 PM
GO PLAY “IRS” OVER THE SPEAKERS OUTSIDE THE COURTOM
“GONNA CALL THE FBIIIIIIIIIIIII”
August 27th, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Losers who steal music should be arrested. You’ve killed the music industry.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Do that many people care about a Guns and Roses album? Seems like this could have been settled over some Bud Light and a pack of Marlboro Reds.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Dear einsteinsmear
do you, like, believe your own hype? your a tool, and a pig. go fuck yourself. You PERSONALLY killed the music industry by being such a dumb-ass.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Until recently I was still hoping that I could buy this album one day. But now? Not a chance.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Thank you, skwerl. You were the only one that has ever delivered on Chinese Democracy!!! You are the MAN!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Well, after all, that *is* the most important thing G-men have to do. Yeesh
August 27th, 2008 at 6:53 PM
I can’t believe they are making an example out of him! Hang in there and everyone show your support. The MAN has something to do with this. He should appreciate all the free publicity -
Hah! That’s an idea, when this f…ing album is finally released, there should be a huge protest so that nobody buys it!!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 7:10 PM
This website probably personally told the LA times. Karma. It can be a bitch, kids.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Don….you have no idea what you’re talking about. And people like you who have to resort to name calling to justify our own thievery just prove my point.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Fuck off Einsteinsear . Zieg heile Nazi whore. Someone tell me where I can hear the 9 tracks…one of you has it!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:24 PM
HEY…EINSTEIN! I just wanted to say that.
Oh yeah, and how about we take up a Judge’s time with worthy cases such as rapists, murderers, fuck faces, assholes, and stupid people. Instead of some guy who wanted to share some music with his buddies. If I was a judge I would be like “What? He listened to some songs with his friends and you broke into his HOUSE?! FBI, go to jail. I’m going home to listen to Chinese Democracy, because America has none.”
August 27th, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Ryan - where do you live? I’ll meet you at your place with some whiskey and herb!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Yo Einsteinrear
Once again you have proven exactly why idiots like you should not be allowed to procreate. Take your Michael Bolton records and go home, and take up right wing fasict politics, like the rest of your knuckle dragging ancestors.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:15 PM
I’m just glad we got that terrorist problem taken care of so the FBI can focus on real problems like this.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Right-wing my ass, RIAA is left as they come; the democrats own both houses and are going to buy the election this November I tell you. Obama will be the third wheel to get Hillary elected.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Time to trim the Police force if this is all they have to do!
August 27th, 2008 at 11:40 PM
This isn’t government thuggery … look at it this way. If no one pays for music, who will make it? You think Guns & Roses wants to make this album so everyone can have it for free? I just don’t understand why people get bent out of shape when an artist (and the industry, though I’m no fan of theirs) wants to get paid for their work. And the government enforces copyright laws because those laws encourage the production of quality literature, music, movies, etc. etc. If people couldn’t enforce copyright — the right to get PAID — we’d have a lot less of all that stuff.
August 28th, 2008 at 12:41 AM
[...] good kids at Antiquiet got themselves into a bit of trouble over the GnR leak they did a while ago. Isn’t it funny that the United States Government [...]
August 28th, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Scott needs to learn to “whittle it down” a bit. Whew! Still don’t care but shit, tighten it up man!
I WANT TO HEAR A FUCKIN’ NEW G’N'R SONG NOW!!!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:54 AM
WTF - right on
August 28th, 2008 at 4:39 AM
Hi
I’m really happy to live in Europe, it’s ridiculous this kind of copyright law’s in USA. The big fat bussiness with art & music is absolutely sickening. I hope you will win the process good luck! Also i don’t know if there is no more problems in the USA to treat something like this, as you are a dangerous criminal. For me as Swiss citizens it is unbelievable to get arrestet for copyright violation except if you do this commercial.
P.s sorry about my english got only 2 years in school
Kind regards,
Lizy
August 28th, 2008 at 6:16 AM
HAI GUYZ, I’m on the internets!!1!
Goodluck man…bring back apc.net!! Sup Joe..DDC still suck? lol..j/k
August 28th, 2008 at 6:26 AM
Chinese Democracy…I’ve had this record for a good 8 months. Tell you what, it’s god awful. If the record was actually ear worthy I could see bail set at the price of 5 grand, but the way it plays, it ain’t worth shite!!!
Yes I know, claiming that I’ve had this recording for almost a year is like claiming I have a frozen 500 pound Sasquatch in a freezer in my garage. AXL should never release this record. It’s outdated and irrelevant. If there’s anybody out there that’s heard this record and disagree with me ya’ll need to check your listening palate. RIAA needs to sukit. FEDS…do something productive.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:30 AM
[...] If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Interested in writing for us? Click here. Also join us at for contests and further news. Thanks for visiting!p2pnet news view RIAA | Music:- “Skwerl got himself hauled in by the FBI today over this whole GNR/Chinese Democracy leak fiasco, which seems to mean that people take this whole copyright thing pretty seriously.”That’s Johnny Firecloud on Antiquiet. [...]
August 28th, 2008 at 7:57 AM
[...] of Skwerl’s fellow Antiquiet bloggers, who goes y the name Johnny Firecloud posted a justifiably Orwellian response to the arrest this [...]
August 28th, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Right, Scott(not JD), because NIN didn’t make shit when they released their last record for free right? (please note sarcasm). It’s called keeping up with the game, getting more creative, being innovative and finding new ways to make your dirty stinky money.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Well, if you do not like to disclose free music, lower prices of CD.
Like Axl Rose… your group and your music is crap, I do not know who can eat this shit.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Good luck from FREEwilliamsburg!
link: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/archives/2008/08/cops_vs_music_p.html
August 28th, 2008 at 10:26 AM
If the music was any good they would have released the album by now. Isn’t everyone tired of being dissapointed by G’n'R by now? I know I am. For Skwerl, he should be acquitted - any material that has been leaked, hyped, written about, guessed about as much as this silly album is guaranteed to continue to circulate - arresting one link in the chain is a joke.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:29 AM
P.S. those of you commenting here that see this as an opportunity to bash the U.S.A., nice try. Stop blaming all of your problems on us, because we are too busy listening to our crappy leaked music to hear you. We love it here and you are jealous.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:49 AM
“Ryan Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Right, Scott(not JD), because NIN didn’t make shit when they released their last record for free right? (please note sarcasm). It’s called keeping up with the game, getting more creative, being innovative and finding new ways to make your dirty stinky money.”
Most concise boil down I’ve read today.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:27 AM
jajajajaja i have 2 secret songs of ABBA if u want
ey take e picture with axel for the promotion !!! lol 
August 28th, 2008 at 11:48 AM
[...] notícia foi divulgada pelo Los Angeles Times e confirmada pelos colegas de Cogill no Antiquiet. O facto do blogger ter removido as músicas do site depois dos servidores terem congestionado [...]
August 28th, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Escribo este comentario en apoyo al compañero blogger que es acusado por el FBI. La difusión de mp3 debe ser legal. Lo que debe prohibirse es su comercialización.
Un abrazo, Damián
August 28th, 2008 at 12:27 PM
[...] de Guns N Roses? ¿Recuerdan que hace un par de meses lo visitó el FBI un buen día? Pues ayer fue arrestado en su propia casa por cinco agentes y hoy ha sido acusado por los Estados Unidos de América de [...]
August 28th, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Copyright over Human Rights?
I am happy not living in such a Country!
This Kid is no Criminal!
August 28th, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Abbie Hoffman is dead.
I met the guy once, he was an asshole.
Good Luck Skwerl, yer gonna need it. The RIAA has deep pockets.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Why is this a suprise?
August 28th, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Johnny Firecloud,
Thanks for the props. I’m pissing myself over it, and it’s the warmth of a champion.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:53 PM
They sent all those men to pick up a guy for THAT? Your tax dollars at work!
August 28th, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Should have never banned me from the apc message board.
Karma!
August 29th, 2008 at 4:52 AM
Title of the article should be “World’s Dumbest Criminal”.
hopefully he’ll get serious time.
what is the average blogger’s IQ ? 3 ? 3.5 maybe ?
when dipshit is found guilty, how funny would it be if the
judge ordered dipshit to be castrated.
now that would rule.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:02 PM
[...] Cogill used to work at Universal Music and currently works on a site called Crave Online. Cogill published the leaked songs on Antiquiet. Antiquiet published the news about their blogger’s imprisonment here. [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Ha Ha
August 29th, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Wow!! You blog geeks are really out of touch with reality. You commit a crime — they come to get you — end of story!!! All of your pitiful whining about Big Brother and “oh the injustice” — is the dumbest protest/movement ever!! GET A LIFE!! Doing stupid thing on the internet will not save you from prison just becuase you did them in cyberspace. IDIOTS!!!!!!
August 29th, 2008 at 7:23 PM
b-dub says,
“GET A LIFE!! Doing stupid thing on the internet will not save you from prison just becuase you did them in cyberspace. IDIOTS!!!!!!”
Yeah, and when a terrorist blows up your house and you wonder where the FBI are, well, you can rest assured they were getting the big bad blogging idiots.
August 30th, 2008 at 2:07 PM
well said b-dub.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Soooooooooooooo… where can I download the songs?
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:58 AM
[...] you don’t want to be hated by your customers, then stop suing/arresting [...]
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:11 PM
[...] puede considerarse en las antípodas de la información. Kevin Cogill fue detenido por el FBI por publicar en su blog Antiquiet nueve temas de esta banda. Todavía no se han comercializado en el disco que probablemente se llamará Chinese [...]
November 6th, 2008 at 4:17 PM
[...] Adrian Young, Tony Kanal and Tom Dumont of No Doubt lend their talents to this one, which speaks for itself, I’d say. (After further consideration I feel the need to apologize for making this hot batch of ass the only sample sounds from the album - I’d stream more, but people can go to jail for that these days, from what I hear.) [...]