GNR blogger faces copyright charges

7:07am Thursday 28th August 2008

A blogger suspected of streaming songs from the unreleased Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy on his website was arrested and appeared in a Los Angeles court, where his bail was set at 10,000 US dollars.

FBI agents arrested 27-year-old Kevin Cogill on suspicion of violating US federal copyright laws.

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 on Wednesday 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 September 17.

"Guns N' Roses representatives have been made aware of the arrests 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.