Chinese Democracy (song) their Chinese Democracy Tour in 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007. The final line of the song was originally "like if your ass were your head, you can tell", but was ultimately changed to "when their arms reach out for your help". Axl Rose introduced the band's first live performance of the song in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 1, 2001 with the following: "Chinese Democracy" has been played live at most Guns N' Roses shows since the first "Chinese Democracy" Tour in 2001. With each tour, the performances drastically changed, gaining more background structure and guitar parts, along with a
Chinese Democracy studios. Though Geffen planned to release "Chinese Democracy" in 1999, it was delayed and completely re-recorded in 2000. With costs reportedly exceeding $13 million, it became the most expensive rock album ever produced, and Geffen pulled their funding in 2005. After missing an announced March 2007 release date, it was finally released in November 2008, dogged by online leaks and legal disputes. Preceded by the title track as a lead single, "Chinese Democracy" debuted at number three on the "Billboard" 200, and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); however, it did not meet sales expectations