The Beautiful (band) 2006, Frank Ferrer has been a member of Guns N' Roses (replacing Bryan Mantia)—supplying drums on the songs "Chinese Democracy", "Better", "If the World", "There Was a Time" and "I.R.S." on their 2008 album, "Chinese Democracy", and touring throughout the world with the band. After the Beautiful and prior to joining Guns N' Roses, Ferrer also played drums for a variety of acts, including The Psychedelic Furs, Perry Farrell, Wyclef Jean and Tool, among others. The musical style of the Beautiful has been described as "A mix of Jane's Addiction at their most wistful and the broody flowery sway of
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