Guns N' Roses blogger arrested

An American blogger suspected of streaming songs from rock band Guns N' Roses' unreleased album Chinese Democracy on his website has been arrested.

Kevin Cogill, 27, was arrested by FBI agents and appeared in court on Wednesday, where his bail was set at US$10,000, (about £5,500). His girlfriend, who appeared in court with Cogill, told reporters to "rally the troops".

In June, Cogill posted nine songs from the band's new album on his blog, which were later removed. He then posted messages on his site asking readers if they knew any good attorneys after he was questioned by FBI agents.

Prosecutors said the leak could result in a "significant" financial loss for the band.

"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," he added.

In June three previously unreleased recordings by Oasis were leaked on YouTube.

The Manchester band's new album, Dig Out Your Soul, is due to be released in the autumn.

www.gunsnroses.com