KID ROCK's sidekick JOE C. dead at 26. JOE C. (Joseph Calleja) was KID ROCK's little backup vocalist with a big mouth. He had suffered from a digestive disorder and passed away in his sleep on Thursday night, says Sonicnet. JOE C. had been working on a solo project, his first such effort after his debut on KID ROCK's Devil Without a Cause.

KORN's follow-up for Issues. Spin reports that this month KORN will begin recording their 5th studio album. Michael Beinhorn, the producer whose credits include RHCP's Mother's Milk and HOLE's Celebrity Skin, has signed on to the project. Lead singer Jonathan Davis is also working on writing music for an upcoming film entitled The Wellon.

Free U2 in NYC. U2 will be playing an hour-long show at New York's Irving Plaza this December 5 free of charge, says Live Daily. Only 1,000 people will be allowed in, and you can only win tickets from NY radio station 92.3 FM, K-Rock. If you miss the gig, look for U2 to launch a full-scale US tour in March 2001.

Compiled by Glennie Rabin
News Editor