MUSIC NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR OCTOBER 12

Your big birthday for this Thursday...Bob Mould, the man behind both Husker Du and Sugar, is 46...

And on this day in 1978 in New York City...Sex Pistols' f-up Sid Vicious called police to say that someone had stabbed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Vicious was arrested and charged with murder and placed in the detox unit of a New York prison.

*Bad news for STORM LARGE fans. According to a website called TMZ, she's been booted from her opening slot on the upcoming SUPERNOVA tour, due to financial reasons. Never fear though. We hear there's a reality show in the works. Seriously.

* THE RACONTEURS are releasing official bootlegs for each show on their upcoming tour. Unfortunately, all of those dates are in the UK. Jack White and the Boys return to the States in November for an East Coast swing.

* DAVID BOWIE will lend his voice to an upcoming episode of "Spongebob Squarepants." He'll portray a character called, Lord Royal Highness.

* THE STOOGES, who've influenced everyone from the WHITE STRIPES to THE STROKES, are recording a new album...their first in 33 years. The lineup will feature original members Ron and Scott Asheton and, of course, the one and only IGGY POP. One cool note...former member of THE MINUTEMEN and FIREHOSE, MIKE WATT, will take over on bass.

* And finally, PEARL JAM affectionados take note...Eddie, Stone, Mike, Jeff, and Matt are getting the glossy picture book treatment. Fame Seattle photographer Lance Mercer, whose photos pretty much documented the city's infamous "Grunge Years," is putting together the collector's item. It's called, simply, "5x1: Pearl Jam Through the Eyes of Lance Mercer" and it will focus on the first half of the band's career. You can order it now through their website...www.pearljam.com.