NME has announced plans today for a new War Child charity record to follow in the footsteps of the acclaimed "Help" record of several years ago. Bands who have agreed to participate are to go into studio between now and the first week of September to lay down a cover of their choice, provided it was a former UK #1 song. The disc will be released in October to coincide with the 50th birthday of NME and the anniversary of the first UK pop music chart. Bands already confirmed to appear include: OASIS, MANIC STREET PREACHERS, STEREOPHONICS, BADLY DRAWN BOY, STARSAILOR, FEEDER, JIMMY EAT WORLD, BASEMENT JAXX, and MS. DYNAMITE, with more to be announced as the project nears completion.

FEEDER drummer Jon Lee has been found dead of an apparant suicide in his Miami home. The band had recently wrapped up a European tour with Stereophonics. Lee leaves behind his wife, Brazilian model Tatiana Engelhart, and a son, Cameron. Feeder issued a brief statement via their website which reads simply: "Jon Boy. We will miss you more than melody - friends always. Love Grant and Taka. Proper."