In a likely harbinger of additional dates, Kid Rock [ tickets ] has staked out a series of concerts that runs from mid-January to early February, according to promoters. The Detroit-based rap-rocker is scheduled to visit the Carolinas, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Michigan.

Kid Rock has been taking a break from the road after a busy year that included stints with Korn, Metallica and Powerman 5000, among many others. His last release, "The History of Rock," was released in May.

Twisted Brown Trucker, Kid Rock’s band, lost a key member last month when the diminutive rapper Joe C., 26, died in his sleep. Born Joseph Calleja, Joe C. was afflicted since childhood with an intestinal disorder known as celiac disease.

A Kid Rock action figure is being prepared by McFarlane Toys for release in the first quarter of 2001. According to a recent Internet missive by the company’s Todd McFarlane, the figure features Kid Rock "with a great 'bad boy' stance and has his American flag guitar slung to his side. The base is basically a small storefront take on a peepshow theatre. It captures the feel of who this guy is, I think."