Tribute to Joe C

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    Tribute to Joe C
    Posted by
    Kid Rock
    November 04, 2000

    A Tribute

    Joesph Calleja was born on November 9, 1974 in Taylor, Michigan.

    Joesph Calleja later became known as Joe C, the man who's 3 Foot 9 with a 10 foot dick.

    Joe C. use to come to all of the Kid Rock concerts and he'd be standing on the table in the front singing all the lyrics. Then after one of the shows Joe asked Kid if he wanted to smoke a joint. Kid Rock was like how old are you. Joe then replied by saying he was 21.

    Then at another show Joe was dancing off to the side as Kid was singing and he couldn't keep his eyes off him. After that show Kid offered Joe a job.

    Joe C became part of the Twisted Brown Trucker Band, singing backup vocals with Kid Rock. But it wasn't all peaches and cream. He had a celiac disease, a chronic digestive disorder which made him take 65 pills a day. At night he was hooked up to an I.V. machine.

    While being with the T.B.T. Band, Joe C guest sang on song tracks such as Devil Without A Cause off of the Devil Without A Cause CD, Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp off the History of Rock CD, and Kyle's Mom Is A Big Fat Bitch off the South Park - Bigger, Longer, & Uncut soundtrack.

    Joe C also made guest appearances at Woodstock 99, Saturday Night Live, WWF Raw Is War, MTV, Music Award Shows, and at Kid Rock concerts.

    Then tragedy struck. On November 16, 2000, Joe C died at the age of 26 in his hometown of Taylor, Michigan. He died in his sleep from natural causes.

    Thoughts From Others

    Kid Rock - "We have lost part of our family. Family and friends are everything. Without them, all of the fame and fortune means nothing. Joey gave us and the world his love. He brought a smile to everyone who has ever known or seen him. In a world full of confusion, Joey made all of us laugh. No matter what color, religion, race, or beliefs we have, he made us all smile. He gave us the gift of joy. Joey, thank you. We will never forget you. We love you."

    Kenny Olson - "Spiritually, he was on a different plane, the way he touched everyone's life. He was always there to say the right thing, help me make sense to myself when I was acting up on the road. Joe was real, said what was on his mind. He was a very, very smart person, very tuned-in. In my opinion, he was taller than the rest of us."

    Korn's Jonathan Davis - "He had a really positive energy about him, for such a little guy, he really lived big and walked big, and he's going to be missed. He did bring happiness to a lot of people."

    Lava Records President Jason Flom - "Joe C. was an extraordinary inspiration. He overcame tremendous adversity to become a great performer and a truly wonderful human being. Despite living with chronic pain, Joe C. never let his condition prevent him from living life to the fullest and brightening the lives of everyone who knew him, on or off the stage. He was a deeply loved member of our extended family and we will all miss him greatly."

    Wrestler Chris Jericho - "First off, I'd like to express my sympathies and condolences to the friends, family and fans of Joe C. For those of you who don't know who he is, he's the little guy that was in Kid Rock's band. I first met Joe in Detroit about a year ago when he was talking with Road Dogg. I thought to myself, "Who is this little kid that Dogg is having such an involved conversation with?" Anyways after meeting him and demanding to see his identification for proof of age, I found him to be a really cool cat. He survived a multitude of health problems through the years and his courage is a lesson for us all. God bless you Joe C!".

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Kid Rock's picture
Submitted by Kid Rock
on Sat, 11/04/2000 - 7:00pm

A Tribute

Joesph Calleja was born on November 9, 1974 in Taylor, Michigan.

Joesph Calleja later became known as Joe C, the man who's 3 Foot 9 with a 10 foot dick.

Joe C. use to come to all of the Kid Rock concerts and he'd be standing on the table in the front singing all the lyrics. Then after one of the shows Joe asked Kid if he wanted to smoke a joint. Kid Rock was like how old are you. Joe then replied by saying he was 21.

Then at another show Joe was dancing off to the side as Kid was singing and he couldn't keep his eyes off him. After that show Kid offered Joe a job.

Joe C became part of the Twisted Brown Trucker Band, singing backup vocals with Kid Rock. But it wasn't all peaches and cream. He had a celiac disease, a chronic digestive disorder which made him take 65 pills a day. At night he was hooked up to an I.V. machine.

While being with the T.B.T. Band, Joe C guest sang on song tracks such as Devil Without A Cause off of the Devil Without A Cause CD, Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp off the History of Rock CD, and Kyle's Mom Is A Big Fat Bitch off the South Park - Bigger, Longer, & Uncut soundtrack.

Joe C also made guest appearances at Woodstock 99, Saturday Night Live, WWF Raw Is War, MTV, Music Award Shows, and at Kid Rock concerts.

Then tragedy struck. On November 16, 2000, Joe C died at the age of 26 in his hometown of Taylor, Michigan. He died in his sleep from natural causes.

Thoughts From Others

Kid Rock - "We have lost part of our family. Family and friends are everything. Without them, all of the fame and fortune means nothing. Joey gave us and the world his love. He brought a smile to everyone who has ever known or seen him. In a world full of confusion, Joey made all of us laugh. No matter what color, religion, race, or beliefs we have, he made us all smile. He gave us the gift of joy. Joey, thank you. We will never forget you. We love you."

Kenny Olson - "Spiritually, he was on a different plane, the way he touched everyone's life. He was always there to say the right thing, help me make sense to myself when I was acting up on the road. Joe was real, said what was on his mind. He was a very, very smart person, very tuned-in. In my opinion, he was taller than the rest of us."

Korn's Jonathan Davis - "He had a really positive energy about him, for such a little guy, he really lived big and walked big, and he's going to be missed. He did bring happiness to a lot of people."

Lava Records President Jason Flom - "Joe C. was an extraordinary inspiration. He overcame tremendous adversity to become a great performer and a truly wonderful human being. Despite living with chronic pain, Joe C. never let his condition prevent him from living life to the fullest and brightening the lives of everyone who knew him, on or off the stage. He was a deeply loved member of our extended family and we will all miss him greatly."

Wrestler Chris Jericho - "First off, I'd like to express my sympathies and condolences to the friends, family and fans of Joe C. For those of you who don't know who he is, he's the little guy that was in Kid Rock's band. I first met Joe in Detroit about a year ago when he was talking with Road Dogg. I thought to myself, "Who is this little kid that Dogg is having such an involved conversation with?" Anyways after meeting him and demanding to see his identification for proof of age, I found him to be a really cool cat. He survived a multitude of health problems through the years and his courage is a lesson for us all. God bless you Joe C!".

Comments

Artie Mcloughlin's picture

Tue, 04/09/2013 - 4:35am — Artie Mcloughlin
GOD BLESS JOE C.!HE IS IN HEAVEN WHERE ALL KIND SOULS BELONG! IT'S TIME TO LET GO AND JUST ROCK ON ;) YOU AIN'T GOT NOTHING TO LOOSE THAT ALREADY GONE I KNOW YOUR HEART IS BLACK AND BLUE LIFE DON'T LAST LONG SO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOUT YA AND KEEP ROCK'N ON;)
Artie Mcloughlin's picture

Tue, 04/09/2013 - 6:02am — Artie Mcloughlin
EVERYONE> BORN FREE> SONG- ROCK ON:: IF YOU DON'T FEEL ANY EMOTION FROM THAT????????????????????????????????J.C.
wacker63@yahoo.com's picture

Fri, 03/29/2013 - 12:01pm — wacker63@yahoo.com
joe c. was so cool . R.I.P. little buddy
Eric Sander Kingston's picture

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 6:05am — Eric Sander Kingston
The Size of a Man Written in Memory of, Joesph “Joe C.” Calleja In terms of a mans size, Heaven measures... The size of the heart And the light of the soul It's not the height of the man But the friends that he holds For the size of the man Is from the height that’s inside And Joe C. I believe Was one of the tallest alive And to Kid he'd say... Thanks for the memories Thanks for the time Thanks for seeing A man isn't judge by his height or his size Because what makes us big Is the love that shines on And for us A ten foot memory Is what will live on Now I got to go To the stars in the sky To rap with the Master In endless rhythm and rhyme So if you want me Do not look down I'm rising higher It's to the stars I am bound I am way up above you Spinning records and sound On the stage of forever Where soul albums abound!!! Where the size of a man Has no limits or bounds!!! In Lasting Memory, Eric Sander Kingston & Family
joshuaenfinger's picture

Mon, 09/24/2012 - 3:46pm — joshuaenfinger
joe c will be rememberd for his great atitude tward music and his love for it i remember when i heard him on devil without a cause and he was spittin ryhms like there was no tomorrow i tell ya wat there is only one joe c and there will not be anyone better than him
mahaley48's picture

Tue, 07/10/2012 - 8:43pm — mahaley48
im sorry kid rock about the loss of your friend.i thought he was your brother,but i guess to you he really was.i know he will forever be in your thoughts and prayers.its a tragedy to loss someone who is close to you.i know life goes on,but i know you will never forget him. your my favorite singer. i love all your songs,especially,"only god knows why"," picture", with sheryl crowe,and "all summer long". those three are my favorites.my wish is to meet you someday. i have always loved your music. its very emotional.keep up the good work and god bless you.
greg_34's picture

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 1:37pm — greg_34
rip joe c
rjl1969's picture

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 7:41am — rjl1969
Oh, yeah, and I don't look half bad for all I've been through. 5 ft 5 or 5'9 in my lovely heels and 140 but proportionate. Curvy w long sandy brown/ blonde hair and dark olive skin w big dimples- cheeks that is, not butt cheeks. I try and stay in shape by dancing, walking , and swimming. Hazel eyes that turn green or blue depending on mood. Love designer clothing and always dressed for success. Most people don't even know that I was ever or still am sick. Been trying to get a pick up on here but don't know how from iPad. Not exactly a beauty queen but again that's in the eye of the beholder. In my younger days I was a cross between Brooke Shields and Muriel Hemmingway but as we get older beauty fades and it is our persona that keeps us beautiful. There's nothing more beautiful than a confident women who knows who she is and what she wants and works it no matter what it is. I've seen the most beautiful ugly people ever and each of us are beautiful in our own way. Oh and I had a wonderful surgeon. I have scars yes but on the bright side , a little tuck in the tummy that always helps. I've also seen very beautiful people who are very ugly because they think there shit doesn't stink and treat people like shit. They are not beautiful no matter what they look like and never will be unless they change their attitudes. Bobby and Joe C. Are beautiful people inside and out, no doubt and the fans on this site can't be left out. Peace, love, and happiness to you all and may we all end up in the Heavens with JC after the call.
rjl1969's picture

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 7:22am — rjl1969
I know how Joe C feels. I live with a rare illness but nit diagnosed until I was 35. Despite the considerable pain I suffered for 6-7 years and the US records I hold for the most ercps w pancreatic stents and the fact that I had my entire pancreas removed and had a feeding tube for a while, I continue to work harder than most people, never would accept disability because I consider living an ability, and I smile and laugh and live life like there is no tomorrow. Wisely that is but with lots of fun and laughter, for after all if we can't laugh at ourselves then we would just be assholes. I work full time, and yes some days are very hard. I take about 20 pills a day, 9-12 just to be able to digest food and 4 shots of insulin, which injecting yourself first thing in the morning is not always fun. Ouch! I am with my husband of 4 years and he's also my boyfriend of 20 years. Yes, I believe in taking my time and getting it right.haha. 24 years in all and he has a boy and a girl and I have 3 boys and they are all grown now and I wouldn't change a thing. Well maybe a few. But I get so irritated by negativity and poor me syndrome and want to tell people wake up and smell the roses for they are there and we are truly blessed, whatever our situations may be. People tend to cry over spilled milk when there are bigger issues in life that we can make a difference in but choose not to. Though I walk the valley of death I shall fear no evil for God is with me in all I do and I will and can do all that I can to make this place a better one. Hug a person in need. Smile where there is a frown or turn that frown upside down. Lift a fallen one spirit. Fight for freedom and what is right and change this world with all my might for we are all Joe C. , you and me, and together , happy we shall be, whether in this life or thereafter, please all, share the laughter. Rebecca LeBlanc aka Rjl1969 . Peace, love, happiness , and of course, Kid MF Rock!
Pretty Mishawaka's picture

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 7:51am — Pretty Mishawaka
Enjoy the afterlife honey. May peace reign always.
Lady Rock's picture

Mon, 06/20/2011 - 10:59pm — Lady Rock
Thank.....you.... for....this...day...June.20.11
Scintilate's picture

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 11:21pm — Scintilate
Joe C! Forever remembered, and you will always remain an inspiration! Here's to you Kid! Scintillate from London, ON Canada!
Shotcaller101's picture

Sun, 05/22/2011 - 4:40am — Shotcaller101
Man..Joey C was 14 when we first met. He went to West Jr high, and I went to Hoover, just moved from Van Born and Inkster to Branford, and had to make a new group of friends. Julie Randolff was my crush at that age, and she introduced me to JC, we hit it off from the get. His days at Kennedy, (A rival high school to my Alma "Taylor Center") was always a party! I remember one night at Amy LaFontaines house when she threw a big ass party, Someone went off on me for wearing my Varsity coat on. Joe wasn't havin it! He checked the fella and I never will forget him saying "Yo! Chill homie, we all Taylor made!" And and haned me a beer. He said "Aye yall, this my boy Tiger Kelley. You got probs with him, you got probs with me!" You could never have met a more REAL MUTHA FUKKA like Joey C. I miss you homeboy. And I love Kid Rock. I know how he must have felt when JC passed. Kid should have seen the funny shit JC used to do and say. I'm sure he did in his later years, but the thing with Joey was, He ALWAYS was who he was...TAYLOR MADE!!! NEVER forgot his roots..ALWAYS repped T-Town, and was a fighter..in all ways..lil pimp ;) I got a date with Amy because of him. THANKS J! She never gave it up tho. hahahaaaaaaa...Mourn ya til I join ya bro.. Still in Taylor, Tiger Mufukkin Kelley.
traceyk1967@att.net's picture

Mon, 05/02/2011 - 3:52pm — traceyk1967@att.net
My 1st KR concert was at the Joe and we were in a suite and the suite next store was all Little people all friends of Joe Cs it was the best night ever of my life.
christine pawlowski's picture

Sun, 05/01/2011 - 7:33pm — christine pawlowski
we will miss joe c he was a great guy i live in taylor and it was heart breaking to go into the place he was laid out kid will keep on rocken for man
Chuck_8's picture

Sat, 03/12/2011 - 7:35pm — Chuck_8
Your show Rock with HIM,n Peoia years ago...he was an entertainer 2 remember!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. WE will continue hanging Wit u, as my BOYs and I lov the new tunes....the 28th concert was alsome, thanks ROCK ON..
Stephanie_29's picture

Thu, 03/10/2011 - 9:23pm — Stephanie_29
Would of loved to see Joe C live...RIP......You will always be remembered as a great performer!!!
jenihopkins's picture

Sat, 02/26/2011 - 1:51pm — jenihopkins
Missed and loved by all.
madviolinist's picture

Sat, 02/26/2011 - 9:55am — madviolinist
Joe C. was the coolest, and he was so funny! I hope he's at peace now.
Caroline_7's picture

Sun, 02/06/2011 - 9:01am — Caroline_7
Joe, God Bless you and your son! I am a big Fan living in Peru with German roots. Your latest album helped me a lot through my deep deep life crises. I am well now and I just want to say: Thank you! ;)
Chris Pace's picture

Mon, 01/24/2011 - 3:00am — Chris Pace
why camt i find joe c's and kidrocks version of kyle's mom, i looked everywhere.
SueStPierre's picture

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 3:39pm — SueStPierre
Joe C did Taylor proud.
dougrocks269's picture

Thu, 01/06/2011 - 12:45pm — dougrocks269
we miss u 3 foot tall with a 10 ich dick
10 ft dick's picture

Sun, 01/02/2011 - 11:26pm — 10 ft dick
I REMEBER BEING AT A LIMP BIZKIT CONCERT THE NIGHT JOE C HAD PASSED, FRED DURST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A SONG & ANNOUCED THE NEWS OF JOES' PASSING. HE SAID SOME TOUCHING WORDS, THEN SUNG A SONG IN ACCAPELLA, DEDICATED TO JOE. I'LL NEVER FORGET THAT SHOW OR JOE OR THAT KYLE'S MOM IS A BIG FAT BITCH!!
Kidrock girl's picture

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 1:08am — Kidrock girl
happy New year Joe C.2011
CindyB's picture

Thu, 12/30/2010 - 2:40pm — CindyB
He is a angel on your shoulder
tina_64's picture

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 9:41pm — tina_64
reading all that every-one has said about Joe C, it all brings tears to your eyes. come on bobby (bob, joe, jim-bob, jack) give it all great lyrics, music and of course your voice. any chance that i could get a chance at that position. it took me about 20 yrs or so to get over the death of my 4th daughter, she was only 2 months old, and it was very hard for me. GOD BLESS everything you have and will do in the future. alot of fans look up to you, at all ages at that. love you lots, cant wait to see you in Birmingham, Al. would love to have the back stage pass but can't afford it, i take care of and support 2 daughters and 5.5 grandchildren and that is the Gods Honest Word. Born Free,my fav, Loovvveee iittt.
terri_31's picture

Fri, 12/10/2010 - 10:49am — terri_31
will miss joe c for many more years to come prolly forever so sad i wish peace to his family and friends to one im sure was a hell of a man. and to u kid for bringing him into the fans hearts
melisajames's picture

Mon, 12/06/2010 - 6:34pm — melisajames
I love everything about you .you are #1 in mine eyes .you would like me and my MONKEY . crazy about you . You make me dance and dancing makes me HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY !!!!!!!!!! . I SHOULD TELL YOU monkey IS MY PIT BULL MY GIRL MY DOG.
Big Daddy_6's picture

Mon, 11/29/2010 - 6:32pm — Big Daddy_6
If you don't like Joe C, you can kiss our ASS!!!!!!!!!!

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