Joe Cole (roadie)

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For the football/soccer player, see Joe Cole.

Joe Cole (April 4, 1961 - December 19, 1991) was a roadie for Black Flag and Rollins Band. He was also the best friend and roommate of the musician/author/actor Henry Rollins. He released a book on 2.13.61 publishing, Planet Joe, in which he documented his experiences on the last Black Flag tour and first Rollins Band tour. He was shot and killed in a robbery at their home on December 19, 1991, as the pair returned from seeing the band Hole. Cole was 30 years old.

Rollins went on to publish a two-part book series, the first book chroniciling his time with Cole as his roommate, See a Grown Man Cry, and the second Rollins' non-stop working to near nervous breakdown in the year following Cole's death, "Now Watch Him Die".

Sonic Youth's "JC" was inspired by Cole's murder, and the Sonic Youth song "100%" on their Dirty album was dedicated to him. The music video shows a reenactment of the police finding Cole, played by actor Jason Lee, dead at Rollins' house.

At the time of his death, Cole was in a relationship with Babes in Toyland bassist, Michelle Leon. After his death, she was unable to face the rigors of touring and quit the group.

Cole's father was actor Dennis Cole.