If you pray hard enough, Nick Cave might give a little Bible reading at Liss Ard today. The Australian rocker, who plays Liss Ard tonight with his band The Bad Seeds, has written a foreword to a new pocket edition of The Gospel Of St Mark.

Manson family values: The MTV Video Music Awards are being televised next Thursday with live performances by Marilyn Manson, Hole, Beastie Boys, and Brandy & Monica. Actor Ben Stiller will compere, and guest presenters include Puff Daddy, Natalie Imbruglia and Missy Elliot.

Pocket Man: Elton John is now the biggest- selling artist in rock, as certified by the Recording Industry Association of America. Only country artist Garth Brooks outsells Ol' Reg Dwight, while Billy Joel trails in third place. K.C.