TALK ON THE TOWN: PolyGram is being...

TALK ON THE TOWN: PolyGram is being unusually secretive about John Cougar Mellencamp’s hot, new album project. But here’s a Pop Eye tip--it’s titled “Big Daddy” and is due to hit the stores April 17. . . . Meanwhile, local rap star Tone Loc (whose “Wild Thing” single is a huge, nationwide hit) makes his album debut at the end of the month. Called “Loc’ed After Dark,” it features his hit plus “I Got It Goin’ On,” “Cheeba Cheeba,” “Loc’in On the Shaw” and “Funky Cold Medina,” a hilariously bawdy fantasy which unfolds like a rap version of “Love Potion No. 9” (and will be his follow-up single). . . . Speaking of Metallica: expect to see the band perform live on the Grammy’s telecast next month. . . . The wheels are slowly beginning to turn for Rock & A Hard Place, the pop world’s showcase AIDS benefit due June 8 at Radio City Music Hall. (The fund-raiser, which has such industry titans as Clive Davis, David Geffen and Jann Wenner on board, has earmarked all proceeds to Gay Men’s Health Crisis, an AIDS care and prevention center.) The first major band committed to performing at the event is a surprise--Guns N’ Roses. Who’s next? Insiders say strong possibilities include George Michael, Whitney Houston and Elton John (though don’t expect to see Sam Kinison emceeing this show). . . . Closer to home, Being Alive is sponsoring, “The Survivors: A Tribute to People Living with AIDS,” a benefit due Feb. 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. (Proceeds go to Being Alive’s AIDS support and housing programs.) The event will feature readings and entertainment by the likes of popster Belinda Carlisle, songwriter Victor Osborne, actor John Glover, comedienne Tracey Berg and the Gay Men’s Chorus. Tickets are $50.