Mojo Nixon, cult psychobilly star and radio DJ, dead at 66
The cult rockabilly musician, actor, and radio DJ Mojo Nixon passed away on February 7th, aged 66. Mojo was best known for his comedy songs and psychobilly classics, which grew him a cult following during the 1980s.
Nixon, perhaps best known for his psychobilly anthem ‘Elvis Is Everywhere’ suffered a “cardiac event” while on board the Outlaw Country Cruise, according to a statement released by the musician’s family.
Born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr, in 1957, Nixon recorded six albums between 1985 and 1990, partnering with Skid Roper for the majority of those releases. Toeing the line between novelty songs and psychobilly punk, Nixon grew a cult following through his tracks being shown on MTV, leading him to write comedy songs for the television channel; lampooning the likes of Rick Astley.
Building upon the cult following he had amassed during the 1980s, Nixon continued to record music with the likes of Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra and X’s John Doe. Furthermore, starting in 2008, Mojo acted as the host of a successful radio show SiriusXM.
His ode to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Elvis Is Everywhere’ remains his most popular track, a celebration of the influence of Elvis. In his families’ statement, they eulogised the musician by saying, “Mojo has left the building. Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back. Heaven help us all.”
At the time of his passing, Nixon was part of the Outlaw Country Cruise, a raucous music festival held on a cruise ship. The six-night event sees the ship sail from Miami to Puerto Rico, stopping off in the Dominican Republic along the way. This year, Outlaw Country Cruise boasted a line-up featuring Blackberry Smoke, Lucinda Williams and Steve Earle among many others.
Nixon’s reputation as an outlaw rockabilly hero, who lived fast and by his own rules, followed him up until the very end. He will be remembered for his fearless originality and clear appreciation for underground music scenes.
Revisit ‘Elvis Is Everywhere’ below.
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