– Mojo Nixon dies at 66
– Cult hero and roots rock renegade Mojo Nixon.
Mojo Nixon, Renegade Roots Rocker, Passes Away after Cardiac Event
Mojo Nixon, the roots rock renegade who emerged from the American underground music scene with his hit single “Elvis Is Everywhere” in 1987, tragically passed away on Wednesday after a cardiac event. His family confirmed his passing through a heartfelt post on Facebook.
In their statement, Nixon’s family expressed, “Mojo Nixon lived his life to the fullest, just as he should have. He was a force of nature, living life at full throttle, never holding back. He went out in true Mojo style, after an electrifying show, a wild night, closing the bar, and enjoying a hearty breakfast with his bandmates and friends. It is fitting that his departure occurred during the Outlaw Country Cruise, as that’s just how Mojo did everything. Mojo has left the building.”
A Multifaceted Career and A Beloved Figure
While Nixon’s participation in the annual Outlaw Country Cruise was just one aspect of his career, he was primarily known as a DJ on SiriusXM, hosting the popular “Loon in the Afternoon” show on the satellite radio network’s Outlaw Country channel. However, being a disc jockey was just one of the many hats Nixon wore throughout his life. He was also an actor, an activist, and a comedian. But perhaps his most notable role was as the court jester of cowpunk in the 1980s, when he formed a raucous rockabilly duo with Skid Roper.
During his heyday, Nixon humorously described himself as a combination of John Lee Hooker, Hunter Thompson, Richard Pryor, and even a touch of Patti Smith. With his irreverent style, Nixon became a staple on college radio and gained recognition on MTV. He became a beloved figure within the alternative rock scene, as evidenced by his prominent reference in the Dead Milkmen’s song “Punk Rock Girl.”
Tributes Pour In from Fellow Musicians
News of Nixon’s passing has left many in the music industry mourning the loss of a great talent. David Lowery, the leader of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker, who was a contemporary of Nixon in the 1980s, expressed his grief on social media. Lowery posted on X: “Mojo was a great person. Some of the best times touring were with Mojo and Skid.” Americana singer/songwriter Robbie Fulks also paid tribute, stating: “There used to be more genuinely rude, profane, funny people in country music. Like 90 years ago. Then there was one glorious loudmouth, the Rickles of Sirius country. Good guy, even when he clobbered me.”
A Life Shaped by Music and Rebellion
Born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr. on August 2, 1957, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Mojo Nixon’s love for blues, rock and roll, and R&B shaped his artistic journey from an early age. After attending Miami University, he ventured to London in hopes of breaking into the punk rock scene but found himself busking on the streets instead. Eventually, he settled in San Diego, where he formed a close friendship with Country Dick Montana of the Beat Farmers, a pivotal band in the cowpunk movement.
Teaming up with Skid Roper, Nixon and his partner gained recognition through their raucous performances. They won a Battle of the Bands contest, which led to the release of their debut album in 1985. Nixon’s breakthrough came with the release of “Elvis Is Everywhere” in 1987, which garnered attention on MTV and propelled him into the mainstream. He continued to push boundaries with albums like “Root Hog or Die” and “Otis,” collaborating with notable musicians such as John Doe of X.
A Varied Career and Legacy
As the 1990s dawned, Nixon began exploring different creative avenues, branching out into acting and writing. He appeared in films such as “Great Balls of Fire!” and “Super Mario Bros.” and even tried his hand at writing advice columns and voicing video games. Nixon’s irreverent spirit extended beyond music and film as he embraced unconventional opportunities, including being named the unofficial captain of the U.S.A. men’s doubles luge team at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
In the 2000s, Nixon returned to music with the release of “Whiskey Rebellion” in 2009, balancing his DJ career with occasional live performances. In 2020, a career-spanning box set titled “The Mojo Manifesto” was released, coinciding with the premiere of a documentary about his life and times. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the documentary received widespread acclaim.
Mojo Nixon is survived by his wife, Adaire, their two sons, Ruben and Rafe, and a granddaughter. His legacy as a renegade rocker, irreverent comedian, and influential DJ will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of his fans and fellow musicians.
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1. Mojo Nixon cult hero roots rock renegade dies at
2. Mojo Nixon cult hero roots rock renegade passes away.
