'Always a class act': Tributes pour in as 'Elvis Is Everywhere' singer Mojo Nixon dies on country music cruise at 66

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mojo Nixon, the famous musician, actor, and radio DJ, died from a heart condition on February 7, 2024, while traveling on the Outlaw Country Cruise. The 66-year-old was popular for his untamed and unafraid outlook on life.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, Mojo Nixon's family said, "August 2, 1957 — February 7, 2024, Mojo Nixon. How you live is how you should die. Mojo Nixon was full-tilt, wide-open rock hard, root hog, corner on two wheels + on fire…Passing after a blazing show, a raging night, closing the bar, taking no prisoners + a good breakfast with bandmates and friends."

"A cardiac event on the Outlaw Country Cruise is about right… & that’s just how he did it, Mojo has left the building," the statement continued. "Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back. Heaven help us all."

Nixon, whose full name is Neill Kirby McMillan Jr, was a prominent performer and co-host on the yearly Outlaw Country Cruise, where his body was discovered.

Unashamed outlaw and cult hero Mojo Nixon's life and career

Nixon began performing in Denver with the punk band Zebra 123. He was born in North Carolina, raised in Virginia, attended school in Ohio, and then traveled to England.

According to his family, he was a force of nature who always lived on the brink and made an effect wherever he went. His final moments were a fitting reflection of his vibrant personality.

They included a show that will never be forgotten, a night of celebration, and a filling breakfast with friends.

Apart from being a musician, Nixon also tried his hand at acting, making appearances in movies like 'Super Mario Bros', and 'Great Balls of Fire'.

He also provided the voice of a character in the video game Redneck Rampage. He was a radio DJ in San Diego and Cincinnati in the late 1990s before becoming a Sirius Satellite Radio broadcaster.

Nixon rose to stardom in 1987 along with partner Skid Roper owing to their smash song 'Elvis Is Everywhere.' Nixon recorded contentious songs like 'Don Henley Must Die' for his solo albums Otis and other releases following their split.

Nixon faced difficulties after his record label declared bankruptcy, but he still put out records with his group, the Toadliquors.

Nixon continued to release several albums, both on his own and with other musicians, including Jello Biafra and the Toadliquors.

He frequently ridiculed pop music icons with his cranked-up punky-rockabilly as heard in the songs 'Don Henley Must Die', 'Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant With My Two-Headed Love Child', and 'Bring Me the Head of David Geffen', as per Variety.

Nixon continued to be involved with several media endeavors and gave occasional performances in his later years.

His brazen approach to art and expression, along with his flamboyant personality, had a lasting effect on the music and entertainment industries.

Tributes pour in with Mojo Nixon's death

Internet users took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to the late country music icon, with one hailing and writing, "GodDAMN I'm gonna miss this guy. Always a class act, the superstar of his own genre."

A second one said, "Listening to my favorite Mojo Nixon song in his honor this morning. “UFO’s are big rigs that come from outer space, stoppin’ off at the truck stop earth lookin’ for some food to eat."

"NOOOOO! My MOJO Nixon Tapes and I mourn today. "If you don't know Mojo Nixon than your store could use some fixin'!" - The Dead Milkmen," wrote a third one.

A fourth one added, "Damn shame. After you hear Elvis is Everywhere once, it’ll be stuck in your head forever."

One more added, "That's sad news. Mojo Nixon was indeed a unique and influential figure in the music and radio world. His satirical style and energetic performances left a lasting impact on many fans."

"A one-man hurricane of freedom, chaos and anarchy. Huge loss," exclaimed another one.

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