Mojo Nixon: The Irreverent rock 'n' roll maverick celebrating the unconventional

Mojo Nixon, whose real name is Neill Kirby McMillan Jr., is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his unique blend of rock, country, and punk music. He has said: "History has shown that when people listen to my music, money tends to flow to bartenders, race tracks, late night greasy spoons, bail bondsman, go-kart tracks, tractor pulls, football games, peep shows, and several black market vices. My music causes itches that it usually takes some money to scratch."

Mojo Nixon was born on August 2, 1957, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Nixon emerged in the 1980s as a prominent figure in the alternative rock and cowpunk scenes. His music often incorporates humor, satire, and social commentary, and his energetic performances and charismatic stage presence gained him a dedicated fan base. Nixon's songs often touch on topics such as politics, pop culture, love, and the everyday experiences of ordinary people. However, his style isn't exactly like Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee."

One of Nixon's most well-known songs is "Elvis Is Everywhere," released in 1987, which humorously explores the cultural impact and ubiquity of Elvis Presley (released on the Bo-Day-Shus!!! album). Other notable tracks include "Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child" (the music
video of which stars Winona Ryder), "I Hate Banks," and "Don Henley Must Die" — and here's a fun fact: Don Henley himself semi-famously got on stage to sing the song along with Nixon, which earned Mojo's respect.

Mojo Nixon's key albums and collaborations

Throughout his career, Mojo Nixon released numerous albums that could offend lots of different people, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians, including Skid Roper and Jello Biafra. Some of his solo albums include Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper (1985), the aforementioned Bo-Day-Shus!! (1987), Root Hog or Die (1989), and Whiskey Rebellion (2009).

While Nixon's popularity peaked in the 1980s and early 1990s, he continues to perform and release music, albeit with less mainstream visibility. It also must be said, Nixon was the first person to play Toad from Super Mario Bros. on film, which no doubt adds to the quirkiness of the film (and his career).

Mojo Nixon remains an influential and distinctive figure in the American music scene, known for his irreverent style and unabashed celebration of rock 'n' roll. He was no doubt accurately quoted in Rolling Stone as saying: "If I don’t run a few people off, I haven’t done my job..." His distinctive lower-class radical but goofy persona suggests he never forgets where he came from. He currently hosts the "Loon In The Afternoon" radio show on Sirius XM, and there was recently a documentary about his life called The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon.

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