Mojo Nixon, Singer of ‘Elvis Is Everywhere’ Dies on Cruise
DJ, actor, and musician, Mojo Nixon has passed away. He was 66 years old. The singer, best known for his 1987 song “Elvis Is Everywhere,” passed away onboard the annual Outlaw Country Cruise. Nixon, whose real name is Neill Kirby McMillan Jr., had performed the night before. He was found dead onboard the ship after experiencing a cardiac event. His family shared the sad news on social media.
They shared, “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. Since Elvis is everywhere, we know he was waiting for him in the alley out back. Heaven help us all.”
In his early years, Nixon began playing in a punk band called Zebra 123. After the band fizzled out, he moved to San Diego and became close with the band the Snuggle Bunnies. He started performing with Skid Roper and they won a Battle of the Bands contest. They were named the Best New Band in San Diego, earning them three hours of studio time. It helped them secure a contract with the label Enigma Records and Nixon’s breakthrough came in 1987 with the song “Elvis Is Everywhere,” which he performed on The Arsenio Hall Show.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW
Nixon recorded several other solo and collaborative albums over the years, most of them infused with comedy and punk rock music. As his popularity grew, he moved into acting and radio. He was cast as drummer James Van Eaton in the Jerry Lee Lewis biopic Great Balls of Fire. In recent years, he had a job with SiriusXM and hosted events such as the Outlaw Country Cruise. May he rest in peace.
’80s Where Are They Now
March 2023
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