Wed 6/12 @ 2PM
Punkabilly humorist musician Mojo Nixon died the way most musicians probably hope to: while still going full speed ahead. In February while on the Outlaw Country Cruise, docked in Puerto Rico, he dropped dead of a heart attack at age 66.
“Mojo Nixon” (not his real name) released his first music in 1985 with his partner “Skid Roper” (also not his real name). They released a series of satirical tunes about well-known people of the era and, he became best known for his 1987 tune “Elvis Is Everywhere,” featured on an album which also included tunes such as “I’m Gonna Dig Up Howlin Wolf,” “I Ain’t Gonna Piss inNo Jar,” and “Don’t Want No Foo Foo Haircut on my Head” (a wise choice in the 80s). You get the idea. The guy carried irreverence — and fun — to the nth degree.
On Tuesday, June 11 the Ohio legislature took a break from demonizing trans kids and drag artists to present a proclamation his family recognizing his contributions to music and designating it Mojo Nixon Day. (He lived in the Cincinnati area for 25 years prior to his death.) So he’s doing some good even after his death.
“Mojo would’ve loved the idea he was one of the few things Democrats and Republicans could agree on,” said his longtime manager Scott Ambrose Reilly in a press release. “But he knew it took true rock ‘n roll rebellion to prevent the small-minded and mean-spirited from holding people back, from excluding folks.” Hope the R folks in the lege are listening.
The following day at 2pm the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will debut a display of some of Nixon’s stage clothes including his daisy dukes, red Hawaiian shirt and pink Loudmouth sports jacket, as well as some artifacts such as his Dean Martin embossed Guild Starfire guitar, the handwritten lyrics to “Elvis Is Everywhere” and TV head stage prop. Guests will include his widow Adaire McMillan (Nixon’s real name was Neill McMillan) and other family members; Dan Baird of the Georgia Satellites, and others who were close to him. The dedication will be followed by a musical tribute in The Garage.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44114