Elvis Is Everywhere

The Zoo Crew is spinning the wild psychobilly anthem "Elvis Is Everywhere" by Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper, from their 1987 album Bo-Day-Shus!!!, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a satirical tribute to Elvis Presley’s enduring cultural presence, became a cult hit and an MTV staple, thanks to its low-budget, go-kart-filled music video and irreverent humor. One quirky piece of trivia comes from the song’s B-side, "(619) 239-KING," which was a real phone number at the time of release. Mojo Nixon, playing on rumors that Elvis was still alive, invited fans to call and leave messages for the King, creating a playful, interactive gimmick that captured the song’s offbeat spirit. The music video also featured a vanity license plate reading "P. ELVIS," which caught the attention of Beavis and Butthead viewers when the show aired the clip, cementing its place in pop culture.

Another story tied to the song’s legacy involves its live performances. Fans on X have shared memories of seeing Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper tear through "Elvis Is Everywhere" with just an acoustic guitar and washboard, filling venues like The Ritz with raw energy. A post from @geminicollision on X recalled a show 35 years ago where the duo commanded a vast stage with minimal gear, showcasing their larger-than-life presence. The song’s lyrics, which humorously claim Elvis is responsible for everything from the Bermuda Triangle to alien encounters, reflect Nixon’s knack for blending absurdity with social commentary. He once declared in an interview that the song was inspired by the “Elvis is alive” tabloid craze, poking fun at how Presley’s mythos overshadowed reality.

Mojo Nixon, born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr. in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on August 2, 1957, got his start in music after a cross-country bicycle trip sparked a revelation. He adopted the name “Mojo Nixon,” combining “mojo” (voodoo) with “Nixon” (bad politics), as a nod to his rebellious persona. Raised in Danville, Virginia, he was drawn to music’s danger and excitement, saying in a 2017 interview, “It’s exciting, it’s dangerous, and it makes the church people nervous.” His early career began in Denver with the punk band Zebra 123, where he played what he described as “Jerry Lee Lewis on more speed.” After the band fizzled, Nixon moved to San Diego, where he connected with multi-instrumentalist Skid Roper (born Richard Banke). The duo’s chemistry, with Roper’s washboard and instrumental backing complementing Nixon’s boisterous vocals, led to their 1985 debut album on Enigma Records, kicking off their psychobilly journey.

Fans can connect with Mojo Nixon’s legacy through his official website, though it’s worth noting he passed away in February 2024. His Facebook page remains active, with posts about his music and the documentary The Mojo Manifesto, which chronicles his life. While no official Instagram account exists for Nixon, fans share tributes on the platform under hashtags like #MojoNixon. On X, accounts like @120Revisited and @PunkRockStory have honored his work, especially "Elvis Is Everywhere." For fan communities, the Mojo Nixon Fan Club on Facebook is a lively space where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories and celebrate his music. While no dedicated fan websites stand out, platforms like Discogs offer detailed discographies for collectors.