Disney is the Enemy

The Zoo Crew, a vibrant collective of hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, is cranking up the volume with Mojo Nixon’s “Disney is the Enemy” from his 1999 album !Sock Ray Blue!, a track that’s got their devoted Zoo Freaks buzzing. This song, a satirical psychobilly anthem, takes a sledgehammer to corporate giants like Disney and McDonald’s, with Nixon’s signature irreverence. In a 1999 review by Ink 19, Julio Diaz praised its “hilarious character assassination” and noted its rockabilly and blues backbone, courtesy of Nixon’s band, the Toadliquors, which makes it stick in your head for days. The song’s biting critique reflects Nixon’s libertarian streak, a recurring theme in his work that resonates with fans who love his unapologetic takedowns of pop culture.

While specific interviews or social media posts about “Disney is the Enemy” are scarce, Nixon’s broader commentary offers context. In a 2022 documentary, The Mojo Manifesto: The Life & Times of Mojo Nixon, premiered at South by Southwest, he discussed his penchant for provocative lyrics, which “Disney is the Enemy” exemplifies. Fans on platforms like X have celebrated Nixon’s music posthumously, with posts lamenting his 2024 passing and praising tracks from !Sock Ray Blue! for their raw energy, though the song itself isn’t singled out. Its inclusion on the album, alongside tracks like “Orenthal James (Was a Mighty Bad Man),” shows Nixon’s knack for blending humor with social commentary, a formula that made him a college radio staple.

Mojo Nixon, born Neill Kirby McMillan Jr. on August 2, 1957, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, kicked off his musical journey after earning degrees in political science and history from Miami University in Ohio. In 1979, he ventured to England, hoping to break into the punk scene with old-time rock & roll covers, but found no traction. Returning to the U.S. in 1980, he settled briefly in Denver, where he played in a punk band called Zebra 123, which stirred controversy with a gig poster depicting the exploding heads of Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, catching the Secret Service’s attention. By 1981, Nixon landed in San Diego, where he met roots-music enthusiast Country Dick Montana. During a cross-country bike trip, allegedly while drunk in New Orleans, he coined his stage name, Mojo Nixon, blending “voodoo and bad politics.” In 1983, he teamed up with washboard and harmonica player Skid Roper, performing in San Diego dive bars. Their 1985 debut album, Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper, often nicknamed “Free, Drunk and Horny” by fans, featured their first single, “Jesus at McDonald’s,” launching Nixon’s career as a psychobilly provocateur.

Mojo Nixon’s official online presence is limited, especially since his passing in February 2024, but fans can explore his legacy through various platforms. His official website is not active, but his music and story live on through sites like AllMusic for detailed discographies. On Facebook, the Mojo Nixon Official page shares updates and tributes, though activity has slowed. No official Instagram account exists, but fan-driven content occasionally surfaces under hashtags like #MojoNixon. On X, Nixon’s account remains a hub for fans sharing memories and clips, with posts often highlighting his SiriusXM Outlaw Country show, The Loon in the Afternoon. Fan communities thrive in places like the Mojo Nixon Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories and rare tracks. Websites like LetsLoop also connect fans with streaming options for songs like “Disney is the Enemy,” keeping Nixon’s rebellious spirit alive.