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Mojo Nixon fan pays tribute to local psychobilly star
"I was enamored by the idea that a person could create their own Holy Trinity"
Jay Luttrull & Mojo Nixon in Coronado
"I have a new song out all about my love of Mojo, 'Wild Like Mojo Nixon,'" says Jay Luttrull, who was featured as the late psychobilly star's number one fan in the 2022 documentary film The Mojo Manifesto (The Life & Times of Mojo Nixon). The track features Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, a producer-guitarist who worked with Nixon as well as Joan Jett, Steve Earle, and Del Lords.
"I first heard Mojo on MTV in 1988 when I was 15," says Luttrull. "He had a promo short on the channel where he mentioned he had a 'Holy Trinity' made up of Foghorn Leghorn, Otis The Drunk from The Andy Griffith Show, and Elvis Presley. At the time, I was attending catholic high school and was enamored by the idea that a person could create their own Holy Trinity. I soon bought Bo-Day-Shus!!! on cassette at the local K-Mart. It changed my life. It saved me."
Born Neill Kirby McMillan, Jr., on August 2, 1957 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Mojo Nixon became one of the most visible proponents of the psychobilly movement. Drawing inspiration from Elvis Presley (especially the 1970s fallen idol era), televangelists, comic book culture, kitsch television shows, and Saturday afternoon B-movies, Nixon was known for his boisterousness, his often scathing critiques of pop culture, and his libertarian political views.
Nixon performs at the 1992 San Diego Comic-Con
Nixon’s satirical narrative take on American culture spanned more than ten albums, and included collaborations with like-minded madmen such as local retro-rocker Skid Roper and former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra. Subversive and scathing, his lyrics in songs like “Don Henley Must Die,” "Destroy All Lawyers," and “Burn Down the Malls” commented on fame, capitalism, and cultural consumerism. He was turning up regularly in MTV spots, up until the music network refused to air his video for “Stuffin' Martha's Muffin,” a song referencing popular MTV VJ Martha Quinn, and Nixon walked away from the network. But not before they broadcast footage from his wedding at a go-cart racetrack in Chula Vista, with Beat Farmer Country Dick Montana officiating.
"The first time I met Mojo was the day before my high school graduation in May of 1991 at the Latin Quarter Club in Detroit, MI," says Luttrull. "At that point, I was already a fanatical fan and had seen him perform the year before in East Lansing, Michigan, which was the greatest rock and roll concert I have ever seen. I was able to get backstage to interview Mojo with my friend Dan Terpstra, who would years later produce the song and video for 'Wild Like Mojo Nixon.' I wanted video proof that I met Mojo, because my other friends told me earlier that there is no way I would manage it."
Luttrull bluffed his way into the concert early by telling the club operators and Nixon's road manager that they were doing a TV news story on censorship for Public Access Channel J23 in Grand Rapids. "We pretty much made up the story to get to meet Mojo," confesses Luttrull. "However, we followed through and did give the tape to Public Access Channel J23 and they did air it. I have some of the video from that day posted on YouTube. The beginning of 'Wild Like Mojo Nixon' uses some audio of Mojo preaching from this very day, the first day we met."
"I've met Mojo many times since, and over the years got to know him and his family. I've even been over to his house a few times." Luttrull eventually amassed a large archive of photos, videos, article clippings, and other Mojo memorabilia. When Matt Eskey, the director of The Mojo Manifesto and bass player for the Toadliquors, started working on his documentary, he contacted Luttrull about licensing some of the superfan's video footage. "We started a back and forth conversation, and he asked me if I would be willing to be interviewed for his film. I agreed and he shot my interview at The Continental Club in Austin, Texas, at 2014 Mojo's Mayhem show that takes place during the SXSW festival."
Nixon passed away at age 66 on February 7, 2024, while on the Outlaw Country Cruise, due to what was reported as a cardiac event. The genesis of the tribute song started at Mojo's Final Mayhem Show, which was an all day tribute concert held at The Continental Club around a month after he died. "I watched band after band play amazing sets dedicated to Mojo. It was a very moving show but, when it ended, I felt like I needed more. I needed to make my own statement and tribute to Mojo. I needed to get out how I felt about him."
Luttrull began writing the track the next day. Although he had never recorded an original song, he felt inspired enough to take the plunge. "I have been playing music since I was four, but have never considered myself a professional musician. I have fronted a few blues and rockabilly bands over the years."
"The song is all about me as a 17 year-old, wanting to be like Mojo Nixon. It is written from my teenage perspective, an idealized version of what Mojo Nixon is and what I thought his life must be like. Also, I knew it had to be fun and celebratory. Mojo would absolutely not want any sad songs written about him. I purposely did not mention he had passed away or give any indication he was dead in the lyrics."
Luttrell with Eric "Roscoe" Ambel at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Luttrull's close friend Dan Terpstra, who operates a Grand Rapids recording studio, helped craft a demo. "Soon after I finished writing the song, I met Eric Ambel at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Mojo Nixon exhibit opening. I was invited to attend because I donated the original handwritten lyrics to 'Elvis Is Everywhere' to the Hall...I knew then Eric would be perfect as lead guitar in the song. He has a long friendship and working relationship with Mojo. Later that week, I sheepishly emailed Eric the demo. He told me he liked the song and would do it. He suggested the tempo be a bit faster and we gladly acted on his advice."
Ambel recorded the guitar tracks from his home studio in Brooklyn, NY, while other parts were produced and recorded by Dan Terpstra at Terpstra Studio in Grand Rapids. "Other than Eric, we used all local musicians. Dan found an amazing singer, Lydia Sircy, for background vocals and she really nailed it. I do play guitar, but felt I had nothing to add to what Eric had laid down for us. I did however play one of Mojo's own sonic love jugs - a large water jug - for some added percussion."
"Wild Like Mojo Nixon" is currently streaming online, and plans are underway to produce an all-star video for the track. "We got a lot of Mojo's friends and fans to participate. Dan Terpstra, who also produced the song itself, has been working on the video with me for almost two years. It is quite ambitious and includes appearances by Steve Poltz, Laid Back Country Picker and Honey, Joey Harris of the Beat Farmers, The New Duncan Imperials, Allen Oldies, Clownvis, Wid and Wetadawg from Mojo's band The Toadliquors, and many many fans that sent in photos and videos to be used in the video."
What about bringing in the subject of Nixon's 1990 song "Don Henley Must Die"? After all, the Eagles honcho famously expressed his approval of the track by joining Nixon on stage in 1992 to sing and beatbox along with it, reportedly requesting to sing the line himself about not reuniting with Glenn Frey. "I reached out to Don Henley via his management," says Luttrell, "but currently Don has not responded, so I'll take that as a no from him."
The music video for "Wild Like Mojo Nixon" will debut on June 11, which is officially designated as Mojo Nixon Day in the State of Ohio. "There are currently no plans for a physical release, although we are thinking about maybe doing a short run of vinyl 45s. I have another song that I was working on before Mojo died that Mojo actually contributed to by recording a rant for use on the song. We may use that as a B-side. Just have to see how it goes."
The Mojo Manifesto (The Life & Times of Mojo Nixon) is currently streaming on YouTube.
Nixon co-wrote his own "autobiography" in 1991 for Hillcrest-based comic book line Rock 'N' Roll Comics, as well as appearing in (and providing music for) the 2005 documentary film about the murder of the comic's publisher, Unauthorized & Proud Of It: Todd Loren's Rock 'N' Roll Comics.
Here's something you might be interested in.
Mojo Nixon fan pays tribute to local psychobilly star
"I was enamored by the idea that a person could create their own Holy Trinity"
Mojo Nixon fan pays tribute to local psychobilly star
"I was enamored by the idea that a person could create their own Holy Trinity"
Jay Luttrull & Mojo Nixon in Coronado
"I have a new song out all about my love of Mojo, 'Wild Like Mojo Nixon,'" says Jay Luttrull, who was featured as the late psychobilly star's number one fan in the 2022 documentary film The Mojo Manifesto (The Life & Times of Mojo Nixon). The track features Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, a producer-guitarist who worked with Nixon as well as Joan Jett, Steve Earle, and Del Lords.
"I first heard Mojo on MTV in 1988 when I was 15," says Luttrull. "He had a promo short on the channel where he mentioned he had a 'Holy Trinity' made up of Foghorn Leghorn, Otis The Drunk from The Andy Griffith Show, and Elvis Presley. At the time, I was attending catholic high school and was enamored by the idea that a person could create their own Holy Trinity. I soon bought Bo-Day-Shus!!! on cassette at the local K-Mart. It changed my life. It saved me."
Born Neill Kirby McMillan, Jr., on August 2, 1957 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Mojo Nixon became one of the most visible proponents of the psychobilly movement. Drawing inspiration from Elvis Presley (especially the 1970s fallen idol era), televangelists, comic book culture, kitsch television shows, and Saturday afternoon B-movies, Nixon was known for his boisterousness, his often scathing critiques of pop culture, and his libertarian political views.
Nixon performs at the 1992 San Diego Comic-Con
Nixon’s satirical narrative take on American culture spanned more than ten albums, and included collaborations with like-minded madmen such as local retro-rocker Skid Roper and former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra. Subversive and scathing, his lyrics in songs like “Don Henley Must Die,” "Destroy All Lawyers," and “Burn Down the Malls” commented on fame, capitalism, and cultural consumerism. He was turning up regularly in MTV spots, up until the music network refused to air his video for “Stuffin' Martha's Muffin,” a song referencing popular MTV VJ Martha Quinn, and Nixon walked away from the network. But not before they broadcast footage from his wedding at a go-cart racetrack in Chula Vista, with Beat Farmer Country Dick Montana officiating.
"The first time I met Mojo was the day before my high school graduation in May of 1991 at the Latin Quarter Club in Detroit, MI," says Luttrull. "At that point, I was already a fanatical fan and had seen him perform the year before in East Lansing, Michigan, which was the greatest rock and roll concert I have ever seen. I was able to get backstage to interview Mojo with my friend Dan Terpstra, who would years later produce the song and video for 'Wild Like Mojo Nixon.' I wanted video proof that I met Mojo, because my other friends told me earlier that there is no way I would manage it."
Luttrull bluffed his way into the concert early by telling the club operators and Nixon's road manager that they were doing a TV news story on censorship for Public Access Channel J23 in Grand Rapids. "We pretty much made up the story to get to meet Mojo," confesses Luttrull. "However, we followed through and did give the tape to Public Access Channel J23 and they did air it. I have some of the video from that day posted on YouTube. The beginning of 'Wild Like Mojo Nixon' uses some audio of Mojo preaching from this very day, the first day we met."
"I've met Mojo many times since, and over the years got to know him and his family. I've even been over to his house a few times." Luttrull eventually amassed a large archive of photos, videos, article clippings, and other Mojo memorabilia. When Matt Eskey, the director of The Mojo Manifesto and bass player for the Toadliquors, started working on his documentary, he contacted Luttrull about licensing some of the superfan's video footage. "We started a back and forth conversation, and he asked me if I would be willing to be interviewed for his film. I agreed and he shot my interview at The Continental Club in Austin, Texas, at 2014 Mojo's Mayhem show that takes place during the SXSW festival."
Nixon passed away at age 66 on February 7, 2024, while on the Outlaw Country Cruise, due to what was reported as a cardiac event. The genesis of the tribute song started at Mojo's Final Mayhem Show, which was an all day tribute concert held at The Continental Club around a month after he died. "I watched band after band play amazing sets dedicated to Mojo. It was a very moving show but, when it ended, I felt like I needed more. I needed to make my own statement and tribute to Mojo. I needed to get out how I felt about him."
Luttrull began writing the track the next day. Although he had never recorded an original song, he felt inspired enough to take the plunge. "I have been playing music since I was four, but have never considered myself a professional musician. I have fronted a few blues and rockabilly bands over the years."
"The song is all about me as a 17 year-old, wanting to be like Mojo Nixon. It is written from my teenage perspective, an idealized version of what Mojo Nixon is and what I thought his life must be like. Also, I knew it had to be fun and celebratory. Mojo would absolutely not want any sad songs written about him. I purposely did not mention he had passed away or give any indication he was dead in the lyrics."
Luttrell with Eric "Roscoe" Ambel at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Luttrull's close friend Dan Terpstra, who operates a Grand Rapids recording studio, helped craft a demo. "Soon after I finished writing the song, I met Eric Ambel at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Mojo Nixon exhibit opening. I was invited to attend because I donated the original handwritten lyrics to 'Elvis Is Everywhere' to the Hall...I knew then Eric would be perfect as lead guitar in the song. He has a long friendship and working relationship with Mojo. Later that week, I sheepishly emailed Eric the demo. He told me he liked the song and would do it. He suggested the tempo be a bit faster and we gladly acted on his advice."
Ambel recorded the guitar tracks from his home studio in Brooklyn, NY, while other parts were produced and recorded by Dan Terpstra at Terpstra Studio in Grand Rapids. "Other than Eric, we used all local musicians. Dan found an amazing singer, Lydia Sircy, for background vocals and she really nailed it. I do play guitar, but felt I had nothing to add to what Eric had laid down for us. I did however play one of Mojo's own sonic love jugs - a large water jug - for some added percussion."
"Wild Like Mojo Nixon" is currently streaming online, and plans are underway to produce an all-star video for the track. "We got a lot of Mojo's friends and fans to participate. Dan Terpstra, who also produced the song itself, has been working on the video with me for almost two years. It is quite ambitious and includes appearances by Steve Poltz, Laid Back Country Picker and Honey, Joey Harris of the Beat Farmers, The New Duncan Imperials, Allen Oldies, Clownvis, Wid and Wetadawg from Mojo's band The Toadliquors, and many many fans that sent in photos and videos to be used in the video."
What about bringing in the subject of Nixon's 1990 song "Don Henley Must Die"? After all, the Eagles honcho famously expressed his approval of the track by joining Nixon on stage in 1992 to sing and beatbox along with it, reportedly requesting to sing the line himself about not reuniting with Glenn Frey. "I reached out to Don Henley via his management," says Luttrell, "but currently Don has not responded, so I'll take that as a no from him."
The music video for "Wild Like Mojo Nixon" will debut on June 11, which is officially designated as Mojo Nixon Day in the State of Ohio. "There are currently no plans for a physical release, although we are thinking about maybe doing a short run of vinyl 45s. I have another song that I was working on before Mojo died that Mojo actually contributed to by recording a rant for use on the song. We may use that as a B-side. Just have to see how it goes."
The Mojo Manifesto (The Life & Times of Mojo Nixon) is currently streaming on YouTube.
Nixon co-wrote his own "autobiography" in 1991 for Hillcrest-based comic book line Rock 'N' Roll Comics, as well as appearing in (and providing music for) the 2005 documentary film about the murder of the comic's publisher, Unauthorized & Proud Of It: Todd Loren's Rock 'N' Roll Comics.