‘Crocodile Rock’ by Elton John has had kids rocking and bopping through kazoo classes for decades, was John’s first US number 1 hit and was certified platinum in 1995. However, despite all its feats, the singer said he will “probably throw a party” to celebrate never having to sing ‘Crocodile Rock’ again.
“The last time I have to sing ‘Crocodile Rock’ I will probably throw a party,” he told The Mirror.
“It was written as a kind of a joke, like a pastiche.
“And it became a big hit and people love to sing along – so who am I to say ‘I am not going to play it’ because I play to amuse and to entertain people.
“But I have to say when the last show is done at the end of the tour I will never ever sing that song again.”
While John seems to hold some resentment towards ‘Crocodile Rock’, he still has a soft spot for his first hit that went platinum in the US.
“I don’t mind not being able to get away from ‘Your Song’ because it is a really nice song and I never get fed up singing it,” shared John.
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It’s not the first time John has been blasé about the hit song, in a 2011 interview with Esquire, he called ‘Crocodile Rock’ “disposable pop.”
It was a specific performance of ‘Crocodile Rock’ that was an iconic moment in John’s successful career. The scene saw John on stage for The Muppet Show on a set that looked like a swamp and he was decked out in rainbow peacock plumage paired with a mirrored headdress, and pink glasses. Naturally, he was surrounded by costumed crocodiles who sang the “la-la-las” of the song.
With almost fifty years passed since the release of ‘Crocodile Rock’, it’s no surprise that John’s modernized his style in recent years. Earlier this year it was announced that the musical god was in works on ‘something’ with Metallica.
“I’ve just done something with Metallica,” he shared in a March episode of his Apple Music 1 show Rocket Hour .
“During this lockdown period, I’ve been working with Gorillaz and people like that. I haven’t been doing any Elton stuff, but I’ve been doing great stuff with other people.”
For more on this topic head to the Rock Observer.
Watch Elton John perform ‘Crocodile Rock’ live at Madison Square Garden:
