John's band members, including Davey Johnstone on guitars, Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums, were also performers on the song.

[8] Taupin also stated in an Esquire magazine interview that "Crocodile Rock" was a funny song in that he did not mind creating it, but it would not be something he would listen to;[9] it was simply something fun at the time.

John has dismissed criticism of the song that it was "derivative", quoted in the booklet for the 1995 reissue of Don't Shoot Me ... as saying, "I wanted it to be a record about all the things I grew up with.

"[10] Record World called it a "loving homage to revival rock and roll" with "a solid, infectious beat, funny and clever Taupin lyrics, and brilliant Gus Dudgeon production.

He has continued singing it in concert because fans enjoy it, but has vowed never to play it again once his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour has ended.