Caleb Quaye: The One Elton John Song He Refused To Play - INTERVIEW

[@pnynx]

Nigel and Dee are the best!

[@DeuceSchnozzle]

Dee and his Jazz Bass mic'ed from a Pignose amp was awesome (Love Lies Bleeding)!

[@gerry1620]

I miss Dee. Those were great days for the band when Dee and Nigel were there the first time.

[@uncleelmer]

I remember "Rock of the Westies" amd "Capt Fantastic" and the Caribou Ranch being mentioned where they recorded (it was only recently knocked down in the name of progress and I remember Caleb Quaye. Elton's album covers were very descriptive and detailed which was marketing genius because you feel like you were getting to know the band and Elton. In fact, the brilliance of Bernie Taupin came out loud and clear in the liner notes and photos of Elton's Lps. To a fan it was obvious Bernie was a genius writer/lyricist. Elton gave him full blown credit and always had his picture on the albums. Plus, you got to read Bernie's words on each LP and he was a wordsmith for sure. Anyway, Elton's LP's were the best and a treat for his fans--especially--those early to mid 70's lps.

[@rzrbckmz23]

Great points. I was a huge fan and had all the albums and was surprised when Rock of The Westies came out and it was a different band except Johnstone. Back then there was no internet or anywhere to find out what happened so I just figured the other guys went their separate ways and Olsson actually had a couple solo hits in the late 70s. I really liked Rock of the Westies as it was more rock n roll than most of his records but he never plays anything from that album in concert. Love "Grow Some Funk of your Own: and "Island Girl".

[@kjellmagnusson3398]

Had some hope now that he started the final tour that he would include some of the not so well known numbers from those albums "ROTW" and "Blue Moves", but after seeing the setlist it`s the same, with some minor surprises, Indian Sunset and Believe. He should have done a full Springsteen, mixing it up, that wouldhave been something

[@TravisJames85]

Guess that's why the fans love it in concert. If you're not giving the fans what they want because your ego wont allow it then that's probably why he is a forgotten member of the Elton John Band. As Elton said, "You Either Cross The Bridge Or Fade Away".

[@robbchastain3036]

That was one of the biggest songs of the era and to attend a concert and not see it performed would have been baffling.

[@davefrance3721]

Blue moves was a sad album with Bernie going through his split with Maxine due to his own human failings. Caleb was a great guitarist and I liked the line up. I have been a fan since the Empty Sky album when I was about 9 or 10. Good to see Caleb back but Davy was always the guitarist I preferred. Seems Davy is a very underrated guitarist outside of the Elton John fan base who really appreciate him.

[@scottreed8985]

The best records were made with Nigel and Dee, hands down.

[@CommandorX]

This is golden!

[@franka8377]

I remember Crocodile Rock being released in late 72, and although it was a great pop song reflecting the music of the 50's, it was the most corniest, especially at a time when it was surrounded with music by the Who, and Led Zeppelin. It was funny how so many people would never admit to liking the song, but you would never catch them turning it off. The Crocodile definitely held up to the test of time, it's still just as good today as it was in 72.

[@trelkel3805]

I totally agree with Caleb, to go from playing Ballad of a Well Known Gun to Crocodile rocks plinkedy plink plink would drive any guitarist nuts.

[@lb2.0.45]

Ooh I can imagine all the elton john fans watching this who probably went to those concerts between 1975-1977 and were disappointed that he didn't play crocodile rock. Well they can all put the blame on Caleb Quaye for that lol.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I’m reading Me by Elton and his stories about Caleb are very funny!

[@7863348]

John you have to find out for us why he didn’t want to play Crocodile Rock

[@jtmichaelson]

I don't know. For me, it's Dee, Davey, and Nigel. My first experiences with Elton John's music was that line-up and since then I've always looked for that line-up to perform. It was always nice to see Davey and Nigel throughout the years since the 70s, but to see all three guys backing Elton was complete. Every other band line-up or member is just not the same.

[@Libera_nos_a_malo]

JT Michaelson you are spot on. Those three made the best band Elton John ever had.

[@nonnamadonna]

And Ray Cooper who's been with Elton for a very, very, very long time.

[@russellcarter1872]

Me too

[@Libera_nos_a_malo]

Elton John forgot that he was the lead singer and pianist of a BAND when he sacked Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson. Those two toured the world with him, building his fame and live following. Davey Johnstone joined and the 4 of them created his best albums. His lean years were kept alive by the work of the BAND. His current set lists and radio play reflect the work of the original BAND, of which Elton was one quarter.

[@bobnelson9480]

Imagine all the people at Elton John concerts during that tour wondering why he didn't play Crocodile Rock! Turns out Caleb Quaye was to blame! That is so funny.

[@canadianfortrump4057]

I've always been a huge Elton John fan but I feel the same as Caleb. Crocodile Rock was an Elton song that I never liked although it was his first of many No. 1 hits.

[@nonnamadonna]

I love it.

[@dixgun]

Had always assumed his last name was pronounced “key” as my mother several times did correct my pronunciation of the word “quay’ .

[@mizofan]

like the animation (and live) film-makers the Quay brothers

[@annietube1]

I thought for sure he was going to say "My Father's Gun" because it's such an anthem to the Civil War South! Beautiful song, if you can somehow make yourself forget history. Still, since it was "Crocodile Rock" instead, now I have to know why! Do you ask in the long interview?

[@ecbrooks33]

I've heard Caleb explain why in other interviews. He hates the song. He thinks it is lightweight pop and he considers himself too much of a "musician's musician" to do stuff like that. Heck, Elton didn't play it for years for the very same reason.

[@DeuceSchnozzle]

Elton said that he dumped Nigel & Dee's rhythm section because it sounded like a "chugging train". So in comes Passarelli & Pope. And The FIRST song on the new Rock of the Westies album is 'Yell Help Medley'....that literally sounds like a train chugging. !!!!!

[@scottreed8985]

Dumb move by Elton.

[@enta2]

'Yell Help Medley' is perfect

[@Arfshesaid457]

But why? Why didn’t you ask him why he wouldn’t play it?

[@IronmanKMSA]

glad I'm not the only one that hates Crocodile Rock

[@del7i540]

But it's not about you or Caleb, give the people what they want.

[@stuarth.2554]

Nothing wrong with Crocodile Rock. Maybe Caleb was frustrated/jealous that he didn't play on the "Don't Shoot Me" studio recordings. Also, E.J. should have NEVER fired his classic lineup! It's as bad as what Ian Anderson did to his classic '70's Tull band. Neither artist ever fully recovered.

[@nonnamadonna]

Davey & Nigel are still with him - 2021.

[@enta2]

Crocodile Rock, Don't go Breaking my Heart and those Hits are not that bad, but they are not giving you a clue what elton john's music is. you don't go and buy the elton john album to hear how well he can play the piano after watching blue eyes on mtv. His music can be what you definitely don't want to miss in your life. like me for example. I was born in 72 and only knew him from steel standing and that kind of hits. till this year

[@BostonBobby1961]

Some of Caleb Quaye's guitar playing is on Elton John's first studio album which is Empty Sky. Sails kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3zckKWNm9CsidU Gulliver kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHzQmHqLrrGlj5I

[@tinahardman1525]

I realize Crocodile Rock is over played on the radio. But why didn't he want to play it then?

[@katakisLives]

its the first question i would have asked him! rather bizarre it was not asked

[@RockHistoryMusic]

Sorry about that he does address in a future video that he thought it was silly. It was supposed to be on this clip but we lost track of all the pieces since it was such a long interview. Thanks for your feedback. It's appreciated.

[@SirWinstonBeech]

Croc Rock was my gateway to Elton John. I couldn't imagine life without it, even if it was just a cash-in on the 50s craze that was going on at the time. When I heard about the change in the lineup I wondered what was going on. But I really enjoyed Rock of the Westies. But then Blue Moves came along and it was a total dud, it was the most boring album... I never bought another new Elton John album after that not even when he brought back Nigel and Dee. I have all the albums from Empty Sky through Rock of the Westies, plus my original vinyl, never played much copy of Blue Moves and a couple greatest hits collections mainly to get Pinball Wizard and Philadelphia Freedom.

[@robertstewart8431]

Wow, you liked the mediocre Rock of the Westies but didn't like the seminal, emotional Blue Moves? Shocking. I've been a big EJ fan since Empty Sky but damn near gave up on him with Rock of the Westies, a TERRIBLE album. In my opinion, he got back on track with his creative genius with Blue Moves, even with the instrumentals on it. The emotions he evokes on that album are enough to make you cry. Maybe you should give it another listen now that you are older and see if you still think it's bad.

[@lynnturman8157]

ha ha...Elton didn't want to play it either.

[@nonnamadonna]

But he's been playing it again for a number of years & I & many, many, many others are glad he is.

[@john564holloway]

Well, with this way, John, we won't see Elton in his crocodile outfit!...

[@reneecausey6867]

QUALITY CONTROL

[@matekozma1039]

Something tells me, that Caleb's request to omit Crocodile Rock was not a big deal for Elton, because I think he was gonna erase it from the setlist anyway. I read that Elton is not really fond of that song, and actually there were other big hits too(like Daniel, Candle In The Wind, Honky Cat), which were not played with Caleb on board.

[@robertkushner156]

Why wouldn't he play Crocodile Rock? He never said.

[@6000cs]

I'm not trying to be a smart-guy, but I think I have a guess. Its a two pronged thing. Firstly, Crocodile was a big departure from Elton's roots and previous catalog. For a "serious musician" it could seem to be a sell out/cash in type thing. Secondly, I've noticed that the song is all over the place in terms of guitar sounds. Possibly, its one of those songs that could be done in studio switching between guitars/tunings, etc, but would be next to impossible to recreate live, and sound proficient. For a prideful guitarist, maybe a recipe for failure.

[@bobriedel3277]

Huge fan of EJ's since the very beginning. Every album was solid. My college girlfriend bought me "Rock of the Westies" for my 18th birthday in September of 1975. Still have it til this day. "I Feel Like a Bullet in the Gun of Robert Ford" and "Island Girl" was it for me. I played the vinyl one time through and it's been in storage since. What a rubbish album. Throw away garbage. Besides an occasional bright spot here and there, the magic days were over for Elton. "Caribou" was no winner either.

[@petergreen2552]

Don't blame him. I wouldn't want to hear crocodile rock either. Bloody well hate it.

[@sataniccommunist9045]

THE ARROGANCE OF FAITH! I've seen Elton John five times, and the only guitarist on stage was Davey...

[@guidedmeditation2396]

I miss pop music. The contrived garbage they put out now is more about social engineering than free expression. They only promote artists if they have the right politics it seems.

[@sixsixxsixxxx]

Guided Meditation you hear what you want to not what's there

[@Wayner71]

I agree with him. 'Crocodile Rock' was Elton's first sell-out MOR style song. It was full of cliches and boring ideas. More were to follow.

[@MrJohnDC]

Actually I don't believe him. If he's a freezing and starving studio musician who wins the lottery by getting asked to join the biggest act on the planet, Caleb is going to make demands ? Lol. I don't think so.

[@mben-david2064]

Caleb Quaye is a minor figure in Elton's history. Who would dictate terms to Elton John ? I sure as hell wouldn't. Davey Johnstone has always been THE guitar player in Elton's band and likely always will be. Quaye overvalues himself.

[@nikita-dh5je]

I could do without Crocodile Rock myself, but I certainly would not presume to tell Elton John what songs I will play or not. Caleb is a very minor figure in EJ history, Elton has worked with many great musicians.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Quaye may be an "minor" figure in the grand scheme of things but remember: Elton and/or his team sought him out once again and kept him around for a couple of years. So I'm guessing they did not consider him minor. Just a thought. ✌

[@brucedillinger9448]

Nikita - I'm with you. I consider 🐊 rock a throw away bubblegum song. Got lots of radio play and a lot of attention but was used way too much.

[@birdwatts007]

I see that Quaye was hired so John seemed to need him. Additionally, you must not have a clue as to Quaye's history with John. It could be said that Quaye is the reason John was even discovered or at the very least one huge factor you even know who Quaye is? Learn the story before you make statements against Quaye

[@inagreenminute6525]

Not a fan of CRock either..

[@yvettenj]

Ok I can understand Caleb not wanting to play Crocodile Rock but really this is where he drew the line? He didn’t draw the line at Island Girl with Bernie’s somewhat slightly racist lyrics? Geez! Ok Caleb...wonder where ur head was at?

[@91dodgespiritrt]

Lighten up stupid.

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

You know Caleb recorded acoustic guitar on "Island Girl", right?

[@inagreenminute6525]

Slightly?? Never understand that song..

[@PositivelyPam]

He was out of his mind on drugs. I just finished reading his autobiography "Louder Than Rock" yesterday and he says more than once that he was constantly high on all kinds of drugs for years on end.

[@danielecardinali7349]

Many rock songs written fifty years ago would be unacceptable today. You can't judge a song from the past relating to the actual context