Elton John (June 3, 1977) “Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)” / “Chicago” (with Kiki Dee) – Single 7" UK

In the summer of 1977, Elton John released the uplifting disco-infused single “Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)” as a double A-side with Kiki Dee’s “Chicago,” bringing high-energy grooves and joyful collaboration to fans worldwide. Co-written with Bernie Taupin, this track from the Blue Moves album encouraged everyone to let loose and dance, embodying an inclusive spirit that welcomed listeners of all ages and backgrounds to join the celebration.

RELEASE DETAILS:

Date: June 3, 1977 (UK)

Label: The Rocket Record Company Formats: 7" vinyl single (Double A-Side) + limited 12" promotional edition

Catalog Numbers: ROKN 526 (UK) Writers: Elton John & Bernie Taupin (“Bite Your Lip”)

Producers: Gus Dudgeon (“Bite Your Lip”), Elton John & Clive Franks (“Chicago”)

Remixer: Tom Moulton (both sides)

TRACK LISTING

7" Single (UK Double A-Side)

A. Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!) – Elton John

A. Chicago – Kiki Dee

US 7" Single

A. Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)

B. Chameleon

International Variants:

• Netherlands – Rocket – 1977

• New Zealand – Rocket – 1977

• South Africa – Rocket – 1977

• Yugoslavia – Rocket – 1977 Related Album: Blue Moves (1976)

• Australia – Rocket – 1977

• Belgium – Rocket – 1977

• Brazil – Rocket – 1977

• Germany – Rocket – 1977

• Japan – Rocket – 1977

THE STORY “Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)” is the closing track of Elton John’s acclaimed 1976 double album Blue Moves. Written by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin, the song features an upbeat, dance-oriented sound with strong disco and funk influences. The UK release on June 3, 1977, paired it as a double A-side with Kiki Dee’s “Chicago,” celebrating their successful musical partnership (following their 1976 smash “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”).

A special 12" promotional edition was sent to 500 radio DJs by The Rocket Record Company to boost airplay. The UK label (ROKN 526) credits “Bite Your Lip” as produced by Gus Dudgeon and remixed by Tom Moulton on side A, while “Chicago” (produced by Elton John & Clive Franks, also remixed by Tom Moulton) appears on side B.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The single peaked at No. 28 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It highlighted the strong friendship and musical bond between Elton John and Kiki Dee while showcasing Elton’s willingness to explore danceable sounds during the disco era.

The song’s energetic call to “get up and dance” made it inclusive and uplifting, appealing to diverse audiences — from club scenes to pop and rock fans — who found joy in its communal, feel-good vibe. The eye-catching Rocket Record Company labels (with their distinctive train logo) and international releases helped spread the positive energy across continents.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Era: Late 1970s Pop / Disco-Rock Tone: Upbeat, energetic, joyful and danceable

Artwork: Classic 1970s design with bold typography and colorful imagery of Elton John and Kiki Dee, conveying movement and celebration Key Fact: Only 500 special 12" promotional copies were distributed to radio DJs

The provided images show the original UK vinyl center labels for The Rocket Record Company (ROKN 526). Side A features “Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)” (John–Taupin) with production and remix credits, while Side B showcases “Chicago” by Kiki Dee. Both sides display the iconic Rocket train logo and detailed publishing and copyright information typical of 1970s releases.

RELATED MATERIAL 

• Elton John (May 1975) Pioneer- Advert 

• Record Reviews (May 1, 1975) – Multi‑Album Feature

• Elton John (24 May 1974) Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - 7" Single UK.

All single artwork, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.