Long Live Rock by The Who

Album: Odds And Sods (1972)

Charted: 48 54

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Songfacts®:

This song was recorded in early summer of 1972 and first appeared on Odds And Sods in 1974. The band originally planned on releasing the song as a single in 1972, but Pete Townshend wanted to use it for an album about The Who's history, titled "Rock Is Dead - Long Live Rock." In the end he wrote Quadrophenia instead. This song was finally released as a single on April 1, 1979 with "My Wife" (and "I'm The Face" on some versions too) on the flip side. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Fintan - Cheltenham, England
This appeared briefly in the 1973 film That'll Be The Day, where Billy Fury sang it. In the film, Keith Moon played the part of Billy Fury's drummer, J.D.Clover. Moon also appeared as J.D. in the 1974 sequel Stardust. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Tommy - Liverpool, England

Comments: 8

Ld from ChicagoPete overdubbed the piano part. Initially, I thought that it might have been someone like Ian Stewart.
Weirdo Wolfie from MarsAnybody know just where the Astoria was or is? "Down at the Astoria, the scene was changing ...".
Jason Oliphant from ChatsworthThis is one of Keith Moon's best drum parts from a period of the band's history when he was still firing on all cylinders. The band is tight and the accents that Moon punctuates are sharp and dynamic. The rhythm is smooth and glides in the background even though it is mostly and upbeat 4/4 tempo. The song rocks.
The Cello Remedy from Nashville, TnIt’s a shame “Rock Is Dead—Long Live Rock” and “Lifehouse” weren’t released, as I’d love to see and hear how they would have turned out. However, if those two album DID get released, we may not have the masterpieces that are “Who’s Next” and “Quadrophenia”.
Todd Sherman from Medford NjThere is a "piano mix" which is heavy on piano and the one featured on all of current Odds 'N Sods CDs, as well as The Kids Are Alright. And then there is the "guitar mix", which I can only find on the 30 Years Of Maximum R&B box set....I highly recommend The Guitar Mix.
Rick from Los AngelesAnybody know who played piano on this song?
Craig from Melbourne, AustraliaListen to the lyrics carefully, and it is a joyous celebration of all things rock. Townehend gets too "introspective" sometimes, and its great to see him lighten up with this tune. They performed this on their final show in 1982 (which of course wasnt their final show).

Lyric highlight?
"We were the 1st band to vomit in the bar
And find the distance to the stage too far"
Jon from Tucson, AzIt's also used during the credits of The Kids Are Alright, a rockumentary about The Who.

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