Long Live Rock

Album: Odds And Sods (1972)
Charted: 48 54
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  • Down at the Astoria the scene was changing
    Bingo and rock were pushing out x-rating
    We were the first band to vomit at the bar
    And find the distance to the stage too far
    Meanwhile it's getting late at ten o'clock
    Rock is dead they say
    Long live rock

    Long live rock! I need it every night
    Long live rock! Come on and join the line
    Long live rock! Be it dead or alive

    People walk in sideways pretending that they're leaving
    We put on our makeup and work out all the lead-ins
    Jack is in the alley selling tickets made in Hong Kong
    Promoter's in the pay box wondering where the band's gone
    Back in the pub the governor stops the clock
    Rock is dead they say
    Long live rock

    Long live rock! I need it every night
    Long live rock! Come on and join the line
    Long live rock! Be it dead or alive

    Landslide, rocks are falling, falling down upon our very heads
    We tried but you were yawning, look again
    Rock is dead
    Rock is dead
    Rock is dead

    The place is really jumping to the high watt amps
    'Til a twenty inch cymbal fell and cut the lamps
    In the blackout they danced right into the aisle
    And as the doors fly open even the promoter smiles
    Someone takes his pants off and the rafters knock
    Rock is dead they say
    Long live rock, long live rock, long live rock, long live rock

    Long live rock
    Long live rock
    Long live rock
    Long live rock
    Long live rock

    Long live rock! I need it every night
    Long live rock! Come on and join the line
    Long live rock! Be it dead or alive Writer/s: Peter Dennis Blandfor Townshend
    Publisher: Abkco Music Inc., Spirit Music Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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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