In the liner notes for the Who's 1974 rarities collection Odds & Sods, guitarist and lead songwriter Pete Townshend said, "I had an idea once for a new album about the history of The Who …

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.

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.”

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

The Who Rock is Dead lyrics: Down at the Astoria the scene was changing / Bingo and rock were pushin...

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 …

" Long Live Rock " is a 1979 single by the Who, written by Pete Townshend and recorded in 1972. A different version of the song was performed by Billy Fury 's character in the film That'll Be …