The original Who recording of the song was not released until the 1974 rarities album Odds & Sods.

[3][4] Pete Townshend said of the song: Well there are dozens of these self conscious hymns to the last fifteen years appearing now and here's another one.

This was featured briefly in the film for which Keith made his acting debut, That'll Be The Day.

[4] "Long Live Rock" also was featured during the credits of the seminal 1979 Who documentary, The Kids Are Alright.

[3][4] Record World said that "All the elements of the patented Who sound are here, and the song is commercial enough to match last year's 'Won't Get Fooled Again.