Richie Unterberger of Allmusic highlighted the song as one of the best tracks on '' Quadrophenia '' . Caryn Rose , writing for '' Billboard '' , called the song " One of the record 's iconic moments , the song opens with clanging power chords , perfectly interspersed percussion , and majestic vocals . This track is trademark Who , period . " A review in PopMatters said the song " serves as an epitaph — for Townshend , and every rock legend that had the audacity to not die young — to the decidedly anti-rock notion of growing old . " " The Punk and the Godfather " was first performed live during The Who 's 1973 tour that was used to promote '' Quadrophenia '' . It has since become a live favorite , being performed on multiple tours since
1973 tour
The Who Tour 1973
The Punk and the Godfather