Who's behind the notes? Discover Deep Purple: Pioneers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
"Smoke on the Water" is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, and it's closely associated with the British rock band Deep Purple. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Inspiration Behind the Song: The song was inspired by a real-life event. Deep Purple was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album "Machine Head" at the Montreux Casino. During a Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention concert on December 4, 1971, a fire broke out in the casino due to a fan firing a flare gun. This incident is what the song's lyrics are referring to: "Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky."
Riff Recognition: The song's main riff, played by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, is one of the most recognizable and iconic riffs in rock music history. It's often one of the first riffs that budding guitarists learn to play.
Chart Success: "Smoke on the Water" was released as a single in 1972 and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also charted well in various other countries, becoming one of Deep Purple's biggest hits.
Censorship: Some radio stations in the United States initially refused to play "Smoke on the Water" due to the lyrics' reference to "smoke on the water" and "fire in the sky," fearing it would be associated with drug use. This led to the band releasing an edited version with different lyrics to appease these concerns.
Enduring Popularity: Despite being released in 1972, "Smoke on the Water" continues to be a popular and enduring rock anthem. It's frequently covered by other artists and is a staple in Deep Purple's live performances.
Album "Machine Head": "Smoke on the Water" is part of Deep Purple's classic album "Machine Head," which is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. The album also includes other notable tracks like "Highway Star" and "Space Truckin'."
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In 2016, Deep Purple was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This recognition solidified their status as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in history.
Various Cover Versions: Over the years, "Smoke on the Water" has been covered by numerous artists in various musical styles, showcasing its universal appeal beyond the rock genre.
Guitar World's Greatest Guitar Solo: Ritchie Blackmore's guitar solo in "Smoke on the Water" was ranked as the 4th greatest guitar solo of all time by Guitar World magazine.
Cultural Impact: The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and video games, further cementing its place in pop culture.
"Smoke on the Water" remains a classic rock anthem, and its enduring popularity ensures that it will continue to be celebrated by music enthusiasts for generations to come.