Who's behind the notes? Discover Deep Purple: Pioneers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
"Smoke on the Water" is one of Deep Purple's most iconic songs, known for its memorable guitar riff. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Inspiration for the Song: The song was inspired by a real-life event. Deep Purple was recording their album "Machine Head" in Montreux, Switzerland, in 1971. During a Frank Zappa concert at the Montreux Casino, a fire broke out, and the casino burned down. The smoke from the fire on Lake Geneva inspired the song's title.
Guitar Riff Origin: The famous guitar riff was created by Deep Purple's guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The riff is simple yet powerful and has become one of the most recognizable in rock music history.
Recording Challenges: Deep Purple faced challenges while recording "Machine Head." They initially intended to record at the Montreux Casino but had to relocate to the Grand Hotel due to the fire. The band set up a mobile recording studio in the hotel's hallways, which added a unique acoustic quality to the album.
Chart Success: "Smoke on the Water" was released as a single in 1973 and became a commercial success, reaching the top 5 in several countries. It is considered one of the greatest rock anthems.
Cultural Impact: The song has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its riff is often played by aspiring guitarists as one of the first riffs they learn.
Album Cover: The "Machine Head" album cover features a photo of the smoke over Lake Geneva from the fire incident. This iconic cover art has become synonymous with the band and the album.
"Smoke on the Water" remains a classic rock staple and is celebrated for its timeless appeal and its place in the history of rock music.