Smoke on the Water

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the iconic Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple from their legendary album Machine Head! This track, with its unforgettable guitar riff, was born out of a wild real-life event in December 1971. The band had planned to record at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland using the Rolling Stones’ mobile studio, but during a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention concert, “some stupid with a flare gun” set the venue ablaze, burning it to the ground. As Deep Purple watched from a nearby restaurant, bassist Roger Glover saw smoke covering Lake Geneva and coined the song’s title. The band relocated to the Grand Hotel in Montreux, setting up in hallways and corridors to capture the raw energy of the track. Ian Gillan’s lyrics tell the story of this chaotic recording process, written in a rush to fill a seven-minute gap on the album, making it a last-minute addition that became their signature hit.

Another juicy tidbit comes from guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who revealed the riff’s medieval roots. He described it as using fourths and fifths, inspired by Renaissance music and a BBC program about Henry VIII, giving the song a “dark and foreboding” vibe. Despite its iconic status, Blackmore initially thought the riff was too simplistic, and the band didn’t expect it to be a hit. In fact, it wasn’t released as a single until May 1973, over a year after Machine Head dropped, but it climbed to number 4 on the Billboard charts and earned a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017. Fans on _DeepPurple’s X account recently shared a quote from Roger Glover about the song’s quick creation: “It took maybe no more than 10 or 12 minutes to write the entire song. We told the story exactly like it is.” The track’s raw energy and live-performance potential, especially with extended guitar and organ jams, made it a staple of their concerts, as heard on the classic live album Made in Japan.

Deep Purple kicked off their journey in 1968 in Hertford, England, initially as a psychedelic and progressive rock outfit. The original lineup featured guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord, drummer Ian Paice, vocalist Rod Evans, and bassist Nick Simper. They scored an early U.S. hit with a cover of Hush, but their sound evolved dramatically with the arrival of Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass) in 1969, forming the legendary Mark II lineup. This shift pushed them toward a heavier, hard-rock style, cementing their place alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as pioneers of heavy metal. Their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock marked this new direction, followed by Fireball and the game-changing Machine Head in 1972. Known for their virtuosic musicianship and intense live shows, they once held the Guinness World Record as the “globe’s loudest band” after a 1972 concert. Despite lineup changes and a brief breakup from 1976 to 1984, Deep Purple has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and continues to tour and record.

Stay connected with Deep Purple through their official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile for the latest updates, tour dates, and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also dive into the vibrant community at The Highway Star, a dedicated fan website packed with news, discographies, and forums. For those looking to join the conversation, check out the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band, swap stories, and celebrate the legacy of Smoke on the Water and beyond. Keep rocking, and let’s go space truckin’!