Smoke On The Water (Live 1972)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic "Smoke On The Water (Live 1972)" by Deep Purple from the album In Concert, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, one of rock’s most recognizable anthems, has a wild origin story. The song’s lyrics were inspired by a real event in December 1971 at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland, where Deep Purple planned to record their album Machine Head. During a performance by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, a fan fired a flare gun at the venue’s wooden roof, setting it ablaze. The fire destroyed the casino, and bassist Roger Glover came up with the song’s title after dreaming of the smoke from the fire spreading over Lake Geneva. In an interview with Fox News, vocalist Ian Gillan shared that the song was a last-minute addition to the album, written and recorded quickly to fill a seven-minute gap, and the band never expected it to become their signature hit.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from the recording process. After the casino burned down, Deep Purple moved to a dance club called the Pavilion to lay down the backing track for "Smoke On The Water." However, locals complained about the noise, and police shut them down, as noted in a Songfacts interview. The band then relocated to the Grand Hôtel de Territet, recording in a corridor, and finally captured the song’s vocals at the hotel. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore told BBC Radio 2 that during the Pavilion session, police were banging on the door while he was perfecting the riff, and they finished just before being forced to stop. The live version from 1972, featured on In Concert, showcases the band’s raw energy, with extended jams between Blackmore’s guitar and Jon Lord’s Hammond organ, a highlight also heard on their legendary Made in Japan album.

Social media posts on X have celebrated the song’s legacy, with users like @historyrock_ calling it “one of the greatest riffs in rock history” and highlighting its performance in 1972. The song’s iconic four-note riff, often one of the first learned by beginner guitarists, has been both praised and playfully mocked for its simplicity. In a Songfacts comment, a fan noted that playing it in guitar stores is frowned upon because it’s so overplayed by novices. Montreux honored the song with a sculpture by Lake Geneva, featuring the riff’s musical notes, though it was removed by 2017. The song’s cultural impact is undeniable, even appearing in pop culture, like an episode of Two and a Half Men, as a fan on Songfacts pointed out.

Deep Purple formed in London in 1968, emerging as pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock alongside bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Originally, the band leaned into psychedelic and progressive rock, with their early lineup featuring Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), Rod Evans (vocals), and Nick Simper (bass). Their debut album, Shades of Deep Purple, released in 1968, included the hit cover “Hush,” which helped them gain traction in the U.S. By 1970, with the arrival of Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass), the band shifted to a heavier sound with Deep Purple in Rock, cementing their place in rock history. This “Mark II” lineup, responsible for “Smoke On The Water,” produced some of their most iconic albums, including Fireball and Machine Head. Despite numerous lineup changes and an eight-year hiatus from 1976 to 1984, Deep Purple has sold over 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Fans can connect with Deep Purple through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, new releases, and throwbacks to their storied career. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Highway Star is one of the best fan sites, offering news, discography, and tour details, while the Deep Purple Appreciation Society provides reviews, photos, and a store for collectors. On Facebook, groups like Deep Purple Fans bring together devotees to discuss the band’s music and legacy, perfect for any Zoo Freak wanting to join the conversation.