Introduction:
“Smoke on the Water” is one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time, released by the British rock band Deep Purple in 1972. The song was part of their sixth studio album, Machine Head, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of the 1970s. The track is particularly famous for its distinctive guitar riff, which is often cited as one of the most recognizable in rock history.
The song belongs to the hard rock and heavy metal genres, with a sound that epitomizes the early 1970s rock scene. Deep Purple, along with bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, were pioneers of heavy metal, and “Smoke on the Water” stands out as a defining moment in the genre’s development.
The history behind “Smoke on the Water” is as remarkable as the song itself. The lyrics tell the true story of a fire that broke out during a Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention concert at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland on December 4, 1971. Deep Purple was in Montreux to record their album Machine Head using a mobile studio rented from The Rolling Stones. During the concert, someone in the audience fired a flare gun, which caused the casino’s ceiling to catch fire. The blaze destroyed the entire casino complex, and the title of the song, “Smoke on the Water,” refers to the smoke that drifted over Lake Geneva as the fire raged.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, Deep Purple managed to complete the recording of Machine Head at the Grand Hotel in Montreux, a venue they had to quickly arrange after the fire. “Smoke on the Water” was released as a single in 1973 and became a massive hit, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and the top 10 in various other countries.
The song’s success cemented Deep Purple’s place in rock history, and it has been covered and performed by countless artists since its release. “Smoke on the Water” remains a staple in classic rock radio and continues to be a favorite for guitarists learning their craft, thanks to its legendary riff. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to its enduring influence and popularity.