Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water (1972)

“Smoke on the Water” is one of rock music’s most iconic songs, recorded by Deep Purple and released in 1972 on their sixth studio album, Machine Head. Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the song is instantly recognizable for its legendary guitar riff, one of the most famous in rock history.

The song recounts a real-life event: a fire that broke out during a Frank Zappa concert at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland in December 1971. Deep Purple were in Montreux recording their album at a nearby casino using a mobile studio. When the casino burned down during Zappa’s performance, the band watched the smoke rise over Lake Geneva — an image immortalized in the song’s title and lyrics.

• Ritchie Blackmore’s four-note guitar riff is iconic, simple yet unforgettable, and often one of the first riffs learned by aspiring guitarists.
• The song blends hard rock riffs with bluesy elements, driven by Ian Paice’s energetic drumming and Jon Lord’s powerful organ work, creating a perfect rock anthem.
• Lyrically, the song tells the story of the casino fire, with vivid imagery like “Smoke on the water, fire in the sky.”
• “Smoke on the Water” became a definitive Deep Purple hit and one of the most enduring rock songs of all time.
• It reached international success, cementing Deep Purple’s place as one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal.
• The riff has influenced countless rock and metal guitarists and continues to appear in pop culture, films, commercials, and video games.

Musicians:
Ritchie Blackmore – guitars
Ian Gillan – lead and backing vocals
Roger Glover – bass guitar
Jon Lord – Hammond organ
Ian Paice – drums

“Smoke on the Water” – Single by Deep Purple from the album Machine Head
Released May 1973
Recorded December 1971
Songwriters Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Ian Paice

Charted No.7 in US, No.54 Australia, No.11 Austria, No.27 Belgium, No.2 Canada, No.20 Wesy Germany