In a recent interview, the members of Deep Purple opened up about the legendary origins of their 1972 hit 'Smoke on the Water', recounting the dramatic events in Montreux that inspired the song. The track, now a rock anthem, was born from a real-life incident involving Frank Zappa and a fire that engulfed the Montreux Casino during a concert.
The Night That Changed Rock History
The band vividly recalled the evening of December 4, 1971, when Zappa and The Mothers of Invention were performing at the casino. A flare gun set off by an audience member ignited the venue's ceiling, leading to a catastrophic fire. Deep Purple, who were in Montreux to record their 'Machine Head' album, watched the blaze from their hotel across Lake Geneva.
'The whole place was burning, and the smoke was spreading over the lake,' recounted guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. 'That image stuck with us—it was surreal and unforgettable.'
From Chaos to Creativity
Forced to relocate their recording sessions to the Grand Hotel, the band turned adversity into art. The now-iconic opening riff, composed by Blackmore, and the lyrics penned by Ian Gillan immortalised the event. 'Smoke on the Water' became a global phenomenon, cementing Deep Purple's place in rock history.
The band also paid tribute to Frank Zappa, whose misfortune inadvertently provided the spark for their creativity. 'We owe a lot to Frank,' said keyboardist Jon Lord. 'His influence, even in that moment, was profound.'
A Legacy That Endures
Over five decades later, the song remains a staple of rock radio and a favourite among guitarists learning their craft. Its story—a blend of disaster, ingenuity, and musical brilliance—continues to captivate fans old and new.
As Deep Purple looks back, they marvel at how a single night in Montreux gave birth to one of the most recognisable riffs in music history.
