Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs in rock history. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, with its instantly recognizable guitar riff and memorable lyrics. But what inspired the band to write such a classic?
The answer lies in a real-life event that took place in Montreux, Switzerland, in December 1971. Deep Purple had booked the Montreux Casino to record their next album, but things took a dramatic turn during a Frank Zappa concert that was being held there.
During the concert, a fan fired a flare gun into the ceiling of the casino, which caused a fire to break out. The casino was soon engulfed in flames, and the members of Deep Purple watched the chaos from their hotel room across the lake.
The next day, the band returned to the destroyed casino to find that all their equipment and recording plans had been destroyed. But from the ashes of the fire came inspiration for “Smoke on the Water.”
The lyrics tell the story of the fire, with lines like “Funky Claude was running in and out, pulling kids out the ground” referencing Claude Nobs, the founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, who helped rescue people from the burning building.
The song’s famous guitar riff was also inspired by the event. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore had been experimenting with a riff that was reminiscent of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, but he ultimately decided to simplify it for “Smoke on the Water.” The result is a riff that has become one of the most recognizable in rock music.
In the end, the fire in Montreux gave birth to one of rock’s most enduring classics. “Smoke on the Water” remains a testament to the power of music to turn tragedy into triumph, and to the enduring creative spirit of Deep Purple.
Watch: Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water
Listen: Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water
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