"Smoke on the Water" is a song by English rock band Deep Purple, released on their 1972 studio album Machine Head. The song's lyrics are based on true events, chronicling the 1971 fire at Montreux Casino in Montreux, Switzerland. It is considered the band's signature song and its guitar riff is considered to be one of the most iconic in rock history.
1973 German single sleeve
Cover for the "Rock Aid Armenia" charity release
Cover of the 7" reissue of the Rock Aid Armenia single
Claude Nobs (2006), the "Funky Claude" mentioned in the song
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has varied throughout their career. Originally formed as a psychedelic rock and progressive rock band, they shifted to a heavier sound with their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock. Deep Purple, together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, have been referred to as the "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies". They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as "the globe's loudest band" for a 1972 concert at London's Rainbow Theatre and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
Deep Purple Mark II in 1971. Left to right: Jon Lord, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Paice.
Deep Purple Mark I in 1968. Standing left to right: Nick Simper, Ian Paice, Rod Evans; seated left to right: Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord.
Ian Gillan in 1970
Roger Glover in 1971