Deep Purple cemented their place in rock history with their legendary performance of “Smoke on the Water” on the shores of Lake Geneva. The year was 1971, and the band had gathered at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland to record their next album, “Machine Head.”
During a Frank Zappa concert at the casino, a fire broke out due to a fan’s flare gun, destroying the venue. The incident inspired the iconic riff of “Smoke on the Water,” as vocalist Ian Gillan later recounted witnessing “smoke on the water” rising from the lake.
Undeterred by the casino’s destruction, Deep Purple relocated to the nearby Grand Hotel and set up a makeshift recording studio in the corridors, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. There, they recorded the album, including the now-famous track.
On December 7, 1971, Deep Purple performed “Smoke on the Water” live for the first time during a concert in Montreux. The performance echoed across Lake Geneva, captivating audiences with its electrifying guitar riffs by Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan’s powerful vocals.
“Smoke on the Water” became an anthem of rock music, symbolizing resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Its impact resonates to this day, inspiring countless musicians and marking Deep Purple’s indelible contribution to rock history, forever tied to the serene yet tumultuous waters of Lake Geneva.
