🔥 “Smoke on the Water: The riff that was born from fire and became immortal” 🎸

Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" is one of the most iconic songs in classic rock and arguably the most famous guitar riff in history.

The song was released in 1972 on the album Machine Head. Its lyrics tell a true story: during a tour in Switzerland, the band was going to record the album at a casino in Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The night before they were to start, Frank Zappa was playing there, and a spectator fired a flare gun at the ceiling, causing a fire that destroyed the place. From their hotel, the members of Deep Purple watched as the smoke spread over the lake… hence the line "Smoke on the water, fire in the sky."

Musically, Ritchie Blackmore's guitar riff is legendary for its simplicity and power. It's based on fourth intervals, which gives it that dark and heavy sound. It's one of the first riffs many guitarists learn, and yet it still sounds massive.

In terms of cultural significance, the song marked a turning point in hard rock. It helped solidify the heavy sound of the 70s and established Deep Purple as a seminal band alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

Interestingly, the band initially didn't think it would be a single; they saw it almost as a musical anecdote. Over time, it became their enduring anthem and one of the most recognizable rock songs worldwide.