Legendary Band Almost THREW This RIFF Away… Became MOST FAMOUS in Rock History! | Professor of Rock
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- A flare gun fired by an idiot attending a concert led to the burning of a casino and a towering fire in the sky. The rock band Deep Purple happened to be in attendance and was supposed to record their new record Machine Head there the next day…they saw the whole thing. A few days later the band’s bassist Roger Glover had a nightmare about the fire and a legendary song title came to him Smoke on the Water…. sometime later a riff just as iconic came to guitarist Ritchie Blackmore that he borrowed from a famous classical piece… It would be a chore to record. They were shut down by the Police for playing too loud. Then they had to move to an abandoned hotel to record…It was a disaster. Once they recorded this legendary song. they didn’t think much of it. Ian Gillen sang the hell out of it. One day Deep Purple played it live and got a massive reaction. They decided to release it as the last single off the album and it became their biggest hit. The riveting story of the disaster in Montreux NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies Professor of Rock alway here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time . If you use to record songs off the radio, hoping the DJ wouldn’t talk over the music this is your place. subscribe below right now so you never miss an episode of our daily features. Make sure to check us out on Patreon to become an insider with us.
It’s time for another episode of our series. Number one in our hearts where we talk about a song that should’ve gone to the top spot on the Billboard charts. December 4th, 1971. The quintet of Deep Purple and their crew were in Montreux, Switzerland. It was the night before they were to begin the recording session for their new album Machine Head using The Rolling Stones mobile studio that was adjacent to the entertainment complex of the Montreux Casino.
The band decided to take in the Frank Zappa & the Mothers show that was the marquis entertainment at the Casino de Montreux for the evening, and the last act scheduled to play the casino before it was to be closed to the public for winter remodeling.
Deep Purple had reserved the room, since it was going to be empty, to record their next LP. Zappa & the band were jamming along, about 90 minutes into their set, and they were just getting into Don Preston’s synthesizer solo for “King Kong" when someone from the audience fired a flare gun, and all hell broke loose!
The chaotic terror of what went down was memorialized in an unlikely rock standard titled “Smoke on the Water.”Deep Purple lead singer Ian Gillan, was in the audience and recalled two flares being shot by someone sitting behind him that landed in the top corner of the building and instantly set the roof ablaze.
Zappa stopped the show and helped ensure an orderly exit.
DP bassist Roger Glover shared that it was "the biggest fire” he'd ever seen. He remembered feeling very little panic to get out of the building because it didn't seem like much of a fire at first. But, when the band and the other concertgoers were out of harm's way, the casino went up like a fireworks display.
Although there were no major injuries, the blaze destroyed the entire casino complex, along with all of the gear for Zappa & the Mothers.
Poll; What is your pick for the GREATEST rock riff of all time?
Alice in Chains "Man in the Box"
The Kinks - You Really Got Me
Chuck Berry, Johnny B Good. 🎸
Besides the riff of "Smoke on the Water", I will nominate the riff of "Satisfaction " by the Rolling Stones.
tie- Kinks - You Really Got Me and Rush- Limelight.
runnerups: China Grove- Doobie Brothers; AC/DC - Back in Black;
Dire Straits- Money For Nothing; Guns N’ Roses- Sweet Child of Mine.
I remember being a kid at a wedding reception and they had hired a band, and I don’t remember what songs they were playing but I went up to them and asked them if they could play Smoke on the water , they looked at each other like finally we get to rock. With big grins on their faces and mine, they played Smoke on the water , I think I got them to play it 3 more times throughout the night.
Seriously? Good on ya!
You not only saved the wedding reception, but you probably saved their marriage too...
I once saw an outdoor wedding band rehearsing. I wish I got to see the wedding. Now maybe I'll never know what a bunch of people in gowns and tuxedos dancing to all eight minutes of "Roundabout" looks like...
It was just a few blocks from my house at the time, too!
That’s right!!! Rock on!
I will never get over the fact that Frank Zappa was indirectly responsible for the greatest guitar riff of all time.
True! Thanks Steven!
And directly responsible for plenty besides. "I'm The Slime" and "Eat That Question" spring to mind.
Actually, I think the only trick "SOTW" misses is working "King Kong", the song The Mothers were playing when the fire started, into the guitar solo. It wouldn't be that different from the actual solo, either.
Unbelievable, right?
Zoran, you beat me to it. I’d add Willy the Pimp and Montana.
Sounds like someone wanted Frank Zappa dead.
Love deep purple! I am a professional guitarist/musician. I got to play smoke on the water with Ian Gillan singer of the purple. What a great time. As Wayne and Garth would say, I absolutely was not worthy lol.
Serious? So cool!
How'd that happen?
You’re so lucky! I wish I got an opportunity like that…
@@ProfessorofRock It was via a radio contest where I sent my playing to backing track of Smoke on the water. They liked it and by luck I was selected to play with Ian Gillian.He was such a cool person and musician I Was awestruck. I have video of it on my website. Thanks for what you do love your channel I watch when I am practicing scales
ruclips.net/video/xokONwQUa6M/видео.html
Their live album Made in Japan is outstanding. The version Smoke on the Water is thunderous. The version of Highway Star is one of the best live tracks I’ve ever heard. For those of us who listened to it through real stereo systems with great speakers, it was an experience.
yes a transitor radio doesnt do it justice.
Definitely the best version
"Highway Star is one of my favorite rock songs ever. I shred an air guitar on that one! Now I'm finally learning electric guitar and not quite there yet, but I will get there. Right now just the opening riff of "Smoke On The Water" 😂
Jimmy Page has said, when asked about a famous bit from “Wayne’s World”, that salespeople at musical-instrument stores have a hard time hearing potential customers play not only “Stairway to Heaven”, but “Smoke on the Water” as well. That’s certainly a testament to its role in the history of rock and roll...
Both classics from golden gods.
No shit brother!
Having worked in music stores for many years, "Crazy Train" by Ozzy got on my nerves! Kids would come in and say, "Can I try out that guitar?" (I'd think to myself, "You mean the one you can't afford? Sure!") But just before they'd start playing I'd say, "Please don't play 'Crazy Train!'" And every time, the response would be, "How'd you know I was gonna play that?" I'd say, "Because everyone your age comes in here and plays it!" I'll take SOTH or "Stairway" any day.
@@ronricherson6685 should have demanded it could only be On Bark at The Moon. lol
@@ronricherson6685 I think I worked at Guitar Center after you were done because during my time Crazy Train was out and the double-tempo version of Enter Sandman had taken over. One of our guys from Accessories (a real prick) actually unplugged a kid who was playing it without saying a word.
_Machine Head_ is such a fantastic album. "Space Truckin'" is a great tune, and "Highway Star" is absolutely epic.
Love Highway Star!
@@ProfessorofRock I ride a Harley with a half watt transmitter so I can use playlists with an entire group ride. Everyone in the group can tune their radios in and we all rock to the same badass tunes, not today’s radio trash but good rebel radio. We roll down the road with Highway Star on that playlist. It’s perfect for a biker run.
@@ProfessorofRocki think Purple wrote Highway Star on the tour bus when an interviewer asked them their songwriting process. They started explaining how they did it, and ended up writing a song. On the road right now so I can't double check to make sure my memory is accurate
That might make a good episode for you if there's enough information out there about it.
There are some serious gems on Machine Head.
Top ten metal
Now that was a deep dive on the most recognized and play riff ever created. To think the song would have never been if the band didn't have to improvise just to get it recorded. This song will live forever, my first riff my cousin taught me when I was 9. Great in depth story professor
Machine head is one of the few albums that every song is great. Ac/dc back in black. Def leopard,Pyromania and Hysteria. Metallica the black album. There’s more. But these are great.
@@Doadab13 couldn't agree more
One of the first riffs I ever heard. Absolutely iconic.
Does this sound familiar
It’s from 64
Blackmore is bs about the perfect fifths story
ruclips.net/video/xokONwQUa6M/видео.html
A riff so famous that Jake wouldn't stop playing it on two and a half Men one episode
A lot of people are obsessed with that one riff.
I knew when my daughter found my machine head album when i came home from work one day ! I had to listen to that riff for weeks but it was all good !
Very cool!
It’s guaranteed to hook you in.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 right ! Gotta luv the memories !
You have a way of painting a picture of how things played out that puts things in a context that I can really relate too. The stories always feel like memories, thanks for that!
I concur. He's a storyteller who tells stories about storytellers.
Thanks Tina! You made my day!
Machine Head is a must-have in any 70s album collection. Smoke was one of my first riffs for sure, along with The Kink's "You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night". Gotta love those power chords. Hey Adam, your Grandpa's old beat up Les Paul would be worth a small fortune by now. Hope you kept it in the family. Thx for the story behind this classic tune!
Thanks Robster! How's life my friend?
The Kinks riffs are undeniable.
Eddie van Halen has sighted many times that Ritchie Blackmore was one of his biggest influences.
I've heard the same!
You know you’re a legend when even EVH thinks you’re a musical teacher.
@Brian Snow.......CITED many times......nice sentiment ruined by illiteracy.......
@@urbanurchin5930 Dude....chill. I just spelled a word wrong.
Deep Purple has so many great songs no matter which version of the band. My all time favorite has to be Child In Time, so good.
Wonderful song. Thanks Daniel!
Mine to. The live version from Made in Japan cannot be matched!
Great song!!
Child in Time is a 10 minute epic. Highly recommend.
Same here! That song really shows off Gillan's pipes. Just wow.....
The first riff I learned (11 year old me) was "(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone" which was the B-Side of the Monkees 45 - "I'm a Believer". It would be a few years later before I acquired a 'Lawsuit' era LP copy and had started listening to Rock music. That is when I worked out the "Smoke on the Water" riff. Many years later (2006ish), our local Rock station held a contest to play "Smoke on the Water" as part of Ian Gillan's tour to support his album "Gillan's Inn". I was the lucky one, and got to go on stage with Ian sit in with the band for "Smoke on the Water" play the riff and sing along with Ian on the chorus. A very happy day.
🎸😎
I remember that song! Great start to your riffing journey.
So do you consider all of the Monkees music to be pop or something else... since you specified it was a few years later that you started listening to rock music? I ask because I don't see the Monkees as only pop, especially Steppin Stone. That one isn't something that I would put in the bubblegum pop that I'm a Believer is in but I don't know that I has to negate the other.
What an iconic story for a song, even though it really is tragic in nature. Easily the quintessential beginner guitarist riff! Cheers man
It really is. What a story. Cheers to you my friend!
@@ProfessorofRock Thank you!
The story behind it is CRAZY.
easier than you think, apparently. not bar chorded just plucked the 5th and octave. could be wrong but i seen/heard that somewhere. leaves room for the bass.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
“Story” is a good word for it.
The story about the fire and all is true
The riff?
Judge for yourself
This is from 66
ruclips.net/video/xokONwQUa6M/видео.html
Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress for some reason had that coolness of Smoke on the Water
I can hear that!
The former came first, so maybe it was inspo.
Lots of musicians borrowed riffs from the old Masters. Beethoven, Bach, Schubert, and many others.
I’ve always loved the opening riff of Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting
Hey Professor, i want to thank you for this channel! It's helped me appreciate music so much more! I wanted to share with you todays episode of Deep Purple helped me and my 1st born son who's a bass player, bond even more. He's been tasked with "babysitting Mom"(me) as im having a high pain day from RSD/CRPS. I asked him his thoughts on your poll question and we had a blast reminiscing over our favorite riffs❤ We had a wonderful conversation and I appreciate it! Thank you @professorofrock 😊
RIP Jon Lord, DP's keyboardist extraordinaire
Indeed.
When I learned guitar my first two licks were Smoke On the Water and Wild Thing then a very basic version of Whole Lotta Love
Very cool!
All classics.
Waiting on Beethoven's copyright infringement lawsuit.
…..
From the grave?
Absolute Classic ... Great insight and commentary ... Very well done Professor ......
Everyone please go watch the all star version of ROCK AID ARMENIA ... It's the 2nd coming of "Stars" by HEAR N'AID ... Who's who of Hard Rock in this re-recording of such Rock classic ...with Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore themselves (didn't record in the same room of course) putting their piece adding the authenticity to the recording ......
Thank you so much Professor for touching on this timeless riff and timeless song ......
been travelling for a while ... back into my DARK dungeon ... catching up with the many episodes I've missed ......
|m|_ //-_- _|m/
...... ...... ......
Nope, my first one was Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater revival
Classic.
Led Zeppelin "Jimmy Page" had at least 75 better riffs. Richie Blackmores riff was simple. I am a best friend with his Guitar Technician 'Cookie" He would be a good interview. I can make it happen.
Machine Head was the first album I ever bought, the year was 1972 and I was 8 years old, this was pure musical magic and the album is as good today as it was then 🎵🎶😍
Great video! Machine Head was the first album I ever bought with my own money. That was the Summer of 1974. I still listen to the album in it's entirety. Not a weak song on the album.
As Good as Machinehead was, Made In Japan was like Machinehead on steroids. I would ditch Jr High and me and my friends would wear that double album out.
I never tried playing it but I remember being in Church for an evening service. There was a local band that had been asked to play on some of the hymns.
Imagine the congregation when they played “smoke on the water” to warm up! 😂😂
The guitarist at my church always plays Going Home (theme from Local Hero) by Mark Knopfler to warm up before Services. I feel it's like bringing all human life before God.
When I was in High School, probably my Jr. or Sr. year, it was the late 90s and I was unaware of this song, but at a pep rally or something, this Sophomore started playing the riff on his guitar and he was the hero that day. Everyone was rocking with this kid, and although he started out a bit shaky, everyone cheering gave him the confidence he needed and he was rocking out. That was my first experience with the song, and now I've heard it a lot more, I have to say I think it is best as just an instrumental, no lyrics needed, just rock this one out with the guitars and drums.
Glad to hear this. Rock on!
Adam, now that you mention this "the song everyone has to learn on guitar", so how about you made a story about "a song that guitarist accidentally made it a basis of jazz saxophone playing" should be interesting
It's absolutely a miracle that nobody was seriously injured--let alone killed--during that blaze.
No kidding. A miracle.
Thank God
It's interesting how seven (or 12) notes can be so iconic. Love your channel, by the way. Your content is always fun and educational, too.
In the 1970s, I kept a Panasonic cassette tape recorder next to the radio, and I would make mix tapes by recording the sound coming from the speaker. I really hated when someone slammed a door, the dog barked or my brother came into the room to complain about not having his driver's license (daily gripe).
Hey Prof,
I've listened to a number of your videos. And I've got to say, you're easy to listen to, knowledgeable, and make all your videos interesting. You come across as a really good dude who genuinely cares about his area of interest. Keep up the good work, sir.
Robert
actually, DP II reunited in 1984 and produced 2 albums, Perfect Strangers & House of Blue Light, before dissolving again until the early 90s...I saw them on both those tours, and they rocked just as hard as ever!
I’ve heard them and they’re solid.
yes, the narrative in the videos is very simplified (and incorrect) about the reunions.
@@michaelkarlsson5966 Still he was close, and I appreciate all the work he puts into these videos and am usually facinated with the things a learn on here...
What your bong does, makes smoke on the water.
Ha!
Truth!
Love that guitar riff - iconic ! Mesmerizing! It makes Rock fans want to pretend they’re holding an electric guitar and performing that riff in the privacy of their bedroom 😅
I air guitar it as well!
I guessed it before you got there. But I'm 67. I lived through it. Loved Deep Purple and Frank Zappa. I had the Made in Japan 8 track in my car. Those were incredible times. And a time of incredible music. Thanks
Easily the quintessential beginner *BASS* guitarist riff too! At least it was for me.
Awesome!
Amazing!
Adam: My older brother was working for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention at that time and was at that concert. He was on the European tour and would send me postcards from that time. I recall that the hotel burning and my brother calling our dad about the fire. My brother's name is Dave O'Neil and he is referenced on the Fillmore East June 1971 album.
1973 Uriah Heep (Demons & Wizards) and 1973 Deep Purple sounded remarkably similar. Both outstanding!
Uriah Heep are phenomenal.
no they don't. They're sort of the same style and both have the "same" line-up but they don't similar. Uriah Heep was good but Deep Purple was always better technically at their instruments.
@Michael Karlsson
Well...I disagree.
@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz
Indeed they are outstanding!
I am a 58 year old guitar playing novice who has just gained some great respect for the riff from Smoke On The Water. Just the other day I took a stab at it that did not go well at all. I have small, weak hands and I had a lot of trouble with it. When I was between the ages of ten and twelve my neighbor, Donny, who played the drums and his cousin, Mark, who played guitar would sometimes set up their equipment outside Donny’s house and jam Smoke On The Water.
Yep! Smoke on The Water, Iron Man, NIB, Twist Of Cain, Mother, Teen Spirt: classic first riffs learned.
(Heh I bet the casino “owners” & insurance company love this song 🤣🤣🤣)
Ha ha. Good one!
I can only imagine…
Bass player here, first bass line I learned was the main riff from Rush’s Limelight. It was years later that I finally was able to play the rest of the song. First full song that I was able to play all the way through, from Rush’s first album, In The Mood.
Yeah, I played this song, but not on guitar. I was in band in high school, and we got to play for the dedication of a new bridge in town, and this was one of the songs our band director had us play. Another song was Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel. My instrument was trumpet.
Gee. I'm older and the "contemporary" piece we got to play was a medley from the Mary Poppins Disney movie. 🙄
You’re definitely not the only one to play the riff on trumpet. Randy in 8th grade band did it every day in 1978 (CA). I played trombone.
Bridge Over Troubled Water on trumpet? Wow!
I am so sure this cover of Maria Wanted by Astrud Gilberto was released years before Smoke On The Water; I am surprised this was not mentioned at all. @Professor of Rock ruclips.net/video/k4mpX2zkD9Y/видео.html
The 1st song I learned on guitar was the theme to Sanford and Son. Just think that the guy who taught me how to play guitar Ngwie Malmstein He had never heard of Sanford and Son.
Ha ha. YOu always have the best stories!
My mom and aunts grew up with Sanford and Son and can sing the theme song from memory.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hey Silly Lilly 🤪they're pretty good ! Considering that it's all instrumental !🤔
@@constipatedinsincity4424 The 70s theme songs reigned supreme.
Nobody in Sweden has ever heard of Sanford and Son so it's not strange that Malmsteen does not know about them since he not only comes from Sweden but also lived (lives?) under his neo-baroque-ish rock 🤣
I dont know if it's the case any longer, but it's amazing how every kid who wanted to play rock guitar in the 70s and 80s started with this riff. Every moreso considering how complicated Deep Purple music can be.
Awesome band!! Saw them in OKC ‘76!!! Fantastic riff!🤘🔥
Fantastic!
Rock on to you!
Many, many, many metal riffs have come from #5. I remember noticing that when I first started playing guitar as a kid.
What people don’t know is the two versions of Smoke on the Water (studio version and live version) were in the top 10 at the same time. Also, In 1973 Deep Purple was the number 1 biggest selling band in the world. So that counts more than the single. The classic line up reformed in 1984 and that world tour grossed second only to Springsteen.
Deep Purple were 😮not the biggest selling band in the world in 1973. That’s absurd. The album had already been around the world in 1972 and it took off only in the US the next year. Total sales worldwide for Machine Head up until today are less than 3 million.
@@daviebananas1735 machine head came out in 72 but it took off in 1973 after the release of Made in Japan. The combined sales of Machine Head, Made in Japan and I believe even Who Do We Think We Are made them the top selling band in 1973. That’s a fact.
@@thetruthhurts6652 All those albums have not even sold 5M copies in total, even today. There’s no way that they outsold Dark Side Of The Moon, the years biggest selling album. Elton John had the 2nd and 5th best selling albums worldwide so could have usurped Pink Floyd in total. Only Made In Japan was amongst the top 20 best selling albums of the year in 1973 globally. The Beatles 2 greatest hit was also released in 1973 and were the 3rd and 4th best selling albums, which also boosted sales of every other Beatles album. Houses Of The Holy was another huge album for Led Zep that year. No way all of these bands sold less than Deep Purple that year, the peak of album sales when the top albums regularly sold 10-20M.
Total sale for the albums mentioned in this thread:-
Deep Purple - Machine Head - 3M
Deep Purple - Made In Japan - 2.5M
Deep Purple - Who Do We Think…- 0.7M
Pink Floyd - Dark Side… - 45M
Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick - 20M
Elton John - Don’t Shoot Me… - 4M
Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy - 12M
The Beatles - Greatest Hits 62-66 - 20M
The Beatles - Greatest Hits 67-70 - 25M
@@daviebananas1735 to say all those albums have not sold over 5 million is ludicrous. I know it’s impossible to know exactly what the sales number is it’s pretty well excepted that Deep Purple has sold over 100 million albums. The bands you mention no doubt sold much more than Deep Purple but you have to consider that Dark Side of the Moon had most it’s sales after 1973. Also, as big as Purple was in 73, North America was their most unsuccessful continent. In other parts of the world the success of Machinehead put 5 other albums in the charts at the same time. In Rock alone was in the European charts for 52 weeks and it’s unheard of here. I read several times and I know I seen the chart somewhere showing they were the number 1 in record sales for 1973. I wouldn’t make something up.
@@daviebananas1735 I just quickly found this list.
The Top 5 Highest-Selling Deep Puple Albums Until 2023
5. Deep Purple - Fireball
Play
Number Of Sales: 5.1 Million
4. Perfect Strangers
Number Of Sales: 5.5 Million
3. Burn
Number Of Sales: 8.2 Million
2. Deep Purple In Rock
Number Of Sales: 13.2 Million
1. Machine Head
Number Of Sales: 36.7 Million
Fan fact is they wrote a lot of better songs than SOTW...
Is there anyone alive who doesn't know this riff?
No joke.
(crickets)
So crazy that you did this today. I was just watching the legends from Queen, Rush, Black Sabbath, etc. record this song for the Armenian earthquake in 1989. I never knew about it before. I woke up with this riff in my head this morning!
The bong song
Yep!
I remember playing it pretty early on, although I used classic power chords on the low 3 strings as I didn't know the clever and easier way Blackmore played it. I have, however, taught it the correct way to many of my guitar students.
Imagine seeing Zappa back then.
No kidding. Love him.
@@ProfessorofRock we love him while other people just don't get him.
@@daBEAGLE1017 I'm one of those
@@Sweet--Richard.4981 there are many who don't understand his music while others call him a genius.
@@daBEAGLE1017 He was half comedy half punk.
Machine Head was the first rock album I had, I wore it out, it was so good. I still believe it’s one of the greatest complete albums ever made.
Deep Purple has been one of my favorite bands since I can remember. When the classic Mk. II lineup reunited for "Perfect Strangers" (3 weeks before my 14th birthday!), I could not have been happier! I still think that record is amongst the greatest ever recorded.
Anyway, a Deep Purple story! Back in 2004, Ian Gillan held an essay contest on his website, in which entrants were to provide a thoughtful answer to this simple question: "What time is it?" The top 2 respondents would win tickets and backstage passes for any Deep Purple show on the "Bananas" tour - IN THE WORLD. I don't remember most of what I wrote, but in keeping with the spirit of Ian's wicked sense of humor, I began my answer with "It depends on what your definition of 'is' is" and just rolled on from there. Long story short, my drummer and I had a BLAST at the Las Vegas House of Blues one summer night in 2004 as we got the VIP treatment from one of our favorite bands of all time. ☮
I’m happy to hear.
It was Smoke on the water on a 73 Jazz Bass.
Ya just knew it had to be smoke on the water. I knew some of the background so this was really good. Thanks, sir.
in the late 90s, I had a 1974 Dodge Dart with an aftermarket cassette tape player - Machine Head was one of my fave albums to listen to while cruising.
Might not surprise anyone to know that I first heard of this song in a film called 'School of Rock' (you know, the one with Jack Black).
Not to discredit the grunty riff in 'Smoke on the Water', but there's a few other songs with great riffs that I've thought of as well:
David Bowie - Rebel Rebel
The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up
Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf (extended 'night' version)
Queen - Hammer to Fall
Dire Straits & Sting - Money for Nothing
(Incidentally, those are all English songs).
Smoke on the Water was the "school song" for my middle school years after it was released.
The song is great no doubt about it. Even appealing enough to 12-14 yr olds who chose to close out all school dances with it over more current songs at the time.
A correction : Ritchie left and formed Rainbow but disbanded Rainbow to reform Deep Purple MKII again and they released Perfect Strangers in 1984. Ritchie then left DP in 1993 and Steve Morse joined in 1994 staying on until 2022. Don Airey joined in 2002 The band is still going on and releasing new material.
I never have tried to play Smoke on the Water. It might have to be do to the fact that I am a bassist. First song I tried on the bass was N.I.B. from Black Sabbath.
The girl next door had Deep Purple Live in Japan and that was on it.
You asked, so I will tell you. I was born in 63. My first forays into guitar playing was open chord folk songs. Git Along Little Dogies, This Land is Your Land, at about 12 years old. A couple years later as I gained confidence with open chords, I learned bar chords and Smoke on the Water as one of my first rock and roll songs. All the kids could play the main riff, but I sat down and played the record over and over and learned the other pieces of the song, subbing in open chords to help me figure it all out. A couple years into that and Eddie Van Halen brought a whole new challenge into focus - shredding. Eventually played guitar in a pretty strong garage band, nothing came of it of course, but it sure gave me music appreciation.
Blackmore is in my Top 5 guitarists. Not for this but give a listen to “Difficult to Cure” on the Rainbow Final Vinyl live album. With the Japanese Symphony Orchestra.
The video is also on RUclips - using the same take as the album.
Purple (Machine Head version) got back together in '85. They did 2 Studio albums, 1 Live album, then Gillan left again. They had Joe Lynn Turner (former Rainbow) for one album, then Gillan came back for "The Battle Rages On" (DP 25th Anniversary). In '93 Blackmore left permenatley. They finished the tour with Joe Satriani. Then they got Steve Morse on guitar. A little before he died, Jon Lord retired and was replaced by Don Airey (former Rainbow (and others)). In 2023, Morse left and was replaced by Simon McBride. Blackmore was in the band from '85-'93. Then he did the "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" album "Stranger in Us All". Basically, when they go back together in '85, they've existed without stopping/breaking up, just replacing people as they left.
in my first band this was the first song we learned together. They had tried with the previous singer but he couldn't sing it in Gillian's style. I learned it in 2 days by listening to it over and over to capture all nuance and style of Ian. Still one of my favorite songs to sing.
It was 1977 and I was in high school when I first began to learn to play the bass guitar. And yes, the first song I learned to play on bass was the bass line for smoke on the water.
I've been to Montrouex Switzerland and it is a beautiful place
I'm always trying to figure out the band/song subject before you reveal it. Today, you said, "The first guitar song we all learn to play," and the riff immediately began playing in my head. Thank you for every one of these videos, Prof, you're doing a great work here.
That was me too.
My band chose to play Smoke on the Water because nobody played it anymore. People look down on it ("it's too simple", "it's a cliche", etc), so we decided to revive it. We loved playing it. Simple isn't the same as bad.
Can't forget that Richie Blackmore also formed Blackmores Knight. It's such a change from Deep Purple, and ! And so amazing ! ❤Rainbow
OMG ! Was hoping you would cover this song ! It's always been so amazing ! I also think it's awesome that Rudy Dolezol uses this song for the intro to his show Backstage ! He directed multiple Qurrn videos- all of the last ones,basically,as well as too many other greats to to name here.❤❤ Thank you !
Machine Head was one of the first albums I ever bought. Smoke on the water was the reason I bought the album. It’s still my favorite album by the band.
Machine Head was the album on my turntable all through my junior high school years, every song on it resonated with me. For me, Machine Head defines what a classic rock album should be.
But the first guitar lick I wanted to learn was not Smoke On The Water, it was "Up Around The Bend" By Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Smoke on the Water is a stone cold classic. (Even though Stone Cold is a classic by Ritchie Blackmore's other band Rainbow, no pun was intended.) The opening guitar riff is easily one of the most recognizable ever recorded. I have the 45 rpm single that I picked up at a local flea market in the late 80s, which still gets played and recently added the Machine Head CD to my collection.
I remember when I first heard this song (I was born in 72) my dad was so excited to tell me the story behind this song. My dad was very similar to yours Adam, he knew the story’s behind all the songs. The memories I will always cherish and the discussions I miss so much because I know he had more to tell.
I saw Deep Purple back in 1970 something. My ears are still numb. Great show.
You’re lucky to have a dad like that.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 He was amazing. Back in the day he was in a band that didn’t go far and his friend in Ocala FL were the The Royal Guardsmen. He stayed active in the business then just started playing 1 off shows now and then raising me and my sis as a single parent. We constantly talked music until he passed last June. I learned so much from him. I miss him and those talks so much. I actually feel lost.
@@Terk131 The same Royal Guardsmen who had a hit with Snoopy v. Red Baron in 1966?
Sorry for your loss. 🪦
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes, those guys. And Thank you.
The Mark II lineup of Deep Purple, which recorded Machine Head, was still together for one more album, Who Do We Think We Are, before Gillan & Glover left. That same lineup reformed in 1984 for 2 more studio albums and 1 live album. They switched out singers with Joe Lynn Turner coming in for 1 album before Gillan came back to stay and that lineup did 1 final album before Blackmore left for good in the middle of a tour. Joe Satriani stepped in to help them finish the tour and was the only “touring musician” that they ever had. He was replaced by Steve Morse who stayed with them until 2023. The other 4 guys were the Mark II lineup minus Blackmore. The did 2 albums before Jon Lord left to work on solo projects. Don Airey replaced him and remains there to this day. That lineup lasted from 2002-2023. Morse only left to be with his dying wife. Also, the very first Rainbow album was billed as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow.
Smoke on the Water
Song by Deep Purple
Songwriters: Ian Gillan / Jon Lord / Ritchie Blackmore / Roger Glover / Ian Paice
We all came out to Montreux
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
To make records with a mobile, yeah
We didn't have much time now
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
(Smoke) on the water, you guys are great
They burned down the gambling house
It died with an awful sound
Funky Claude was running in and out
He was pulling kids out the ground now
When it all was over
Find another place
Swiss time was running out
It seemed that we would lose the race
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
Burn it down
We ended up at the Grand Hotel
It was empty, cold and bare
The Rolling truck Stones thing just outside
Huh, making our music there now
With a few red lights and a few old beds
We made a place to sweat
No matter what we get out of this
I know, I know we'll never forget
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
Smoke on the water
(I can't hear anything)
one more time
(Smoke on the water) hey!
FYI according to Ritchie Blackmore the the guitar riff is Beethoven's 5th played backwards backwards
Hey Professor...look into the history of Hot Smokin Sasafras by The Bubblepuppy...
I didnt know they knew who fired the flare gun. When I heard Gillan tell that suddenly a flare went over his shoulder, I figured it for a Blackmore prank
I always enjoy seeing the LPs you have featured in your background. I usually have most of them. I invariably recognize them ALL. Obviously we have similar musical tastes...which is one of the reasons I appreciate your program so much!
Yep. Bought my 1st guitar in 91' and SOTW first; bought my son his first guitar in 2006, and...........SOTW first. Easy riff.
An early line in the movie “Ray” has Jamie Foxx defend his interest in country music by saying “It’s the stories.” Which is why I think “Smoke On the Water” has lasted - because not only is it a catchy riff and a powerful performance, it’s a complete story that, once one has learned that history, makes the song even more emotionally compelling. After all, “No matter what we get out of this, I know we will never forget!”
December 25 2003 I got my first electric guitar. I asked for a bass got a 6 string First Act guitar instead. I wasn't disappointed though. I learned this riff the same day. I consider that to be the day I learned how to play guitar. 20 years later I still play this song. It's a total banger!!!
Some Stupid with a flare gun burned the place to the ground! 🎵 I can still remember in elementary school, 9 or 10 years old, gotta be 1972 or 73, little Tommy Evans brings his guitar 🎸 to school for show and tell, and proceeds to "try", awfully, to play Smoke on the water, and he literally just blew chunks! 🤮 He sucked! He couldn't even play! 🤣🥸🥳😵 it was embarrassing! But I've never forgotten Smoke on the water!!! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! Dir! 🎶
Guitar? Welllll.... I got me a Hammond Organ with a custom beefed up Leslie that spit and screamed like a Jon Lord's. I played every song from Machine Head with a very talented band I was in from 1973 to 1977. We were Purple fanatics. As iconic as SOTW is, Highway Star with the real show stopper. Playing that organ solo was awesome! That reminds me...I saw DP at Fiddler's Green in Denver in the early 90's (with ELP opening!) and Steve Morse BLEW the opening of SOTW. He just threw his head back and laughed...no wonder...here is the guy voted by Guitar Player magazine readers as "the best guitarist in the world" 5 TIMES, blowing the riff that every kid can play.
I wore out my Machine Head 8 track tape in my first car in the early 70s. I am still listening to the awesome music from this album!!
Rock on!
Machine Head was the very first album I ever bought with my own money, and only the second album I ever owned. The first album I ever owned, NOT bought with my own money, was The Monkees which came out in 1966, but I got it around 1970. My family didn't have any money, so buying music, which was FREE on the radio, wasn't a priority. I had to wait until I got my first regular job to afford Machine Head. It came out in 1972, but I didn't buy it until 1975. The only thing I had to play it on was a small turntable that my mom had when she was a teen in the 50s. Or take it to a friend's house and listen there. That was usually the case. They never had the album; I was the only Deep Purple fan among my crowd. Such great memories.
Great video. Finally some purple love, keep it up. Some Rainbow would be great too ! You forgot to mention, that after Glover & Gillan left, they were replaced by Glen Hughes & David Coverdale. After 2 albums, 1 with Tommy Brolin replacing Blackmore, DP ended. With Coverdale, Lord, & Paice forming Whitesnake. Glover ended up back with Blackmore in Rianbow on the "Down to earth" album, 3rd studio release. Hughes would go on to many great things, including Black Country Communion. Gillan would make an album with Sabbath. I could continue for awhile, but hopefully I haven't board anyone to bad & have given you somethings to look into for future episodes. Keep the Deep Purple/Rainbow/Whitesnake love coming. And if you could, show some the even greater band, some RUSH love would be much appreciated !!
I saw Deep Purple in Cleveland early 1984 and they didn't play Smoke On The Water!
After the show people were so angry. My friends and I got out of there fast. It was scary
The Deep Purple Mark II line up that recorded Machine Head actually got back together in 1984 and recorded the successful Perfect Strangers album. They carried on for a few yesrs , recording The House of the Blue Light album, but in 1989, due to re-emerging tensions with Blackmore, singer Ian Gillan left. He was replaced by ex- Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner but fans didn't take to the new line-up. Gillan came back in the early 90s and they recorded whst they considered to be their finest album to date, And The Battle Rages On. They went on tour but the tensions between Blackmore and Gillan continued. A famous example of this is when Gillan put ketchup on Blackmore's spaghetti and Blackmore responded by throwing the spaghetti ovrr Gillan's head😆. Blackmore left in 1994, Joe Satriani stepped in as guitarist to complete the live tour, and when he couldn't join permanently, that's when Steve Morse joined.
I don’t know about the Greatest rock riff, (anything by Alex, RUSH IS THE GREATEST!!), but when I was about 12, my older brothers friends jamed at my house. First time I tried to play electric guitar. They were learning- Children of the Sun. Great track still.
So glad to see Purple on here. I love Zeppelin too, but Deep Purple is The Beatles to me! The whole vibe of Smoke on the Water is subtly menacing and ghostly. Glover's nightmare was worth enduring. All the best rock singles have a slightly melancholy feel - like The Boys Are Back in Town, and Only You Can Rock Me. Smoke... is no exception to that. Although Purple pioneered speed-rock, the mid-paced Smoke on the Water deserves to be their most famous song. It has power, groove, emotion, and melody.
1976. Although I loved Smoke on the Water, I begged my dad to teach me House of the Rising Sun, by The Animals. Eric Burdon was so punk rock before there was such a thing. Still one of my favorite songs of all time. And I still have the 1968 Fender Mustang that he taught me on.
Oh yeah, IMHO the greatest DP song ever was Lazy (all because of John Lord 🤘)
I am today-years-old when i learned the actual (true!) Story-- i had always heard that it was drawn from r/l.
I was raised thankfully
The song actually came out 10+ years before i was born... and 13-odd when i finally mastered it. On a dare, mind you, from my 15 year old (male) cousin, who thought he was already a guitar god.
Most people my age (?) perhaps, had posters of... boy bands (eughhh)... or 90s pop stars /entertainment "stars" i didnt know or actually care too much about...
Mine? Messirs Blackmore, Morello and the Gallagher brothers (for example).
It was the second song i learned on the electric guitar (after Cigarettes & Alcohol-- Oasis)
It blows my mind that considering how *awful* the fire was that no one was killed / seriously injured...
The song is now very much stuck in my head. Thanks, ya rascals