#

Deep Purple Performs Smoke On The Water Live at California Jam 1974

Venue: Ontario Motor Speedway Location: Ontario, California, United States Date: April 6, 1974

In 1974, Deep Purple was riding the wave of success with their album 'Burn,' which was released just a year earlier. This album showcased the new lineup featuring vocalist David Coverdale and bassist Glenn Hughes, marking a significant shift in the band's sound and style. The live recording of 'Smoke On The Water' from the California Jam show captured the band at a pivotal moment, captivating an audience of over 200,000 fans. This performance is especially notable as it highlighted the group's powerful live energy, drawing audiences into their hard rock mastery. Interestingly, the infamous 'Smoke On The Water' was based on a true story involving a fire at a casino in Montreux, Switzerland. This live rendition not only solidified their status in rock history but also offered a glimpse of the lineup's chemistry before they transitioned to their next era.

Watch on YouTube