Deep Purple

Deep Purple's legendary performance of 'Smoke on the Water' at the Montreux Casino on December 4, 1971, is more than just a live recording; it's steeped in fascinating history. This concert came in the wake of their album 'Machine Head,' released the same year, which showcased the band's shift towards a heavier sound. The very incident that inspired 'Smoke on the Water' occurred during this time: a fire during a Frank Zappa concert ignited at the casino, which Deep Purple famously witnessed while recording in a mobile studio nearby. The catchiness of that unforgettable riff, born from such chaos, cemented the song’s legacy, turning it into one of rock's most iconic anthems. It's also intriguing to think about how a night meant for music became a historical moment, illustrating music's unpredictable relationship with events unfolding in the world.

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