“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical about hearing “Smoke on the Water” played live in Montreux. It’s more than just a performance—it’s a homecoming, a full-circle moment for one of rock music’s most legendary anthems. Deep Purple’s 2007 rendition at the Montreux Jazz Festival captures not just the raw power of the song but also its deep-rooted connection to the very city where the iconic story unfolded.
For those who don’t know the tale (or need a refresher), “Smoke on the Water” was inspired by a real event in 1971. Deep Purple was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album Machine Head at the Montreux Casino. During a Frank Zappa concert, someone in the audience fired a flare gun, igniting a massive fire that engulfed the venue. As the casino burned, the band watched smoke rising over Lake Geneva—a surreal moment immortalized in the song’s unforgettable riff and lyrics.
Fast forward to 2007, and Deep Purple returned to Montreux, bringing with them decades of legacy and a crowd eager to relive history. This live version of “Smoke on the Water” is electric. The band delivers with the precision of seasoned rock legends, but there’s also an added layer of emotion. Ian Gillan’s vocals echo through the venue, reminding the audience of the power of storytelling through music. Ritchie Blackmore’s legendary riff—often one of the first riffs aspiring guitarists learn—sounds as timeless as ever, while the rhythm section holds it all together with a driving force.
What makes this performance truly special, though, is the setting. Performing in Montreux transforms the song from a rock anthem into a poignant tribute. You can feel the energy of the crowd, many of whom likely grew up with the song or even remember the fire that inspired it. It’s a moment where history, music, and memory collide.
Watching this performance, you’re reminded why “Smoke on the Water” remains one of rock’s most iconic songs. It’s more than the riff or the lyrics—it’s the spirit of resilience and creativity. The song takes a disaster and turns it into art, a testament to the band’s ability to find beauty in chaos.
Whether you’re a die-hard Deep Purple fan or new to the band, this live version is worth revisiting. It’s not just a concert—it’s a living piece of rock history played where it all began.
Video
Lyrics
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!