Drum Sheet – Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water

“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is one of rock’s most legendary tracks, and its creation is as dramatic as its iconic riff. The song was born out of an unexpected disaster while the band was in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their 1972 album Machine Head. They had planned to use the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio at the Montreux Casino, but during a Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention concert, a fan fired a flare gun at the ceiling, setting the venue ablaze. As the fire raged, Deep Purple watched from their hotel across Lake Geneva, witnessing the smoke drifting over the water—thus inspiring the song’s title and lyrics.

With their original recording location destroyed, the band scrambled to find another spot. They eventually settled into the nearly empty Grand Hotel, using mattresses and anything they could find to soundproof rooms. It was in this makeshift studio that Smoke on the Water came to life. Ritchie Blackmore crafted the now-legendary four-note riff, played in parallel fourths, which became one of the most recognizable guitar lines in rock history.

For fans of the drums in Smoke on the Water, Ian Paice delivers a groove that perfectly complements the song’s raw energy. His drumming is a masterclass in rock-solid simplicity. He drives the track with a steady backbeat, emphasizing each snare hit with precision. What makes his performance remarkable is his subtle use of hi-hat variations and ghost notes, which add a dynamic flow to the song’s otherwise straightforward rhythm. His ability to balance restraint with power gives Smoke on the Water its unmistakable swagger.

The song became a staple of Deep Purple’s live shows, often extended with lengthy improvisations. One of their most famous performances was at Made in Japan (1972), where Paice’s drumming took on a more aggressive feel, showcasing his signature fills and energetic style. Over the years, the track remained a highlight of their concerts, evolving with different lineups but always retaining its thunderous groove.

Ultimately, Smoke on the Water is not just a song about a fire; it’s a testament to Deep Purple’s resilience and creativity. And for drum fans, Ian Paice’s solid yet expressive performance is a reminder that sometimes, less is more—when played with the right feel.