Video Drum Cover – Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water

“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is one of the most iconic rock songs ever recorded, and its composition came from a real-life event that unfolded in December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland. The band had traveled there to record their next album, Machine Head, using a mobile studio rented from The Rolling Stones. The plan was to record at the Montreux Casino, a renowned venue that hosted concerts and events, but things took an unexpected turn.

On December 4, during a Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention concert at the Casino, someone in the audience fired a flare gun at the ceiling, igniting a massive fire. The venue burned down completely, and Deep Purple watched the flames from their hotel across Lake Geneva. The thick smoke rising over the water became the inspiration for the song’s title.

With their original recording location gone, the band scrambled to find a new place. They eventually set up at the Grand Hotel, turning its hallways into makeshift recording booths. Under pressure to complete the album, they jammed out ideas, and Smoke on the Water took shape. The song features one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history, played by Ritchie Blackmore, but the drumming of Ian Paice is equally essential.

Paice’s drumming on Smoke on the Water is a masterclass in groove and restraint. He lays down a solid foundation with a steady, unrelenting beat, allowing the guitar riff to take center stage. His snare and hi-hat work are crisp, and he adds subtle fills that give the track a dynamic pulse. During the chorus, his open hi-hat accents give the song a driving, forward momentum, while his tom fills add drama leading into the solos.

When Deep Purple first played the song live in early 1972, it wasn’t an immediate concert staple. However, as the track gained popularity, it became a setlist mainstay. Some of the most famous performances include their shows in Japan in 1972 (captured on Made in Japan), as well as later tours where Paice adapted his drumming with more explosive fills and energy.

For fans of the drums, Smoke on the Water showcases Ian Paice’s ability to make simplicity groove with power. His tight playing locks in perfectly with Roger Glover’s bass, making the song an undeniable classic for drummers and rock fans alike.