Smoke On The Water - The Amazing Recording History

We're exploring the events that led to Deep Purple's most iconic hard rock album Machine Head. Join me in my trip through Montreux to find the amazing sights and story behind Smoke on the Water!

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Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on YouTube.

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Paul

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[LunarBoomMusic]

The lady explaining the history of this iconic riff is a legend! Music brings back nostalgic memories, like listening to Machine Head as a kid. Smoke on the Water is a timeless classic. Paul did an excellent job sharing the story behind this masterpiece. The simplicity and power of this riff have inspired generations of guitarists, taking you back in time and creating

[itsrob]

I was 10 years old when my older brother bought the album, Machine Head. I would listen to the record with head phones on, read the album notes, and enjoy that masterpiece. When I was 15, of course we played Smoke on the Water in our first band. How could you not? Great job Paul on the story!

[jed]

In 2014, I rode the train from Geneva, to Crans-Montana… riding on the lakes edge, and past the Hotel, I felt a real sense of history, and THE riff was stuck in my head for days… cool!

[garageworker]

The lady who opened doors for you is an MVP. People like that who take time to show others history are amazing.

[jeffwinzeler]

Hey Paul - thank you for laying out the story. I moved from the US to the Montreux area in 2020 and it is so great to see the history of Deep Purple, Queen, and others that have contributed to the town's reputation for music. Love the original clips and interviews you included for the story, and watching you fulfil a guitarist dream - playing Smoke on the Water in the very place it happened. Cheers!

[ΤεσταροΤηφαση]

The king of riffs. The starting point for countless of guitarists. This riff is pure genius. Simplicity is its power.

[frankgoodmanbuzzholland]

Fascinating storytelling. Paul Davids does it again!

[maxschwitzky]

Best ad for an electric guitar course! 🤩

[grahamrhodes]

This is the BEST documentary production I have ever seen. Paul, you deserve an Oscar, a Grammy, or whatever the highest corresponding award would be. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!

[loisheirich]

Can't believe I got to see you there! Thanks for taking a pic with me, it was really nice of you
(Shout out to Martina who appears at 0:34, she's on Martin Miller's group which did a show in the Casino of Montreux that day)
Bye bye from Switzerland

[RandalSmith]

When they rebuilt the Casino, they put in a country bar in the basement, complete with swinging batwing doors. I played there in the mid-nineties, I believe it was September of 1994 but I could be wrong, I’ve slept since then. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Switzerland is a beautiful country, one which I’d love to see again. The lake, the city and the Alps combine to make one of the most unforgettable places on earth.

[howlinguts]

Paul, you always make creative and interesting work. This is a great documentary, slicing together archive footage with interviews and surprise locations. Damn fine!

[NdeeSevn]

So fun to see you filming my hometown, I can't wait to see the other videos you made during that weekend !

[Timberwolf]

I knew the basics of this story, but never was sure about what of it was legend and what was true. Now I know. Thanks, Paul.

[DonTheGuitarGuy]

Great stuff. The "Rolling Truck Stone" mobile recording unit is now in Calgary Alberta, fully restored and in operation backstage (a museum I think?) where you can use it.

[TenMillionYearProgram]

It's everyone's first song on the guitar! Love this man keep it up Paul!

[chrishalemusic]

Glad to see this song getting discussed I feel like Deep Purple largely gets forgotten in guitar circles.

[rdb]

Paul, this was great. I’ve been a massive Purple fan for years and didn’t know some of the stuff you covered in this video! Would love to see more of this docu style videos!

[stevehughes]

Thanks for this im a huge Deep purple, Ritchie Blackmore fan 👍

[gregoneil]

Great riff and great album. Eagle Music have Classic Album DVD of the making of this album. And DP are still rocking out on tour in Europe at this time.