Legendary Band Almost THREW This RIFF Away… Became MOST FAMOUS in Rock History! | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll; What is your pick for the GREATEST rock riff of all time?

[@christineml1476]

Alice in Chains "Man in the Box"

[@SPak-rt2gb]

The Kinks - You Really Got Me

[@catherine6653]

Chuck Berry, Johnny B Good. 🎸

[@freezer8530]

Besides the riff of "Smoke on the Water", I will nominate the riff of "Satisfaction " by the Rolling Stones.

[@surlechapeau]

tie- Kinks - You Really Got Me and Rush- Limelight. runnerups: China Grove- Doobie Brothers; AC/DC - Back in Black; Dire Straits- Money For Nothing; Guns N’ Roses- Sweet Child of Mine.

[@carlwalker1623]

I remember being a kid at a wedding reception and they had hired a band, and I don’t remember what songs they were playing but I went up to them and asked them if they could play Smoke on the water , they looked at each other like finally we get to rock. With big grins on their faces and mine, they played Smoke on the water , I think I got them to play it 3 more times throughout the night.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Seriously? Good on ya!

[@doctorinsomnia5410]

You not only saved the wedding reception, but you probably saved their marriage too...

[@zorantaylor3190]

I once saw an outdoor wedding band rehearsing. I wish I got to see the wedding. Now maybe I'll never know what a bunch of people in gowns and tuxedos dancing to all eight minutes of "Roundabout" looks like...

[@zorantaylor3190]

It was just a few blocks from my house at the time, too!

[@maryrowe3981]

That’s right!!! Rock on!

[@danielleal1037]

Jimmy Page has said, when asked about a famous bit from “Wayne’s World”, that salespeople at musical-instrument stores have a hard time hearing potential customers play not only “Stairway to Heaven”, but “Smoke on the Water” as well. That’s certainly a testament to its role in the history of rock and roll...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Both classics from golden gods.

[@No1Foghead]

No shit brother!

[@ronricherson6685]

Having worked in music stores for many years, "Crazy Train" by Ozzy got on my nerves! Kids would come in and say, "Can I try out that guitar?" (I'd think to myself, "You mean the one you can't afford? Sure!") But just before they'd start playing I'd say, "Please don't play 'Crazy Train!'" And every time, the response would be, "How'd you know I was gonna play that?" I'd say, "Because everyone your age comes in here and plays it!" I'll take SOTH or "Stairway" any day.

[@nwerd7584]

@@ronricherson6685 should have demanded it could only be On Bark at The Moon. lol

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@ronricherson6685 I think I worked at Guitar Center after you were done because during my time Crazy Train was out and the double-tempo version of Enter Sandman had taken over. One of our guys from Accessories (a real prick) actually unplugged a kid who was playing it without saying a word.

[@pistolpeteOH]

Their live album Made in Japan is outstanding. The version Smoke on the Water is thunderous. The version of Highway Star is one of the best live tracks I’ve ever heard. For those of us who listened to it through real stereo systems with great speakers, it was an experience.

[@tracy2762]

yes a transitor radio doesnt do it justice.

[@theunbeliever603]

Definitely the best version

[@Jenny-kg7zb]

"Highway Star is one of my favorite rock songs ever. I shred an air guitar on that one! Now I'm finally learning electric guitar and not quite there yet, but I will get there. Right now just the opening riff of "Smoke On The Water" 😂

[@StevenEveral]

I will never get over the fact that Frank Zappa was indirectly responsible for the greatest guitar riff of all time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

True! Thanks Steven!

[@zorantaylor3190]

And directly responsible for plenty besides. "I'm The Slime" and "Eat That Question" spring to mind. Actually, I think the only trick "SOTW" misses is working "King Kong", the song The Mothers were playing when the fire started, into the guitar solo. It wouldn't be that different from the actual solo, either.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Unbelievable, right?

[@zman890]

Zoran, you beat me to it. I’d add Willy the Pimp and Montana.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Sounds like someone wanted Frank Zappa dead.

[@v2vroth]

Love deep purple! I am a professional guitarist/musician. I got to play smoke on the water with Ian Gillan singer of the purple. What a great time. As Wayne and Garth would say, I absolutely was not worthy lol.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Serious? So cool!

[@ProfessorofRock]

How'd that happen?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re so lucky! I wish I got an opportunity like that…

[@v2vroth]

@@ProfessorofRock It was via a radio contest where I sent my playing to backing track of Smoke on the water. They liked it and by luck I was selected to play with Ian Gillian.He was such a cool person and musician I Was awestruck. I have video of it on my website. Thanks for what you do love your channel I watch when I am practicing scales

[@Oldcrow77]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqDOgIGthrqUbK8

[@mournblade1066]

_Machine Head_ is such a fantastic album. "Space Truckin'" is a great tune, and "Highway Star" is absolutely epic.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love Highway Star!

[@curtish2541]

@@ProfessorofRock I ride a Harley with a half watt transmitter so I can use playlists with an entire group ride. Everyone in the group can tune their radios in and we all rock to the same badass tunes, not today’s radio trash but good rebel radio. We roll down the road with Highway Star on that playlist. It’s perfect for a biker run.

[@MrU4theChillWind]

​@@ProfessorofRocki think Purple wrote Highway Star on the tour bus when an interviewer asked them their songwriting process. They started explaining how they did it, and ended up writing a song. On the road right now so I can't double check to make sure my memory is accurate That might make a good episode for you if there's enough information out there about it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

There are some serious gems on Machine Head.

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

Top ten metal

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Now that was a deep dive on the most recognized and play riff ever created. To think the song would have never been if the band didn't have to improvise just to get it recorded. This song will live forever, my first riff my cousin taught me when I was 9. Great in depth story professor

[@Doadab13]

Machine head is one of the few albums that every song is great. Ac/dc back in black. Def leopard,Pyromania and Hysteria. Metallica the black album. There’s more. But these are great.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@Doadab13 couldn't agree more

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the first riffs I ever heard. Absolutely iconic.

[@Oldcrow77]

Does this sound familiar It’s from 64 Blackmore is bs about the perfect fifths story kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqDOgIGthrqUbK8

[@bat2275]

A riff so famous that Jake wouldn't stop playing it on two and a half Men one episode

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A lot of people are obsessed with that one riff.

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

I knew when my daughter found my machine head album when i came home from work one day ! I had to listen to that riff for weeks but it was all good !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s guaranteed to hook you in.

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 right ! Gotta luv the memories !

[@foxglove404]

You have a way of painting a picture of how things played out that puts things in a context that I can really relate too. The stories always feel like memories, thanks for that!

[@Whisper_292]

I concur. He's a storyteller who tells stories about storytellers.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Tina! You made my day!

[@danielwolski873]

Deep Purple has so many great songs no matter which version of the band. My all time favorite has to be Child In Time, so good.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wonderful song. Thanks Daniel!

[@KG-kl9gc]

Mine to. The live version from Made in Japan cannot be matched!

[@questionmanga3963]

Great song!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Child in Time is a 10 minute epic. Highly recommend.

[@YYZ1166]

Same here! That song really shows off Gillan's pipes. Just wow.....

[@RC32Smiths01]

What an iconic story for a song, even though it really is tragic in nature. Easily the quintessential beginner guitarist riff! Cheers man

[@ProfessorofRock]

It really is. What a story. Cheers to you my friend!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Thank you!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The story behind it is CRAZY.

[@thunderbiltstormcrow9542]

easier than you think, apparently. not bar chorded just plucked the 5th and octave. could be wrong but i seen/heard that somewhere. leaves room for the bass.

[@Oldcrow77]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 “Story” is a good word for it. The story about the fire and all is true The riff? Judge for yourself This is from 66 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqDOgIGthrqUbK8

[@robster7316]

Machine Head is a must-have in any 70s album collection. Smoke was one of my first riffs for sure, along with The Kink's "You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night". Gotta love those power chords. Hey Adam, your Grandpa's old beat up Les Paul would be worth a small fortune by now. Hope you kept it in the family. Thx for the story behind this classic tune!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Robster! How's life my friend?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Kinks riffs are undeniable.

[@gtrgar4561]

The first riff I learned (11 year old me) was "(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone" which was the B-Side of the Monkees 45 - "I'm a Believer". It would be a few years later before I acquired a 'Lawsuit' era LP copy and had started listening to Rock music. That is when I worked out the "Smoke on the Water" riff. Many years later (2006ish), our local Rock station held a contest to play "Smoke on the Water" as part of Ian Gillan's tour to support his album "Gillan's Inn". I was the lucky one, and got to go on stage with Ian sit in with the band for "Smoke on the Water" play the riff and sing along with Ian on the chorus. A very happy day. 🎸😎

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I remember that song! Great start to your riffing journey.

[@kfemme68]

So do you consider all of the Monkees music to be pop or something else... since you specified it was a few years later that you started listening to rock music? I ask because I don't see the Monkees as only pop, especially Steppin Stone. That one isn't something that I would put in the bubblegum pop that I'm a Believer is in but I don't know that I has to negate the other.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

RIP Jon Lord, DP's keyboardist extraordinaire

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Indeed.

[@oddbjrnharberg2045]

Machine Head was the first album I ever bought, the year was 1972 and I was 8 years old, this was pure musical magic and the album is as good today as it was then 🎵🎶😍

[@christysbutterfly1612]

Hey Professor, i want to thank you for this channel! It's helped me appreciate music so much more! I wanted to share with you todays episode of Deep Purple helped me and my 1st born son who's a bass player, bond even more. He's been tasked with "babysitting Mom"(me) as im having a high pain day from RSD/CRPS. I asked him his thoughts on your poll question and we had a blast reminiscing over our favorite riffs❤ We had a wonderful conversation and I appreciate it! Thank you @professorofrock 😊

[@mutantryeff]

Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress for some reason had that coolness of Smoke on the Water

[@ProfessorofRock]

I can hear that!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The former came first, so maybe it was inspo.

[@TimPimentel3006]

Bass player here, first bass line I learned was the main riff from Rush’s Limelight. It was years later that I finally was able to play the rest of the song. First full song that I was able to play all the way through, from Rush’s first album, In The Mood.

[@mournblade1066]

It's absolutely a miracle that nobody was seriously injured--let alone killed--during that blaze.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. A miracle.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Thank God

[@jnmsks6052]

When I was in High School, probably my Jr. or Sr. year, it was the late 90s and I was unaware of this song, but at a pep rally or something, this Sophomore started playing the riff on his guitar and he was the hero that day. Everyone was rocking with this kid, and although he started out a bit shaky, everyone cheering gave him the confidence he needed and he was rocking out. That was my first experience with the song, and now I've heard it a lot more, I have to say I think it is best as just an instrumental, no lyrics needed, just rock this one out with the guitars and drums.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Glad to hear this. Rock on!

[@davefordavefor]

I am a 58 year old guitar playing novice who has just gained some great respect for the riff from Smoke On The Water. Just the other day I took a stab at it that did not go well at all. I have small, weak hands and I had a lot of trouble with it. When I was between the ages of ten and twelve my neighbor, Donny, who played the drums and his cousin, Mark, who played guitar would sometimes set up their equipment outside Donny’s house and jam Smoke On The Water.

[@jwine4145]

I’ve always loved the opening riff of Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting

[@briansnow9865]

Eddie van Halen has sighted many times that Ritchie Blackmore was one of his biggest influences.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I've heard the same!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You know you’re a legend when even EVH thinks you’re a musical teacher.

[@urbanurchin5930]

@Brian Snow.......CITED many times......nice sentiment ruined by illiteracy.......

[@briansnow9865]

@@urbanurchin5930 Dude....chill. I just spelled a word wrong.

[@richardgrahn5500]

When I learned guitar my first two licks were Smoke On the Water and Wild Thing then a very basic version of Whole Lotta Love

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All classics.

[@Lubytoons1]

Hey Prof, I've listened to a number of your videos. And I've got to say, you're easy to listen to, knowledgeable, and make all your videos interesting. You come across as a really good dude who genuinely cares about his area of interest. Keep up the good work, sir. Robert

[@mikeelek9713]

It's interesting how seven (or 12) notes can be so iconic. Love your channel, by the way. Your content is always fun and educational, too. In the 1970s, I kept a Panasonic cassette tape recorder next to the radio, and I would make mix tapes by recording the sound coming from the speaker. I really hated when someone slammed a door, the dog barked or my brother came into the room to complain about not having his driver's license (daily gripe).

[@duromusabc]

Love that guitar riff - iconic ! Mesmerizing! It makes Rock fans want to pretend they’re holding an electric guitar and performing that riff in the privacy of their bedroom 😅

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I air guitar it as well!

[@georgemorley5926]

From Australia , The legendary DEEP PURPLE , greatest classic British Rock band of the late 60s early 70s no question about , Ritchie Blackmore if full flight at that time live was something to behold , lucky to see them live numerous times in those great days of unbelievable music , Peace from down under

[@scottford2776]

Machine Head was the first rock album I had, I wore it out, it was so good. I still believe it’s one of the greatest complete albums ever made.

[@brentcox7772]

Awesome band!! Saw them in OKC ‘76!!! Fantastic riff!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Fantastic!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rock on to you!

[@marynovotny514]

I never tried playing it but I remember being in Church for an evening service. There was a local band that had been asked to play on some of the hymns. Imagine the congregation when they played “smoke on the water” to warm up! 😂😂

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

The guitarist at my church always plays Going Home (theme from Local Hero) by Mark Knopfler to warm up before Services. I feel it's like bringing all human life before God.

[@CinHotlanta]

This song is such a great example to give to people who don't understand that a bass guitar brings to a performance - it really gives that song its heartbeat.

[@moomoomooshit]

I got my favorite band gig of all time guesting with some dear friends a few decades ago because they told me to start an improv gig by playing "Smoke on the Water." I looked at the band leader and shrugged, "I don't know how to play that shit." He grinned and muttered that I'd do. I played with them for years after happily until defecting to SE Idaho.

[@Hodaggium]

Yeah, I played this song, but not on guitar. I was in band in high school, and we got to play for the dedication of a new bridge in town, and this was one of the songs our band director had us play. Another song was Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel. My instrument was trumpet.

[@leighcochran7303]

Gee. I'm older and the "contemporary" piece we got to play was a medley from the Mary Poppins Disney movie. 🙄

[@ednurge3848]

You’re definitely not the only one to play the riff on trumpet. Randy in 8th grade band did it every day in 1978 (CA). I played trombone.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Bridge Over Troubled Water on trumpet? Wow!

[@phillipstevens7194]

actually, DP II reunited in 1984 and produced 2 albums, Perfect Strangers & House of Blue Light, before dissolving again until the early 90s...I saw them on both those tours, and they rocked just as hard as ever!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve heard them and they’re solid.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

yes, the narrative in the videos is very simplified (and incorrect) about the reunions.

[@phillipstevens7194]

@@michaelkarlsson5966 Still he was close, and I appreciate all the work he puts into these videos and am usually facinated with the things a learn on here...

[@hugome778]

So crazy that you did this today. I was just watching the legends from Queen, Rush, Black Sabbath, etc. record this song for the Armenian earthquake in 1989. I never knew about it before. I woke up with this riff in my head this morning!

[@johnnydollar666]

in the late 90s, I had a 1974 Dodge Dart with an aftermarket cassette tape player - Machine Head was one of my fave albums to listen to while cruising.

[@marinebean420]

What your bong does, makes smoke on the water.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Truth!

[@mbgrafix]

1973 Uriah Heep (Demons & Wizards) and 1973 Deep Purple sounded remarkably similar. Both outstanding!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Uriah Heep are phenomenal.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

no they don't. They're sort of the same style and both have the "same" line-up but they don't similar. Uriah Heep was good but Deep Purple was always better technically at their instruments.

[@mbgrafix]

@Michael Karlsson Well...I disagree.

[@mbgrafix]

@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz Indeed they are outstanding!

[@CynHicks]

Many, many, many metal riffs have come from #5. I remember noticing that when I first started playing guitar as a kid.

[@AncientGamer63]

in my first band this was the first song we learned together. They had tried with the previous singer but he couldn't sing it in Gillian's style. I learned it in 2 days by listening to it over and over to capture all nuance and style of Ian. Still one of my favorite songs to sing.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

What people don’t know is the two versions of Smoke on the Water (studio version and live version) were in the top 10 at the same time. Also, In 1973 Deep Purple was the number 1 biggest selling band in the world. So that counts more than the single. The classic line up reformed in 1984 and that world tour grossed second only to Springsteen.

[@daviebananas1735]

Deep Purple were 😮not the biggest selling band in the world in 1973. That’s absurd. The album had already been around the world in 1972 and it took off only in the US the next year. Total sales worldwide for Machine Head up until today are less than 3 million.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

@@daviebananas1735 machine head came out in 72 but it took off in 1973 after the release of Made in Japan. The combined sales of Machine Head, Made in Japan and I believe even Who Do We Think We Are made them the top selling band in 1973. That’s a fact.

[@daviebananas1735]

@@thetruthhurts6652 All those albums have not even sold 5M copies in total, even today. There’s no way that they outsold Dark Side Of The Moon, the years biggest selling album. Elton John had the 2nd and 5th best selling albums worldwide so could have usurped Pink Floyd in total. Only Made In Japan was amongst the top 20 best selling albums of the year in 1973 globally. The Beatles 2 greatest hit was also released in 1973 and were the 3rd and 4th best selling albums, which also boosted sales of every other Beatles album. Houses Of The Holy was another huge album for Led Zep that year. No way all of these bands sold less than Deep Purple that year, the peak of album sales when the top albums regularly sold 10-20M. Total sale for the albums mentioned in this thread:- Deep Purple - Machine Head - 3M Deep Purple - Made In Japan - 2.5M Deep Purple - Who Do We Think…- 0.7M Pink Floyd - Dark Side… - 45M Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick - 20M Elton John - Don’t Shoot Me… - 4M Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy - 12M The Beatles - Greatest Hits 62-66 - 20M The Beatles - Greatest Hits 67-70 - 25M

[@thetruthhurts6652]

@@daviebananas1735 to say all those albums have not sold over 5 million is ludicrous. I know it’s impossible to know exactly what the sales number is it’s pretty well excepted that Deep Purple has sold over 100 million albums. The bands you mention no doubt sold much more than Deep Purple but you have to consider that Dark Side of the Moon had most it’s sales after 1973. Also, as big as Purple was in 73, North America was their most unsuccessful continent. In other parts of the world the success of Machinehead put 5 other albums in the charts at the same time. In Rock alone was in the European charts for 52 weeks and it’s unheard of here. I read several times and I know I seen the chart somewhere showing they were the number 1 in record sales for 1973. I wouldn’t make something up.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

@@daviebananas1735 I just quickly found this list. The Top 5 Highest-Selling Deep Puple Albums Until 2023 5. Deep Purple - Fireball Play Number Of Sales: 5.1 Million 4. Perfect Strangers Number Of Sales: 5.5 Million 3. Burn Number Of Sales: 8.2 Million 2. Deep Purple In Rock Number Of Sales: 13.2 Million 1. Machine Head Number Of Sales: 36.7 Million

[@ruminantmelanoid5444]

Easily the quintessential beginner *BASS* guitarist riff too! At least it was for me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Amazing!

[@markseay4930]

Simple yet instantly recognizable and allows a beginner guitarist some positive feedback. Another lick to feed my ego was Sunshine of Your Love

[@What-bq6zl]

December 25 2003 I got my first electric guitar. I asked for a bass got a 6 string First Act guitar instead. I wasn't disappointed though. I learned this riff the same day. I consider that to be the day I learned how to play guitar. 20 years later I still play this song. It's a total banger!!!

[@DC8091]

Yep! Smoke on The Water, Iron Man, NIB, Twist Of Cain, Mother, Teen Spirt: classic first riffs learned. (Heh I bet the casino “owners” & insurance company love this song 🤣🤣🤣)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Good one!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I can only imagine…

[@TheSteveBoyd]

Deep Purple has been one of my favorite bands since I can remember. When the classic Mk. II lineup reunited for "Perfect Strangers" (3 weeks before my 14th birthday!), I could not have been happier! I still think that record is amongst the greatest ever recorded. Anyway, a Deep Purple story! Back in 2004, Ian Gillan held an essay contest on his website, in which entrants were to provide a thoughtful answer to this simple question: "What time is it?" The top 2 respondents would win tickets and backstage passes for any Deep Purple show on the "Bananas" tour - IN THE WORLD. I don't remember most of what I wrote, but in keeping with the spirit of Ian's wicked sense of humor, I began my answer with "It depends on what your definition of 'is' is" and just rolled on from there. Long story short, my drummer and I had a BLAST at the Las Vegas House of Blues one summer night in 2004 as we got the VIP treatment from one of our favorite bands of all time. ☮

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m happy to hear.

[@beemers417]

It was Smoke on the water on a 73 Jazz Bass.

[@pastorbryonscott]

I'm always trying to figure out the band/song subject before you reveal it. Today, you said, "The first guitar song we all learn to play," and the riff immediately began playing in my head. Thank you for every one of these videos, Prof, you're doing a great work here.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That was me too.

[@Terk131]

I remember when I first heard this song (I was born in 72) my dad was so excited to tell me the story behind this song. My dad was very similar to yours Adam, he knew the story’s behind all the songs. The memories I will always cherish and the discussions I miss so much because I know he had more to tell.

[@Sherwoody]

I saw Deep Purple back in 1970 something. My ears are still numb. Great show.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re lucky to have a dad like that.

[@Terk131]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 He was amazing. Back in the day he was in a band that didn’t go far and his friend in Ocala FL were the The Royal Guardsmen. He stayed active in the business then just started playing 1 off shows now and then raising me and my sis as a single parent. We constantly talked music until he passed last June. I learned so much from him. I miss him and those talks so much. I actually feel lost.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@Terk131 The same Royal Guardsmen who had a hit with Snoopy v. Red Baron in 1966? Sorry for your loss. 🪦

[@Terk131]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes, those guys. And Thank you.

[@JohnKelly2]

In the early 2000s, a local radio station opened the new Guitar Center by asking everyone who had s guitar to come out and they'd all play Smoke on the Water simultaneously. 200-300 people showed up. Unfortunately, they didn't specify that they needed to play the entire song, not just the riff. Probably 90% just played the riff over and over. No one had the same timing. It was an absolute disaster, live on the morning drive radio! It was beautiful!

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

The bong song

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yep!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

The 1st song I learned on guitar was the theme to Sanford and Son. Just think that the guy who taught me how to play guitar Ngwie Malmstein He had never heard of Sanford and Son.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. YOu always have the best stories!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My mom and aunts grew up with Sanford and Son and can sing the theme song from memory.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hey Silly Lilly 🤪they're pretty good ! Considering that it's all instrumental !🤔

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 The 70s theme songs reigned supreme.

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

Nobody in Sweden has ever heard of Sanford and Son so it's not strange that Malmsteen does not know about them since he not only comes from Sweden but also lived (lives?) under his neo-baroque-ish rock 🤣

[@sheryljohnson5906]

Can't forget that Richie Blackmore also formed Blackmores Knight. It's such a change from Deep Purple, and ! And so amazing ! ❤Rainbow

[@kimberleyrumburg9472]

In 7th grade I went to my first school dance. In those days it was called junior high. We had a band. As soon as they started Smoke On The Water we all went crazy! All of us knew and loved the song

[@jimakin3541]

Lots of musicians borrowed riffs from the old Masters. Beethoven, Bach, Schubert, and many others.

[@broken927]

Waiting on Beethoven's copyright infringement lawsuit.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

…..

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

From the grave?

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

I could see "Title #1," with no title at the start of the album, going straight to the top with that riff.

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

Great Tee, by the way.

[@rticle15]

I dont know if it's the case any longer, but it's amazing how every kid who wanted to play rock guitar in the 70s and 80s started with this riff. Every moreso considering how complicated Deep Purple music can be.

[@daBEAGLE1017]

Imagine seeing Zappa back then.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. Love him.

[@daBEAGLE1017]

@@ProfessorofRock we love him while other people just don't get him.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

@@daBEAGLE1017 I'm one of those

[@daBEAGLE1017]

@@Sweet--Richard.4981 there are many who don't understand his music while others call him a genius.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

@@daBEAGLE1017 He was half comedy half punk.

[@jamesgordon470]

Nope, my first one was Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater revival

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Classic.

[@mdmsr2000]

I guessed it before you got there. But I'm 67. I lived through it. Loved Deep Purple and Frank Zappa. I had the Made in Japan 8 track in my car. Those were incredible times. And a time of incredible music. Thanks

[@prd004.2]

Nice to hear you give Paice and Glover credit for their contributions

[@rickmiller7884]

As Good as Machinehead was, Made In Japan was like Machinehead on steroids. I would ditch Jr High and me and my friends would wear that double album out.

[@flavellinator]

Is there anyone alive who doesn't know this riff?

[@ProfessorofRock]

No joke.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

(crickets)

[@kellydonivan6513]

Adam: My older brother was working for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention at that time and was at that concert. He was on the European tour and would send me postcards from that time. I recall that the hotel burning and my brother calling our dad about the fire. My brother's name is Dave O'Neil and he is referenced on the Fillmore East June 1971 album.

[@geminidreamno2]

Machine Head was one of the first albums I ever bought. Smoke on the water was the reason I bought the album. It’s still my favorite album by the band.

[@leonmarkrodziewicz279]

My favourite band of all time nothing more to add.

[@wjatube]

You have an amazing blend of both Casey Kasem along with such incredible deep-dives into the construction of a song that viewing this should give college credits.

[@idizo2963]

I heard that riff and song played by my teenaged neighbour several hundred, maybe thousands of times as he learned how to play it over about a two year period. I love the song and it was cool to listen to him get ever better ... and pretty good eventually.

[@0786AHA]

Loved smoke on the water and then perfect strangers came out too. Man so many awesome songs on that album. ❤❤❤

[@cherilevy]

Smoke on the Water was the "school song" for my middle school years after it was released. The song is great no doubt about it. Even appealing enough to 12-14 yr olds who chose to close out all school dances with it over more current songs at the time.

[@curtish2541]

You asked, so I will tell you. I was born in 63. My first forays into guitar playing was open chord folk songs. Git Along Little Dogies, This Land is Your Land, at about 12 years old. A couple years later as I gained confidence with open chords, I learned bar chords and Smoke on the Water as one of my first rock and roll songs. All the kids could play the main riff, but I sat down and played the record over and over and learned the other pieces of the song, subbing in open chords to help me figure it all out. A couple years into that and Eddie Van Halen brought a whole new challenge into focus - shredding. Eventually played guitar in a pretty strong garage band, nothing came of it of course, but it sure gave me music appreciation.

[@bretrobison5529]

I wore out my Machine Head 8 track tape in my first car in the early 70s. I am still listening to the awesome music from this album!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Rock on!

[@slaphead8835]

I always enjoy seeing the LPs you have featured in your background. I usually have most of them. I invariably recognize them ALL. Obviously we have similar musical tastes...which is one of the reasons I appreciate your program so much!

[@randallsmith1664]

Great video! Machine Head was the first album I ever bought with my own money. That was the Summer of 1974. I still listen to the album in it's entirety. Not a weak song on the album.

[@greenerdays]

When I learned how to play for the first time, my friend made me play a G chord all day, and wouldn't show me anything else. The next 2 days he showed me a C chord, then the D chord on the third day. By the 4th day I was getting better at them, and I asked what was next, and he said now you can play a tune. Then he showed me a bunch of songs that had only those chords and I was blown away and so happy that I could play. From there it wasn't long before I was searching the fret board for the chords to Smoke On The Water.🤘

[@JismIsm-en4kz]

Another winner Prof !!! 1973 was a classic summer & this tune helped define its great times !!!

[@kah10161]

My college marching band played this in our 1994 and 1995 seasons, as part of the Rock Show. It included Queen, Kansas, Cream, and a couple of others I can’t remember. I played this on clarinet, and tenor sax, over two seasons. Shout out to the Pride of Central Florida, UCF Marching Knights, ‘93-‘97!

[@scottcalkins3775]

Every high school marching band in the US played Smoke at halftime for years after it was released. A low brass and drum line extravaganza!

[@derykdawe2202]

I used to pick up greatest hits albums from older bands that I heard and liked on the radio. But for me, Machine Head WAS Deep Purple’s greatest hits album!

[@trinapatterson8872]

I was only 4 when this came out but my father listened to it my whole childhood!! That riff is so imbedded in the my life. I think I could recognize it in the first few bars. Your right guy I know that played guitar learned that first including my son almost 30 yrs later

[@hanshans6613]

Speaking of Claude Nobs. Quite the character. Was attending a Herbert Groenemwyer concert (“the German Bruce Springsteen”) who were playing the last gig on their tour at Montreux Jazz and are known for long sets. Anyway - Groenemeyer was doing encore after encore after encore! Nobs jumped on stage to shut him down once, tried to drag him off a second time, and eventually had the power cut, inviting the fans to “go out NOW - and enjoy the fireworks”. Legend.

[@reneebennett643]

I was six when I first heard this song, and I remember teenagers playing it constantly! Best backstory of a song ever!!! I never knew what it was about but now that I know, I play it all the time, and tell anyone who will listen the story behind it! Thank you Professor, for breathing new life into these songs, by explaining the mystery behind the music❤

[@sheryljohnson5906]

OMG ! Was hoping you would cover this song ! It's always been so amazing ! I also think it's awesome that Rudy Dolezol uses this song for the intro to his show Backstage ! He directed multiple Qurrn videos- all of the last ones,basically,as well as too many other greats to to name here.❤❤ Thank you !

[@hughwright1860]

I pride myself on having an above average knowledge of RnR history. Adam I learned so much about this great song/band in this segment. Ty for your this awesome segment. Bravo sir.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Hugh. Great to hear!

[@waynerowlinson6177]

I never heard of that song - said no-one in history since the early 70s who wasn't deaf and had access to a radio. Funny thing is I know some people who don't like some of the other greatest rock songs of all time, but can't think of a single soul who doesn't love Smoke on the Water. I now have it firmly planted as an earworm thanks to your video, and that is OK with me. Thanks for the video.

[@gioknows]

How in the world did the band and their friends NOT realize they had something amazing with that song? I remember when it came out I was a kid...I thought it was the greatest song in the world...and I was a kid! Oh and yes, it was the first song I learned to play on the guitar. I still think that Deep Purple was the greatest concert I have ever seen. Such a great story to such an iconic song. They ain't writing em like that anymore. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁

[@reganalbertson1593]

I have a niece who is a professional cellist, Vienna trained and a member of touring Orchestras . She knocks off the starting riff (bom bom bommmm) to get attention of her students, or when playing for a crowd at an event.

[@fortheloveofgolf1404]

It was 1977 and I was in high school when I first began to learn to play the bass guitar. And yes, the first song I learned to play on bass was the bass line for smoke on the water.

[@FreeTheRocks]

Blackmore has changed this story at least 10 times.

[@magneto7930]

I played guitar as a child, and that was the first question I was asked: "Can you play Smoke on the Water?" If you could play that, then you were cool. But it was very simple. Day Tripper was the fun guitar riff to play back then.

[@randyhimburg7915]

Never Before is a forgotten favorite of mine. It's a very underrated song.

[@gmatt63]

I was in orchestra when I was in elementary school and was pretty horrible at playing the viola. Ironically, I later discovered my ancestors were string players among a group who introduced the violin to England. I once played Smoke on the Water on the viola and the teacher identified it as something called “Perpetual Motion” and asked how I knew it. I had no idea what she was talking about.

[@ponzo1967]

Legendary Rock N Roll story and perfectly placed in this song.

[@rlosangeleskings]

In 1974 I was a wee lad that was playing not only Smoke On the Water...but also In A Gadda Davida on bagpipes... I just had the ear and the bagpipes to play them on... In 1977...I added Convoy to the list... I believe four neighbors moved away during that period as well...but I didn't care at the time... I was bagrock before bagrock was cool...

[@jesseturner9865]

The tone on Glover's bass has to be my favorite. Seriously Glover was underappreciated.

[@jamesdempster1404]

This WAS the first riff I learned as a teenager late 70’s. On an acoustic guitar that belonged to my older sister. I still knock it out from time to time now on my current axe. An old buddy Kenny, from my army days could really rock this track. It was his favourite. Sadly he died a few years ago. PTSD finally took it’s toll. Keep up the good work. Stay safe out there. Jim.

[@gailremp8389]

Ya just knew it had to be smoke on the water. I knew some of the background so this was really good. Thanks, sir.