In November 2025, Planet Rock ranked the top 20 greatest rock songs, compiling a list of some of the best works ever created in the genre's history. Ranked alongside iconic hits like Metallica's 1991 single "Enter Sandman" at No. 14 and Black Sabbath's 1970 song "Paranoid" at No. 12, Deep Purple secured the No. 13 spot with their classic "Smoke on the Water."
Originally, "Smoke on the Water" was released in March 1972 as a track from their sixth studio album, Machine Head. Following a major boost in popularity due to radio stations heavily spinning it, "Smoke on the Water" was issued as the fourth single from the album a year later in May 1973. From there, the track jumped onto the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 4 in July.
Bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer Ian Paice, keyboard player Jon Lord, guitarist Tommy Bolin and singer David Coverdale of the British rock group Deep Purple, circa 1976.Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images
Writing "Smoke on the Water"
Despite serving as a major '70s rock staple, it only took Deep Purple about 15 minutes to pen "Smoke on the Water." According to bassist and songwriter Roger Glover, the piece came together in a hotel bar near the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1971. While watching Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention's set at the Montreux Casino, someone shot a flare gun into the ceiling, causing the building to go ablaze and inspiring the concept for the song.
Over fifty-four years after its creation, "Smoke on the Water" remains a legendary staple of classic rock. The track continues to persevere today in the digital era on streaming platforms, raking in over 690 million streams on Spotify alone.
Related: 1974 Rock Song, Lasting Over 7 Minutes, Is Still a Motivational Hit 52 Years Later
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