events
During a concert by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at the Montreux Casino, an audience member fires a flare gun into the ceiling, causing a fire that destroys the venue. The incident served as the inspiration for Deep Purple's 1973 song Smoke on the Water.
Related Wikipedia articles
Frank Zappa
American musician (1940–1993)
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, guitarist, bandleader, actor, comedian, satirist, filmmaker, activist and freedom of speech advocate. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa composed rock, pop, jazz, jazz fusion, orchestral and musique concrète works; he…Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
The Mothers of Invention
American rock band
The Mothers of Invention were an American rock band from California. Formed in 1964, their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Originally an R&B band called the Soul Giants, the band's first lineup comprised Ray…Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Montreux Casino
Casino located in Montreux, Switzerland
Montreux Casino is a casino located in Montreux, Switzerland on the shoreline of Lake Geneva. It has served as the venue for the Montreux Jazz Festival and was rebuilt following a 1971 fire memorialized in the Deep Purple song "Smoke on the Water". It is a property of Groupe…Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Flare gun
Firearm that launches flares
A flare gun, also known as a Very pistol or signal pistol, is a large-bore handgun that discharges flares, blanks and smoke. The flare gun is typically used to produce a distress signal.Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Deep Purple
English rock band
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has varied throughout their career. Originally formed as a psychedelic rock and progressive rock band,…Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Smoke on the Water
1973 single by Deep Purple
"Smoke on the Water" is a song by English rock band Deep Purple, released on their 1972 studio album Machine Head. The song's lyrics are based on true events, chronicling the 1971 fire at Montreux Casino in Montreux, Switzerland. It is considered the band's signature song and…Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)