Frank Zappa Concert Triggers Montreux Casino Fire
December 4th, 1971
December 4th, 1971
How Long Ago?
53 years, 3 months, 11 days ago
Location
Montreux, Switzerland
Category
Entertainment
People
- Frank Zappa
- Deep Purple
Links & References
Tags
Frank Zappa Concert Triggers Montreux Casino Fire
During a concert by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at the Montreux Casino, an audience member discharged a flare gun into the ceiling, igniting a fire that resulted in extensive damage to the venue. This incident not only interrupted the concert but also captured the attention of music history as it inspired Deep Purple's renowned song 'Smoke on the Water,' which recounts the events surrounding the fire and the aftermath that followed that fateful night in Montreux.
Fire sparked by a flare gun during a concert
Frank Zappa and The Mothers were performing
Deep Purple wrote 'Smoke on the Water' about it
No fatalities, but some audience injuries occurred
What Happened?
The incident began when Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention were performing at the Montreux Casino, located beside Lake Geneva, Switzerland. An audience member, reportedly trying to light their cigar, fired a flare gun into the ceiling. The flare's ignition prompted a rapid outbreak of fire, engulfing the casino and enhancing an already volatile environment as people rushed to escape. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although several attendees suffered minor injuries while exiting the building. Zappa and his band were able to leave the venue unharmed, though visibly shaken by the happenings. Not long after, the famous rock band Deep Purple, who were in Montreux at the time, witnessed the disaster from their hotel across the lake. They were inspired to write the iconic song 'Smoke on the Water,' which narrates the details of the incident and highlights the complex emotions tied to witnessing such chaos in a moment meant for enjoyment. The song went on to become one of their most recognized hits.
Why Does it Matter?
The event is noteworthy for its unique intersection of music and disaster, illustrating how an unexpected occurrence can dramatically influence artistic expression. 'Smoke on the Water' has since become a classic rock anthem, resonating across generations and serving as a reminder of a significant moment in rock history. This incident not only showcased the unpredictable nature of live performances but also reflected broader cultural shifts in the music scene during the early 1970s.
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