DEEP PURPLE's 'Smoke On The Water' Voted Best Rock Riff Of All Time

December 1, 2004

Kathy McCabe of the Herald Sun is reporting that DEEP PURPLE's "Smoke On The Water" has been voted the best rock 'n' roll riff ever played in a poll conducted by the Australian Musician magazine.

The poll of more than 300 professional and amateur musicians also named AC/DC the best Australian band — whose album "Back In Black" — also took out its category.

Editor Greg Phillips said "Smoke On The Water" was a surprising winner against METALLICA's "Enter Sandman", NIRVANA's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and GUNS 'N' ROSES' "Sweet Child O' Mine".

"It's one of the most recognised riffs in rock music and people generally laugh it off," he said.

"But it does come to mind automatically and it has all the classic traits of a great riff: it's simple, just a few chords put together to introduce the song and prepare you for what follows."

Phillips said all categories, with the exception of best overseas band (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) and best bass player (Flea) were dominated by the '70s rock gods, including JIMI HENDRIX and LED ZEPPELIN.

"It seems everyone has been listening to their parents' albums," he said. "But then you take into account bands like THE DARKNESS and JET making the Top 10, they are influenced by LED ZEPPELIN and AC/DC. Quality music by quality musicians stands the test of time."

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