Smoke On The Water is the first book in more than 20 years to tell the story of this remarkable band, from their grandiose inception in 1968 to the release of their latest album in 2003. Drawing from candid interviews with band members, associates and fans alike, the book traces the group through some of the most turbulent times that any band has survived, from the acrimonious departures of such legendary members as Ian Gillan and Richie Blackmore, to the tragic death of guitarist Tommy Bolin. The book goes beyond Deep Purple's own boundaries to paint a portrait of the music scene that surrounded and influenced them, placing the band's own music in vivid context and illustrating just hoe profoundly this one group helped change the world.