The making of Deep Purple's Machine Head: "Smoke On The Water only made it onto the album as filler"

Deep Purple circa 1971

Deep Purple's Fireball was the second album recorded with the Mark II line-up. It was another No.1 hit in the UK, but despite its success there was a nagging feeling within the band that the best was yet to come. 

As 1971 drew to a close, it was time for a change of scene.