Hmmm... well, I'm pretty sure that the 5th came before Smoke (though I could be wrong). So you may be on to something.

Quote:
Is there any credence give that Beethovens 5th might have inspired Smoke on the water ?

Was listening to both today and felt the connection

Alan

Maybe Jack Daniel's Fifth...but I digress.

According to the copious liner notes on the Warner/Rhino Archives Machine Head DVD-A, Ritchie Blackmore took inspiration from classical chord progressions and cited a Bach line he used for the guitar solo on Highway Star.

So you must be a very intuitive listener.