CONGRATULATIONS: Netflix Announces Release of New Deep Purple Documentary Titled “Smoke on the Horizon” — A Powerful Retrospective on the Legendary Rock Pioneers. The documentary promises a…
In a thrilling announcement for rock fans worldwide, Netflix has officially revealed the upcoming release of a brand-new original documentary chronicling the legendary career of Deep Purple. Titled “Smoke on the Horizon”, the film will premiere globally on August 16, 2025, offering an in-depth and electrifying look into one of the most influential and enduring bands in rock history.
Produced by the acclaimed team behind The Defiant Ones and Miss Americana, this definitive documentary promises never-before-seen archival footage, newly recorded interviews, and a sonic journey through decades of groundbreaking music, personal battles, artistic triumphs, and the cultural footprint of Deep Purple.
“Deep Purple’s story is not just a tale of music — it’s a tale of reinvention, defiance, and unshakable legacy,” said executive producer Maya Ellison. “This documentary captures their rise, their chaos, and their impact on generations of musicians and fans.”
A Legacy Forged in Volume and Virtuosity
Formed in 1968, Deep Purple helped pioneer what would come to be known as hard rock and heavy metal. Alongside Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, they completed what rock historians often call “the unholy trinity” of British rock in the ’70s. From their classically inspired compositions to their explosive live performances, Deep Purple broke the mold — and then rewrote it.
“Smoke on the Horizon” will trace the band’s origins in Hertfordshire, England, through their classic Mark II lineup — featuring Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice — and beyond. The documentary covers the creation of landmark albums like In Rock, Machine Head, and Burn, as well as the global eruption of the iconic riff from “Smoke on the Water,” now considered one of the most recognizable guitar licks in music history.
“We didn’t set out to create an anthem,” bassist Roger Glover says in the film. “We just wanted to tell a story. Turns out, the world was ready to listen.”
Behind the Scenes: Glory, Conflict, and Comebacks
The documentary delves deep into the band’s internal dynamics — from the fiery clashes between Blackmore and Gillan to the revolving-door lineup changes that kept the group both unstable and creatively potent. Through candid interviews with surviving members, managers, and industry insiders, Smoke on the Horizon reveals the toll of fame, the cost of vision, and the resilience it took to keep the machine running.
Viewers will be treated to rare backstage footage, vintage rehearsals, and never-released demos, alongside concert clips that showcase the band’s instrumental mastery and electrifying charisma onstage.
“There were nights it felt like the music was a fire and we were just trying not to burn,” Gillan reflects in one poignant segment. “But when we got it right… we made the sky shake.”
A Band That Refused to Fade
While many of their peers faded or fizzled out, Deep Purple continued to evolve. The film also celebrates the band’s latter-day achievements, including the acclaimed Now What?!, Infinite, and Whoosh! albums, and their long-awaited induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. It highlights their continued touring into their seventies, proving that age may weather the body, but not the passion for pure rock music.
Notably, the documentary touches on the deaths of keyboardist Jon Lord and other beloved contributors, paying tribute to their influence and spirit.
Global Excitement and Reactions
Following Netflix’s announcement, social media exploded with anticipation. Fans and musicians from across genres voiced excitement. Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl called Deep Purple “the roots of everything I love about rock.” Metallica’s Lars Ulrich shared: “Without Deep Purple, there is no Metallica. Simple as that.”
Music critic Lester Finnegan of Rolling Stone previewed the film at an early screening and called it “a thunderous, heartfelt, and eye-opening tribute to a band that shaped the DNA of modern rock.”
Premiere and Exclusive Bonus Content
Netflix confirmed that Smoke on the Horizon will be released as a two-part docuseries, with Part I premiering on August 16, and Part II following a week later. In addition, a deluxe collector’s soundtrack will be released on vinyl and streaming platforms, featuring live versions, remastered classics, and a previously unreleased studio outtake titled Rising Flame.
A special live-streamed Q&A with band members Ian Paice, Roger Glover, and Don Airey is scheduled for release day, along with a limited theatrical run in select IMAX locations.
Smoke on the Horizon is not just a documentary — it’s a monument. A roaring, riff-laden tribute to Deep Purple’s power, legacy, and immortality. As the title suggests, the fire they lit still burns, and the smoke still rises.
Congratulations, Deep Purple — the world is ready to see the legend unfold.
