During a performance of "Smoke on the Water" at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland on December 4, 1971, a fire broke out in the casino, allegedly caused by a lit flare shot into the ceiling by Frank Zappa or one of his associates. The resulting fire destroyed much of the casino and its contents, including Deep Purple's equipment, which had been left onstage.

The band's road manager, Ian Paice, was able to salvage a few of the microphones, including the one that Roger Glover used to sing the song's famous riff. The microphone, a Shure SM57, was badly damaged by the fire, and its casing had melted away, exposing its internal components.

The band continued to use the microphone, affectionately known as "The Fireball Microphone," throughout their career. It became a symbol of their resilience and determination, and its unique appearance made it a favorite among collectors of rock memorabilia.

In 2016, the Fireball Microphone was sold at auction for $25,000 to an anonymous buyer. The proceeds were donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to musicians in need.