Liner Notes: Inside the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio — 'Machine Head'
Liner Notes: Inside the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio is part storytelling tour, part listening session, exploring the legendary albums recorded in the "Sistine Chapel of rock 'n' roll." Step back in time and experience 'Machine Head' as it was recorded through the RSM.
Guided by one of the National Music Centre's talented musician-educators, each tour will highlight a different landmark record from Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and more. Hear the music on vintage equipment, uncover the stories behind the recordings, and enjoy a live interpretation by your guide.
Conceived by Rolling Stones tour manager Ian Stewart and built in 1968, the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio (RSM) helped redefine how—and where—albums could be made. For this session, we turn to 'Machine Head' by Deep Purple, a landmark album born out of disruption, famously recorded in Montreux after a fire at the casino forced the band to improvise its recording setup. That moment of chaos became legend in “Smoke on the Water,” which directly references the Mobile Studio parked outside the burning venue and the band capturing ideas in real time as the scene unfolded. Across the record, that intensity does not let up, from the unstoppable momentum of “Highway Star” through to the explosive, sprawling charge of “Space Truckin’.” It is a band completely dialed in, pushing volume, precision, and urgency right to the edge.
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Tour starts at 2:00 pm. Please meet inside the King Eddy.
Space is limited. Please book your tour in advance.
$45 + GST.
NMC Members get 15% off.
Other sessions in the Liner Notes series include the Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers', Led Zeppelin's 'Led Zeppelin III', and Fleetwood Mac's 'Mystery to Me'. Visit studiobell.ca/whats-on/rsm for dates and details.
Guided by one of the National Music Centre's talented musician-educators, each tour will highlight a different landmark record from Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and more. Hear the music on vintage equipment, uncover the stories behind the recordings, and enjoy a live interpretation by your guide.
Conceived by Rolling Stones tour manager Ian Stewart and built in 1968, the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio (RSM) helped redefine how—and where—albums could be made. For this session, we turn to 'Machine Head' by Deep Purple, a landmark album born out of disruption, famously recorded in Montreux after a fire at the casino forced the band to improvise its recording setup. That moment of chaos became legend in “Smoke on the Water,” which directly references the Mobile Studio parked outside the burning venue and the band capturing ideas in real time as the scene unfolded. Across the record, that intensity does not let up, from the unstoppable momentum of “Highway Star” through to the explosive, sprawling charge of “Space Truckin’.” It is a band completely dialed in, pushing volume, precision, and urgency right to the edge.
---
Tour starts at 2:00 pm. Please meet inside the King Eddy.
Space is limited. Please book your tour in advance.
$45 + GST.
NMC Members get 15% off.
Other sessions in the Liner Notes series include the Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers', Led Zeppelin's 'Led Zeppelin III', and Fleetwood Mac's 'Mystery to Me'. Visit studiobell.ca/whats-on/rsm for dates and details.
Where is it happening?
The King Eddy, 438 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0R9, Canada
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherNational Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
