'Smoke On The Water' Jam Cancellation Explained

According to Times Online, an optimistically titled instore promotion, Harrods Rocks, from U.K. department store Harrods — which was to include a world-record-breaking attempt to perform DEEP PURPLE's classic "Smoke on the Water" with 2,000 guitarists — has backfired after neighbours complained about the noise.

Harrods said that it had received a call from an environmental health officer warning of complaints about noise levels during a gig last Thursday by the bands LOVE MINUS ZERO and the ROSLINS.

The performance was part of a month of live events, including gigs by up-and-coming bands.

A spokesman said that the store had decided to cancel further gigs that might cause similar offence. "We have a lot of out-of-hours events and a good relationship with our neighbours which we don’t want to damage but Harrods rocks on," he added.

The store also hosted an appearance by Rick Parfitt, the guitar-toting STATUS QUO legend. More than 500 people turned up to his masterclass on Saturday at which he performed guitar solos.

Read more at Times Online.