"Burn" is a song by Britishrock bandDeep Purple. Its riff is similar to the 1924 song "Fascinating Rhythm". It was released on the album of the same name in 1974, and was the first song by the Mark III lineup. The song remained the band's concert opener for the next two years, taking over from "Highway Star". It opened Deep Purple's set on the California Jamtwo months after its release, on 6 April 1974. After the Deep Purple 1984 reunion, the song was no longer played, as Ian Gillan, whom David Coverdale had replaced, was vocalist once more, and would not sing songs from the Coverdale era. The band did perform "Burn" live in 1991, during the time in which Gillan was briefly replaced by Joe Lynn Turner. When Gillan once more returned to the band in 1992, he again refused to perform Coverdale-era songs. After Deep Purple's 1976 split-up, Coverdale formed his own band, Whitesnake, which over the years has featured Deep Purple members such as Jon Lord and Ian Paice, and has performed Coverdale-era Deep Purple songs such as "Burn", "Lady Double Dealer", "Lady Luck", "Mistreated", "Might Just Take Your Life", "Soldier of Fortune" and "Stormbringer". Glenn Hughes also features the song regularly in his live solo performances, as well as with his project, the supergroup Black Country Communion. In a Billboard magazine interview Eddie Van Halen named “Burn” one of his favourite ever guitar riffs.
In other media
It is featured in .
It is featured in Almost Famous., albeit anachronistically, since the film is supposed to take place during the Summer of 1973.
Cover versions
Riot covered the song on their 1994 album Nightbreaker.
Mr. Big released a cover of the song as the B-side to their "Superfantastic" single. An instrumental version of the song also often featured in their live set.
Demon Drive covered the song on their 1995 debut album, Burn Rubber.
Cactus Jack covered the song on their 2003 album Deep Purple Tribute.
Soilwork performed a cover on their reissue of Steelbath Suicide.
Jørn Lande on his albums Starfire and Unlocking the Past.
A cover by W.A.S.P. was originally planned to be released on their album Dominator but it was dropped without any reason being given. Instead, it turned up on their next album Babylon.
