Forget smoke... as new Pope will be announced to the sound of Deep Purple Classic

In a move that’s being seen as very much a break with tradition, the election of the new Pope will not be heralded with white smoke.

Instead, rock guitar virtuoso, Steve Vai, will play the opening riff from Deep Purple’s iconic anthem, Smoke On The Water, from the much-misnamed balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square. Already, a wildly gyrating mosh pit comprising faithful pilgrims and tourists has formed below the window in anticipation of the iconic moment.

It’s understood Deep Purple’s management has given the nod for the song to be renamed Smoke From The Altar with proceeds from the resulting DVD and streaming sales being used to buy a Banksy for the currently only unadorned wall in the Sistine Chapel.

A Vatican spokesman, Monsignor Dougal Maguire, commented. 'Now let’s see the naysayers and contrary feckers accuse the church of being out of touch.'

Photo by Adam Gritco on Unsplash