, Collider; Radiohead's Biggest Song of All-Time Got Them Sued for Copyright Infringement
"Radiohead gained widespread attention thanks to their breakout song, "Creep," but not all publicity is good publicity. Released on September 21, 1992, "Creep" was initially considered a commercial flop due to its harsh, distorted guitar "punches," with broadcast stations like the BBC fearing the song might scare off listeners. Over time, however, "Creep" developed a slow-burn cult following, boosted in part by its appearance on MTV's slacker staple Beavis and Butt-Head. Sharing a similar vein with alt-rock counterparts like Beck's "Loser" and its 2000s peppier yet equally self-loathing "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus, "Creep" embraces the ugly side of an attraction that is not reciprocated.
However, shortly after the release of "Creep," Radiohead found themselves in a sticky legal situation. Songwriters Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood claimed that the track shared a similar chord progression and melody with "The Air That I Breathe," which they wrote for The Hollies in 1972. Although it was not as large a cultural phenomenon as "Creep," the song reached number two on the UK charts. Upon noticing the similarities, Hammond and Hazlewood contacted Radiohead's publisher, Warner/Chappell Music. Rather than escalating into a public dispute, the matter was resolved amicably, with both parties receiving songwriting credits and having their creative contributions formally recognized. Reflecting on the outcome, Hammond later remarked, "I even have a credit on Creep by Radiohead because of the song. The band admitted that they took the inspiration for it from The Air That I Breathe, including some of the chord progressions."...
In 2017, Lana Del Rey was accused by Radiohead of plagiarizing "Creep." Her song "Get Free," from her fifth studio album Lust for Life, features an intro with moody chord changes that some listeners noted were similar to "Creep." However, in a tweet, Del Rey denied referencing Radiohead: " It's true about the lawsuit. Although I know my song wasn't inspired by Creep, Radiohead feel it was and want 100% of the publishing — I offered up to 40 over the last few months, but they will only accept 100." As of March 26, 2018, the copyright dispute has been settled, and Del Rey is free to sing the song."
