"Creep" is one of Radiohead's most well-known songs, and it has an interesting history and impact in the music industry. Here are some facts about the song and its relationship with the band:
Early Composition: "Creep" was written by Radiohead's lead vocalist, Thom Yorke, while he was still a student at the University of Exeter. He composed the song in the late 1980s when he was around 21 years old.
Debut Single: "Creep" was released as Radiohead's debut single in 1992. Initially, it received little attention and didn't chart well in the UK.
Rejection by the Band: Radiohead wasn't particularly fond of "Creep" and considered it to be too simplistic compared to their other compositions. They almost didn't include it on their debut album "Pablo Honey."
International Breakthrough: Despite its lukewarm reception in the UK, "Creep" gained significant attention in the United States after it was played on college radio stations. It eventually became a massive hit in the U.S. and helped Radiohead gain international recognition.
Pablo Honey Album: "Creep" was included on Radiohead's debut album, "Pablo Honey," which was released in 1993. The success of the song contributed to the album's popularity.
Iconic Guitar Riff: The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff, which was created by Jonny Greenwood. The riff has become one of the most recognizable and iconic in rock music.
Self-Loathing Lyrics: The lyrics of "Creep" express feelings of self-doubt, alienation, and inadequacy. Thom Yorke's vulnerable and self-loathing vocal delivery resonated with many listeners.
Live Performances: Radiohead had a complicated relationship with "Creep" and often resisted performing it live during the mid-1990s. However, in later years, they embraced the song again and played it at concerts.
Impact on Radiohead's Career: While "Creep" helped Radiohead gain initial fame, the band later distanced themselves from it as they felt it overshadowed their other work. They explored more experimental and complex music in subsequent albums, such as "The Bends," "OK Computer," and beyond.
Covers and Parodies: "Creep" has been covered by numerous artists and has also been parodied in various forms of media due to its enduring popularity.
"Creep" remains a significant part of Radiohead's history, even though the band's musical style evolved considerably after its release. It's a testament to how a single song can have a lasting impact on a band's career and the music industry as a whole.