"Creep" is one of Radiohead's most famous songs, and it holds a special place in the band's history. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Early Success and Controversy: "Creep" was released as Radiohead's debut single in 1992. Initially, it didn't gain much attention, but it was re-released in 1993 and became a massive hit. However, the band members themselves had mixed feelings about the song's success. Thom Yorke, the lead vocalist, once referred to it as "our Scott Walker song" and felt that it didn't represent the direction they wanted to take their music.
Pablo Honey Album: "Creep" was included on Radiohead's debut album, "Pablo Honey," which was released in 1993. The song's popularity helped the album achieve commercial success, but it also somewhat overshadowed the band's subsequent work.
Inspired by Other Songs: The distinctive guitar riff in "Creep" bears a resemblance to the 1974 song "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies. Due to this similarity, Radiohead gave a co-writing credit to Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, the songwriters of "The Air That I Breathe."
Love-Hate Relationship: Radiohead had a complicated relationship with "Creep." They went through periods of not performing it live and even expressed dislike for the song. However, they later came to terms with its significance to their career and began including it in their live performances again.
Impact on Their Career: While "Creep" is often seen as the song that launched Radiohead into mainstream success, the band found it challenging to escape its shadow. They felt pigeonholed as a one-hit wonder and had to work hard to prove their musical diversity and depth with subsequent albums like "The Bends," "OK Computer," and beyond.
Parodies and Covers: "Creep" has been covered and parodied by numerous artists and comedians over the years. Some versions are humorous, while others take a more serious approach. One notable cover is by the American rock band Stone Temple Pilots, who incorporated the song into their live performances.
Cultural Impact: "Creep" remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s and is often associated with the grunge and alternative rock movements of that era. It continues to be a favorite among fans of Radiohead and is frequently included in their live sets.
Despite the band's complex relationship with "Creep," it remains a significant part of Radiohead's history and has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.