"Creep" is one of Radiohead's most famous and enduring songs. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band's relationship with it:
Debut Single: "Creep" was released as Radiohead's debut single in 1992. The song quickly gained attention due to its distinctive sound and lyrics.
Self-Loathing Lyrics: The song's lyrics, written by Thom Yorke, express feelings of self-loathing and inadequacy. Yorke has described it as a "song about being a loser."
Initial Rejection: Despite its eventual success, the song was initially rejected by the band's record label, who did not believe it was a strong single. The label only released it after the band's insistence.
Chart Success: "Creep" became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States. It also helped Radiohead's debut album, "Pablo Honey," achieve commercial success.
Love-Hate Relationship: Radiohead's relationship with "Creep" became somewhat complicated. They became known for disliking the song due to its mainstream popularity and often refused to play it live. However, in recent years, the band has occasionally included it in their setlists.
Lawsuit: Radiohead faced a copyright dispute over "Creep." It was claimed that the song's chord progression was similar to that of "The Air That I Breathe," a song by the Hollies. As a result, Radiohead had to share songwriting credits with the original song's writers.
Transformation: Over the years, Radiohead has experimented with different arrangements and interpretations of "Creep" when performing it live, giving it new life and allowing it to evolve.
Iconic Music Video: The music video for "Creep" is also famous for its grainy, low-budget style. It features the band playing in a dark room, with stark lighting and close-up shots of Yorke.
Impact on Radiohead's Career: While the band initially had mixed feelings about the song, it undeniably played a significant role in launching Radiohead's career and gaining them recognition in the music industry.
Enduring Popularity: "Creep" remains one of Radiohead's most well-known songs and continues to be a fan favorite, even though the band has evolved and moved away from the style of their early work.
"Creep" is a song that has had a lasting impact on Radiohead's legacy and the history of alternative rock music. Its emotional and introspective lyrics, coupled with its distinctive sound, have made it a classic in the band's repertoire.