"Creep" is one of Radiohead's most famous and enduring songs, and it played a significant role in the band's early success. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Release Date: "Creep" was released as Radiohead's debut single in 1992. It later appeared on their first album, "Pablo Honey," released in the same year.
Inspiration: The song's lyrics were inspired by a real-life experience of Radiohead's lead singer, Thom Yorke. Yorke has mentioned that the song is about an infatuation he had with a girl during his time at university.
Initial Reception: Despite becoming one of Radiohead's most popular songs, the band initially had a somewhat ambivalent attitude toward "Creep." They even temporarily dropped the song from their setlist, feeling it didn't fit with the rest of their material.
Similarities to "The Air That I Breathe": The song's chord progression bears a resemblance to the 1974 song "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies. As a result, Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, the writers of the Hollies song, were later credited as co-writers of "Creep."
Legal Issues: Due to the similarity to "The Air That I Breathe," Hammond and Hazlewood were added to the songwriting credits of "Creep." This led to a portion of the royalties from the song being paid to them.
Success and Impact: Despite the initial mixed feelings from the band, "Creep" became a massive hit. It gained popularity through radio play and eventually reached a wider audience. The song's success played a crucial role in establishing Radiohead as a prominent band in the music industry.
Iconic Guitar Riff: The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff, played by Jonny Greenwood. The descending melody in the intro and chorus has become instantly recognizable and is a key element of the song's appeal.
Parodies and Covers: Over the years, "Creep" has been covered by numerous artists, and its iconic nature has led to various parodies and reinterpretations in popular culture.
"Creep" remains a defining song in Radiohead's career and is often associated with the early '90s alternative rock scene. Despite its somewhat tumultuous history within the band, it has endured as one of their most well-known and beloved tracks.