Lana Del Rey Is Being Sued By Radiohead For Copyright Infringement
EDIT: Updated with a comment from Radiohead’s music publisher.
Radiohead believes Lana Del Rey ripped off their 1993 hit “Creep” on Lust For Life highlight, “Get Free,” and are suing her for copyright infringement. She confirmed the surprising development via Twitter. “It’s true about the lawsuit,” the hitmaker began. “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. Their lawyers have been relentless, so we will deal with it in court.”
While there are definite similarities between the songs (I assumed Lana sampled “Creep” the first time I heard “Get Free”), asking for 100 percent of the publishing is a bit rich, not to mention ironic, given that Radiohead had to share the proceeds of their own smash with The Hollies after they admitted to lifting the melody of “The Air That I Breathe.” 40 percent sounds more than fair. Check out Lana’s tweet and compare both of the songs below.
Lana’s tweet:
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. Their lawyers have been relentless, so we will deal with it in court.
— Lana Del Rey (@LanaDelRey) January 7, 2018
Radiohead’s music publisher responds via Pitchfork:
As Radiohead’s music publisher, it’s true that we’ve been in discussions since August of last year with Lana Del Rey’s representatives. It’s clear that the verses of “Get Free” use musical elements found in the verses of “Creep” and we’ve requested that this be acknowledged in favour of all writers of “Creep.” To set the record straight, no lawsuit has been issued and Radiohead have not said they “will only accept 100%” of the publishing of “Get Free.”
Lana’s “Get Free”:
Radiohead’s “Creep”:
Are the songs a little too similar? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!
