The new documentary ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ gave fans a new look at the beginnings of what many consider the greatest rock band of all time. New interviews with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant revealed the days of their youth with stories of their aspirations and hijinks.
It’s helped to create new fans and stir the emotions of lifelong devotees. It also stirred up some old lawsuits. Thankfully, that’s now over.
Songwriter Jake Holmes settled his dispute with guitarist Jimmy Page, music publisher Warner Chappell, and film studio Sony Pictures, which accused them of violating his rights for the song ‘Dazed and Confused.’ All of the parties have told the court they’ve reached a resolution, although details of the agreement have not been made available.
‘Dazed and Confused’ has long been one of Led Zeppelin‘s most famous tracks. Featured on their debut album, its descending chromatic bass line sets up an uneasy feeling that’s then bolstered by Page’s wailing guitars. However, it wasn’t Zeppelin who first created that motif.
Holmes wrote his own ‘Dazed and Confused’ in 1967 and included it on his album ‘The Above Ground Sound of Jake Holmes.’ Page’s band at the time, The Yardbirds, opened for the songwriter in New York City and added it to their own set soon after.
Page eventually reworked the song, and it ended up on Led Zeppelin’s first album just one year later.
This dispute was first brought to court in 2010, when Holmes sued for copyright infringement. It was resolved, and the liner notes to ‘Led Zeppelin I’ were now included ‘inspired by Dave Holmes’ in the credits for ‘Dazed and Confused.’
Archival footage of the Yardbirds performing the song was included in ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin,’ however, Holmes was not credited or compensated. Now, with all the litigation settled, fans can enjoy the classic rock staple with a clear conscience.
Check out the official score for ‘Dazed and Confused.’
