Jimmy Page Settles Lawsuit Over “Dazed and Confused”
In a significant development, legendary guitarist Jimmy Page has reached a settlement concerning a lawsuit related to Led Zeppelin’s iconic track “Dazed and Confused.” The lawsuit, initiated in May by songwriter Jake Holmes, alleged copyright infringement and breach of contract against both Page and Sony Pictures.
The Nature of the Lawsuit
Holmes’ legal action claimed that two early live versions of “Dazed and Confused” were included in the upcoming 2025 documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin, without appropriately crediting or compensating him. The suit highlighted that Page had released various live performances of the song originally recorded by the Yardbirds, attributing sole songwriting credit to himself. These versions can be found on archival releases such as Yardbirds ’68, Live at the BBC Revisited, and The Yardbirds: The Ultimate Live at the BBC.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit articulated that Page and Sony Pictures “willfully infringed the Holmes composition by falsely claiming that the Holmes composition is the Page composition.” It further asserted that they licensed the use of Holmes’ work in the film, while collecting license fees under the pretense that they were using Page’s composition.
Resolution of the Dispute
While the exact terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, reports from Reuters indicate that both parties have informed a California court that the dispute has been resolved, and a formal written settlement is in progress. Representatives for Warner Music and Holmes’ attorney, Daniel Johnson, have declined to comment on the outcome.
A History of Legal Action
This recent lawsuit is not the first instance of Holmes taking legal action against Page. In 2010, Holmes filed a similar lawsuit, which was settled out of court. This earlier settlement led to a revision in the credit for “Dazed and Confused,” now acknowledging Holmes as “inspired by Jake Holmes.” Notably, Holmes opened for the Yardbirds in 1967, where he claims Page first encountered his original version of “Dazed and Confused.”
Conclusion
The settlement between Jimmy Page and Jake Holmes marks another chapter in the complex history of “Dazed and Confused.” As Led Zeppelin continues to maintain its legendary status in rock music, the legal disputes surrounding its creation remind fans of the intricate tapestry of influence and credit in the music industry.
FAQs
What was the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit concerned allegations of copyright infringement and breach of contract related to the song “Dazed and Confused,” claiming that Jake Holmes was not properly credited or compensated for his work.
Who is Jake Holmes?
Jake Holmes is a songwriter who originally penned “Dazed and Confused,” which was later popularized by Led Zeppelin. He has previously sued Page over this issue.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit has been settled, with both parties notifying a California court that a resolution has been reached, although specific details have not been disclosed.
Has this happened before?
Yes, Jake Holmes previously sued Jimmy Page in 2010, resulting in a settlement that required Page to credit Holmes as “inspired by Jake Holmes” for the song.
