Over the past 25 years, few bands have experienced—and been more deserving of—the level of widespread acclaim and reverence bestowed upon the five gentlemen that comprise Radiohead. Indeed, the British quintet’s career trajectory has been one of the most exciting stories in music over the past two decades. Not to mention that their evolving DIY approach to the creative and commercial dimensions of their songcraft continues to redefine how music is made and disseminated to the masses.
Five years before Radiohead would take a gargantuan leap in the hearts and minds of critics and fans alike with the release of their revelatory and undeniably brilliant third album OK Computer, the group was introduced to many of us by way of their 1992 debut single “Creep.” An instantly unforgettable anthem of self-loathing that explored the challenges of reconciling one’s identity, “Creep” became a global hit and a staple on MTV and modern rock radio here in the States, though the single’s ubiquity unfortunately overshadowed the rest of the solid material on the band’s 1993 debut album Pablo Honey.
Fifteen years later, Prince took the stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and delivered a whirlwind performance that spanned three decades of his own material, as well as covers of songs by The Beatles, The B-52’s, Sarah McLachlan, Santana, The Time, and Sheila E.. One of the more memorable moments of that evening was The Purple One’s ambitious 8-minute rendition of “Creep,” which rendered many in the crowd speechless.
Notoriously (and obsessively) protective of his copyrighted material, Prince issued cease & desist orders to have all clips of his Coachella performance of “Creep” removed from online outlets within 24 hours of the footage making its way onto YouTube. Despite Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke advocating for the footage to be made widely available via a May 2008 interview, Prince stuck to his guns and held the clip hostage for seven and a half years.
Until now, that is. In a surprise, but welcome move, Prince lifted his self-imposed moratorium on the footage yesterday and now the video is available for all to view and enjoy.
Check out both versions of this classic tune below and let us know which one you prefer and why!
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