Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood Thought 'Creep' Was a 'Wimpy' Song

The guitarist initially disliked the band's breakout hit single.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:10pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered disco ball reflecting bright, glittering shards of light, conveying the unpredictable nature of the music industry.The unexpected success of Radiohead's breakout hit 'Creep' exemplifies the music industry's ability to turn even a band member's initial doubts into chart-topping glory.NYC Today

In a new interview, Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood revealed that he was not initially a fan of the band's 1992 hit single 'Creep.' Greenwood said he thought the song sounded 'wimpy' and wanted to make it 'the opposite' with 'a distortion pedal and a loud guitar.' However, the song went on to become a top-10 hit in the U.K. and a top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the creative process and internal dynamics of one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s. Greenwood's initial dislike of 'Creep' highlights how a song that becomes a band's signature hit is not always the one the members themselves are most excited about.

The details

Greenwood told Mojo magazine that the band's co-producer, Sean Slade, would often say it was a 'shame no one will get to hear this, because it's really good,' with Greenwood explaining it was 'because it was the first album from a band who had no real prospects.' However, 'Creep' ended up becoming a surprise hit, though the band felt their sophomore album 'The Bends' was 'a much better record because it felt like us getting back to what we'd been like five years earlier when we were still a school band.'

  • Radiohead released their debut album 'Pablo Honey' in 1993, which included the hit single 'Creep.'

The players

Jonny Greenwood

The guitarist for the British rock band Radiohead, who initially disliked the band's breakout hit single 'Creep.'

Sean Slade

The co-producer of Radiohead's debut album 'Pablo Honey,' who felt the album contained good songs that would not get heard.

Radiohead

The influential British rock band known for albums like 'The Bends' and 'OK Computer.'

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What they’re saying

“I suppose the nauseating adolescent in me found it a bit wimpy and wanted to make it the opposite. Can't be having ballads! A distortion pedal and a loud guitar is an enormously exciting thing.”

— Jonny Greenwood, Guitarist, Radiohead

“Yeah, but that's not what we mean!”

— Jonny Greenwood, Guitarist, Radiohead

The takeaway

Radiohead's journey from a band with 'no real prospects' to one of the most influential rock acts of the 1990s is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Even a band member's initial dislike of a song that becomes a signature hit highlights how the creative process is not always straightforward.