Jake Holmes, the original songwriter behind the iconic track “Dazed and Confused,” is pursuing legal action against Jimmy Page, Warner Chappell Music, and Sony Pictures, demanding proper recognition for his contribution to one of rock’s most famous songs. Holmes alleges that the defendants violated his copyright by releasing early live versions of the song, performed by the Yardbirds and later popularized by Led Zeppelin, without his credit or compensation. The dispute has been exacerbated by its inclusion in the 2025 documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin, which, according to Holmes, failed to acknowledge his role in writing the song.
Holmes first penned “Dazed and Confused” in 1967, well before it became a staple in Led Zeppelin’s setlist. The song was initially performed by the Yardbirds, the band where Page first played it. Led Zeppelin’s version, released on their debut album in 1969, became a defining track of their early years, but it wasn’t until a 2010 lawsuit that Holmes’ role in writing the song was legally acknowledged. That case resulted in a settlement, but Holmes claims that the defendants have breached the terms of that agreement by continuing to exclude him from proper credit in new releases and films.
This lawsuit, filed in May 2025, demands damages and recognition for Holmes’ authorship of the song, which he believes has been overshadowed by Page’s fame. He’s seeking at least $150,000 for each infringement instance, a sum reflecting the significant cultural and financial impact of the song’s usage in various media. Holmes’ complaint highlights that both Warner Chappell and Sony Pictures have profited from these releases without properly compensating him for his original work.
The documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin serves as the latest battleground in the ongoing fight over song credits. Holmes argues that while Page’s version of “Dazed and Confused” is frequently presented as his own creation, it was Holmes who laid the groundwork for what would become one of Led Zeppelin’s most legendary tracks.
As the lawsuit progresses, it shines a light on the ongoing challenges faced by original songwriters in the legacy of famous rock bands. Holmes’ legal battle underscores the importance of ensuring that the contributions of lesser-known creators are acknowledged, even decades after their work has been incorporated into the global cultural lexicon. With the case still unfolding, its outcome could set a significant precedent for the treatment of songwriting credits in rock history.
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