Radiohead's debut single "Creep," first released in 1992, faced broadcasting restrictions primarily due to its depressing tone and the inclusion of explicit language.
Key Reasons for the Ban
The main factors that led to "Creep" being restricted from extensive airplay, particularly by broadcasters like the BBC, can be summarized as follows:
| Reason | Detail |
|---|---|
| Depressing Content | The song was largely considered too melancholic and depressing for general airplay. |
| Explicit Language | It contained the "f word," which was deemed unacceptable for broadcast standards. |
Addressing the Restrictions
To mitigate the issue of explicit language and allow for wider broadcasting, Radiohead recorded an alternative version of "Creep." In this version, the offending "f word" was substituted with the milder term "very," making the song more palatable for radio stations with strict censorship policies. Despite the alternative version, the song's inherent somber mood continued to be a factor in its airplay limitations in its early days.
