Jimmy Page Faces Lawsuit Over 'Dazed and Confused' Infringement

Songwriter Jake Holmes has filed a new lawsuit against Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, reigniting a long-running dispute over songwriting credits and royalties for 'Dazed and Confused.' Holmes, who wrote and recorded the original song in 1967, alleges that Page and his co-defendants have continued to misattribute the song as Page's work in recent Yardbirds reissues and the 'Becoming Led Zeppelin' documentary, depriving Holmes of proper credit and compensation. Despite a 2010 settlement that led to Led Zeppelin's version being credited as 'inspired by Jake Holmes,' Holmes claims this agreement has not been honored regarding early Yardbirds' live recordings and recent archival releases. The new lawsuit, filed in California federal court, names Sony Pictures among the defendants and alleges copyright infringement and breach of contract for unauthorized use and licensing of Holmes' composition. Holmes asserts cease-and-desist requests have been ignored and seeks restitution for what he calls willful infringement, arguing that the core melody and riff from his song remain central in Page's versions. The legal dispute highlights the enduring debate over authorship and royalties in classic rock history.