Jake Holmes Reaches Settlement with Jimmy Page Over Dazed and Confused Song Rights

Jake Holmes Reaches Settlement with Jimmy Page Over Dazed and Confused Song Rights

Introduction

Songwriter Jake Holmes has settled a lawsuit accusing former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, music publisher Warner Chappell, and film studio Sony Pictures of violating his rights in the song Dazed and Confused. According to a recent filing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the parties have resolved their dispute and are finalizing a written settlement. Details remain confidential.

Factual Background

Holmes wrote Dazed and Confused in 1967, which was later reworked by Page’s band, the Yardbirds, the same year. Led Zeppelin then featured the song on their debut album in 1969. Holmes first sued Page for copyright infringement in 2010, resulting in a settlement in 2011. However, Holmes filed a new lawsuit in May 2025, alleging that Page violated their prior settlement and infringed Holmes’ copyright by releasing several archival Yardbirds live versions of the song that credit only Page as the writer. The complaint also alleged that the Sony Pictures documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin, released in February 2025, unlawfully featured the song without compensating or crediting Holmes.

Settlement

The parties have reached an agreement to settle the dispute and are preparing a formal written settlement. No details of the settlement were disclosed, and representatives for Warner Music, Sony Pictures, and Holmes declined to comment.

Reasoning & Analysis

The settlement indicates that the parties found a mutually acceptable resolution without further litigation. While the specific terms are confidential, the agreement likely addresses Holmes’ claims of copyright infringement and breach of the 2011 settlement.

Implications

The outcome underscores the continued importance of properly crediting original songwriters, honoring settlement agreements, and clarifying rights when reissuing archival recordings or producing documentaries. It serves as a reminder to the music industry to maintain robust rights clearance and crediting processes.

Outcome

The settlement brings an end to Holmes’ latest claims and allows all parties to move forward without protracted litigation.

In this case, the plaintiff was represented by Mr. Daniel Johnson, Advocate.