Songwriter Jake Holmes has officially reached a settlement with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, Warner Chappell Music, and Sony Pictures after accusing them of using his song “Dazed and Confused” without proper credit or permission. The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, has now been resolved quietly behind the scenes—with no financial terms or credit changes made public.
Holmes first wrote and released “Dazed and Confused” in 1967, and it didn’t take long for it to catch the attention of Page, who then adapted the song during his time with the Yardbirds and later with Led Zeppelin. When the song appeared on Zeppelin’s 1969 debut album, Page was listed as the sole writer—a move Holmes didn’t agree with.
In 2010, Holmes took legal action, and that case ended in a settlement a year later. Following that, newer releases began crediting Page’s version as “inspired by Jake Holmes.” But in May 2025, Holmes filed a fresh lawsuit. This time, he claimed that Sony used the song again in their documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin, and that archival Yardbirds recordings still only listed Page—both of which he argued broke their previous agreement.
Holmes sought up to $150,000 for each violation, citing both copyright infringement and breach of contract. But now, a settlement has been quietly reached as of August 1, 2025. It’s unclear what the terms are—no public statement has been made about whether Holmes will receive money, a new credit, or both.
The case has reignited discussions about music rights, especially when it comes to older material. It also serves as another chapter in the long legal history of Led Zeppelin, a band that has previously faced lawsuits over songs like “Whole Lotta Love” and “The Lemon Song.”
For Holmes, this isn’t just about money—it’s about being recognized for a song that helped shape one of the most iconic rock acts in history. And while this latest legal win doesn’t give us all the answers, it sends a clear message: even music from decades ago needs to honor the agreements behind it.
