Which indie rock band's 1992 single 'Creep' was initially a flop?

Which indie rock band’s 1992 single “Creep” was initially a flop? The answer is Radiohead. The English band released “Creep” as its debut single on September 21, 1992, but it initially reached only No. 78 on the UK Singles Chart and sold about 6,000 copies.

Radiohead recorded the song almost accidentally while working with producers Sean Slade and Paul Q. Kolderie on material for their debut album. Singer Thom Yorke had written it earlier, and the producers encouraged the band to perform it after other recording attempts stalled. The resulting take impressed everyone in the studio.

British radio initially resisted the track, with BBC Radio 1 reportedly considering it too depressing. Its fortunes changed when it received airplay in Israel and later became popular on American alternative-rock stations, especially KITS in San Francisco and KROQ-FM in Los Angeles. A 1993 reissue helped turn it into an international hit.

The song’s guitar progression also led to songwriting credits for Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood because of similarities to “The Air That I Breathe.” “Creep” became Radiohead’s signature early hit, even though the band later distanced itself from that reputation.