Radiohead’s ‘Burn the Witch’ copyright row is in burning force.

The video to Radiohead’s eagerly awaited single ‘Burn the Witch’ has been accused of breach of copyright by William Mollett the son-in-law of Gordon Murray, 95, the creator of Trumpton, a stop motion series from the 1960s.

Mollett stated:

“Radiohead should have sought our consent. We consider this a tarnishing of the brand.”

He continued that Gordon Murray would be

“appalled” by the video, and it was “not something we would have authorised”.

“We consider that there is a breach of copyright and we are deciding what to do next.”

Radiohead’s parody shows the history of witch hunts where between the years 1484 and 1750 so-called witches were hanged, tortured, and burnt in Britain and throughout Western Europe. ‘Burn the Witch’, from the album A Moon Shaped Pool (read both of our articles on this) tells the story of a male outsider being showed around the village by the mayor who demonstrates how the village deal with their ‘witches’. In a twist the male outsider is invited to climb up a gigantic wicker man, and he is horrifically set on fire. The audience are instructed to turn their backs. Radiohead’s music soundly builds up to this final moment making the story a compelling one.

We shall see if Arthur Miller’s family take offence as it similarly deals with his play, The Crucible and its treatment of the Salem witch trials.

As with any parody it is important to think about the message Radiohead are offering viewers. Some say it links directly to the current refugee crisis.

‘Burn the Witch’ is the first release from A Moon Shaped Pool. Radiohead’s ninth album is available for streaming. A launch of a physical album will be out on 17 June. Have a look at Trumpton and ‘Burn the Witch’ below.