Modern English Members Accused The Strokes of Plagiarism
Members of the 1980s band claim that The Strokes borrowed from their hit track I Melt With You.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Alternative
Mick Conroy and Robbie Grey of Modern English have alleged that the 2020 track Bad Decisions by The Strokes improperly mirrors their classic song I Melt With You. The musicians addressed the perceived similarities in a recent social media video.
Why it matters
Accusations of musical plagiarism underscore the thin line between artistic influence and copyright infringement in modern songwriting. The dispute highlights the lack of credit for Modern English on a track that currently acknowledges the writers of Billy Idol's work.
Modern English released I Melt With You in 1982, while The Strokes debuted Bad Decisions in 2020. The Strokes' track formally credits the writers of Billy Idol's 1981 song Dancing With Myself.
The players
The Strokes
The Strokes are an American rock band formed in New York City in 1998 that played a major role in the garage rock revival of the early 2000s.
Modern English
Modern English is an English new wave band best known for their 1982 hit single I Melt With You.
Mick Conroy
Mick Conroy is a founding member and bassist for the band Modern English.
Robbie Grey
Robbie Grey is the lead singer and a founding member of the band Modern English.
Billy Idol
Billy Idol is a British-American rock musician who rose to fame as a member of the punk rock band Generation X before launching a successful solo career.
The details
Modern English members Mick Conroy and Robbie Grey posted a video comparing the two songs to show why they believe their work was ripped off. The dispute centers on the absence of proper recognition for their 1982 hit on the later production.
Timeline
Billy Idol released the song Dancing With Myself in 1981.
Modern English released the song I Melt With You in 1982.
The Strokes released the song Bad Decisions in 2020.
Modern English posted a social media video regarding the claim in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This allegation follows a pattern set by the 2015 Blurred Lines copyright trial, marking a continued trend of artists scrutinizing popular music for unauthorized resemblances. The situation reflects how high-profile song similarities often lead to public debates over creative legacy and ownership.
Listeners can currently hear the similarities for themselves by comparing both tracks on any major music streaming platform. The public discourse does not currently limit access to either song for casual fans.
The takeaway
Musical influence is a core component of the creative process, but the boundary between inspiration and borrowing remains a subject of intense professional scrutiny. Artists and fans alike must navigate these complex disputes as social media platforms provide a direct stage for public grievances.
Further reading
Explore more analysis in the Alternative section.
