Move Over Pop Fans, Only Rock Fans Can Pass This Quiz

Remember when music had a soul? Remember when it was actually played on musical instruments and the vocals that you heard were from an actual human being’s unfiltered voice? It’s hard to remember when that was the case, but it’s very easy to look back on it fondly and miss it and get all nostalgic about it. Not everyone would agree that music was better back then. In fact, most of the people who enjoyed that music when it actually was popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s are dead now. The world now belongs to the millennials and the rebels of Generation X, who prefer their music to have a touch of the electronic. They like to hear vocals that have been auto-tuned and they like to hear beats that were made using advanced software instead of an actual drum kit in real life. It all depends on what you like, though. If you’re a fan of pop music, then you probably don’t like rock music, because it’s a lot darker and heavier and more aggressive than what you do like. Still, rock ‘n’ roll has plenty of dedicated fans. If you really are one, then you should be able to pass this quiz!

Question 1

Who is known as the King of Rock?

You know how Michael Jackson is famously known by the nickname the King of Pop? Well, that’s a development from the nickname for this iconic rocker. He was one of the first ever rock musicians back in the ‘50s, when the blues and jazz and pop music were all being developed into what would eventually be called rock ‘n’ roll. This guy had a major influence on John Lennon in the early days of his life and he was an early male sex symbol alongside the female ones of the time like Marilyn Monroe. Who is he?

Question 2

Whose song is Bohemian Rhapsody?

Some filmmakers are currently in production of a Freddie Mercury biopic at the moment, which is long overdue. The front man from the band behind Bohemian Rhapsody is a true musical legend. And the song itself was saved by a movie. It had lost popularity after a couple of decades, but then the cast of Wayne’s World played it in the car, and all of a sudden, it became really popular again. Which classic rock band’s song is Bohemian Rhapsody?

Question 3

Which band did the song Free Bird?

This band is one of the best and most beloved country rock bands of all time. Half the band died tragically in a plane crash a few years into their recording career, but they left behind some truly terrific albums and the band managed to continue with family members to some degree of success.. The only song by this band perhaps better known that Free Bird is Sweet Home Alabama, but Free Bird is their Stairway. Which band did the song Free Bird?

Question 4

Who was the lead guitarist for Guns ‘n’ Roses?

Guns ‘n’ Roses are a seminal band in the development of the rock styles of glam metal and hard rock and most of their success comes from their phenomenally talented lead guitarists, whose riffs and guitar solos in songs like Sweet Child o’ Mine and November Rain have been highly acclaimed by critics and listed by magazines and other publications as ranking among the greatest of all time. Who was the lead guitarist for the awesome hard rock band Guns ‘n’ Roses?

Question 5

Complete the lyric: “For those about to rock...”

In the classic AC/DC hard rock song For Those About to Rock, the second part of the lyric “For those about to rock...” is not included in the title. But it’s not complete without that next part. The lyric in full summarizes the whole point of the song – like most songs by AC/DC, but none more so than this one, it is a tribute to all the rockers and rock fans out there. Complete the lyric: “For those about to rock...”

Question 6

Which grunge band gave us the song Smells Like Teen Spirit?

The rock style of grunge rose throughout the 1990s and one of the earliest forerunners to this style and easily the most famous one was the garage band from Seattle that gave us the song Smells Like Teen Spirit. Their lead vocalist, Kurt Cobain, killed himself at the age of 27 for a number of reasons and it was a tragedy that was felt across the world of rock. Which grunge band gave us the song Smells Like Teen Spirit?

Question 7

What type of animal’s head did Ozzy Osbourne bite off on stage?

To his credit, the Black Sabbath front man was under the impression that the animal in his hand that he decapitated with his bare teeth – by the way, how freaking metal is that?! – was not real. Apparently – well, this is according to him, anyway – he was led to believe (either by his bandmates or by other factors, such as being under the influence of God knows what) that it was actually a candy bar. What type of animal’s head did Ozzy Osbourne bite off on stage?

Question 8

Which of these rock stars has NOT recorded a version of All Along the Watchtower?

All Along the Watchtower is a really great song that was originally written and performed by one of the greatest musicians who has ever lived, period. He generally dabbles in folk and country styles of music, and when he tried to bring an electric guitar into his music, he was practically crucified for it. But his music can be enjoyed by rock fans and considered a rock star. Which of these rock stars has NOT recorded a version of All Along the Watchtower?

Question 9

Who was the drummer for Led Zeppelin?

Led Zeppelin are one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their second album, Led Zeppelin II, contributed to the development of heavy metal, and their third, Led Zeppelin III, helped to bring rock music more towards other styles like blues and folk music. Their drummer is one of best and most talented of all time, but sadly, he had a penchant for drinking for breakfast and therefore died tragically young. Who was the drummer for Led Zeppelin?

Question 10

Which of these is NOT a Beatles song?

The Beatles are widely regarded to be the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time. You can hear their influence on music in every musical artist – be they pop artists or rock artists or something else entirely – from the past half a century. With albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, they were really shaking up the musical landscape and combining all kinds of different musical styles with one another. Which of these is NOT a Beatles song?

Question 11

Which band did Jim Morrison front?

Alongside the likes of other rock legends such as Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, the drug addled rock star Jim Morrison is a member of the 27 Club – the group of people who are famous for dying at the ripe, young age of just 27. These people are generally remembered well, because although their life was so short, they accomplished so much. Morrison was the front man of a band that revolutionized psychedelic rock. Which band did Jim Morrison front?

Question 12

Elvis Presley wrote all of his own songs – true or false?

Elvis Presley, better known as the King of Rock, was one of the first ever rock ‘n’ roll stars in the history of music. He was one of the forerunners to the genre. Everyone fell in love with this guy and he became one of the best selling musical artists of all time – even to this day. He recorded more than 600 songs over the course of his musical career, but did he write any of them? Elvis Presley wrote all of his own songs – is the preceding statement true or false?

Question 13

What instrument does Eric Clapton play?

Eric Clapton is one the best musicians in his field who ever lived. You can practise playing on the instrument that he plays for your whole life and still never come anywhere near the talent of Eric Clapton. Practice is just the half of it. You have to be born with it. That’s the other half of it, and Eric Clapton was born with it in spades. He is a true rock music legend. What instrument does Eric Clapton play?

Question 14

Whose song is Baba O’Riley?

Baba O’Riley is one of the most emotionally charged and beautifully arranged rock songs of all time. It is better known as “Teenage Wasteland” to people who are familiar with the song but aren’t fans of the band or the rock music genre. But that’s not what it’s called, that’s just a part of the lyrics. Its real name is Baba O’Riley and it’s great. Which well known and beloved rock ‘n’ roll band’s song is the fantastic Baba O’Riley?

Question 15

Which country’s banning of rock music inspired The Clash’s Rock the Casbah?

Everyone loves The Clash. They’re one of the best rock bands ever. Listeners can’t resist banging their heads to the likes of London Calling and I Fought the Law – and Rock the Casbah. Some musicians write protest songs against Christians who called rock music the music of the Devil, but The Clash wrote Rock the Casbah in response to a foreign country banning the playing of rock music. Which country’s banning of rock music inspired The Clash’s Rock the Casbah?

Question 16

Complete the Metallica lyric: “Exit light...”

People either love or hate Metallica. They’re one of the big four bands operating within the thrash metal genre, along with Megadeth and Anthrax and Slayer, and some people think that’s too heavy, whereas other people think it’s just the right amount of heaviness. It’s almost like a Goldilocks and the three bears thing. Anyway, their best known song is probably Enter Sandman. Complete the classic Metallica lyric from arguably their most popular and beloved song, Enter Sandman: “Exit light...”

Question 17

Which band’s song is Jump?

The song Jump has come back into the purview of popular culture in the past couple of months, since it was featured a few times throughout Ready Player One, the new Steven Spielberg movie about VR gaming and greedy corporations, based on the book by Ernest Cline. The band behind the song Jump were one of the most popular bands as the genre of glam rock rose up. Which beloved glam rock band’s song is the terrific and lovable Jump?

Question 18

Who was the rhythm guitarist for AC/DC?

Ever since 2016, when the likes of Prince and David Bowie and Alan Rickman and Carrie Fisher died, there seems to have been a lot more celebrity deaths coming out. Most recently, it’s been Avicii at the age of 28 and Verne Troyer aka Mini Me. One of the deaths in 2017 was one of the founders of the hugely popular hard rock band AC/DC, who was one of the greatest guitar players of all time. What is his name?

Question 19

Which metal band’s song is Kickstart My Heart?

It’s certainly very possible that the track Kickstart My Heart is the heaviest metal song ever created. It doesn’t let up for a second (well, maybe for just a second, but you need that to calm down and cool off after all the rocking, and then it’s back to the loud, heavy, awesome stuff) and just listening to it gives you an adrenaline rush. It was written by Nikki Sixx and featured on the album Dr. Feelgood. Which metal band’s song is Kickstart My Heart?

Question 20

Which Muppet Show character was inspired by Mick Fleetwood?

Do you think that The Muppet Show and all of the adorable puppet characters who were created by Jim Henson were just cute things for kids to enjoy? Think again! One of those characters – a rock drummer in his own right – was inspired by the wild rock ‘n’ roll star that is Mick Fleetwood. He’s not everyone’s favorite character, but he is an endearing one who everyone enjoys. So, which character from The Muppet Show was inspired by Mick Fleetwood?

Question 21

Who was the Walrus according to The Glass Onion?

This particular song makes allusions to the controversy surrounding who exactly the Walrus was. The original song, I am The Walrus, is said to be just a lot of nonsense specifically to confound people who insist on finding meaning in songs. The Glass Onion was a bit more of the same, referring to older Beatles hits and adding a bit of a fuel to the conspiracy that one of the members had been in a fatal car crash and subsequently replaced by an imposter.

Question 22

Complete the Pink Floyd lyric: “I have become...”

Many of Pink Floyd’s songs are still greatly enjoyed today by rock fans and music enthusiasts. They elevated the styles of prog rock and psychedelic rock into something meaningful, and not just a hit or miss experiment. They gave us so many great albums in the years that they were around – Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon and Atom Heart Mother and Animals, and most of all, their epic magnum opus, The Wall. The Wall has many great tracks on it, including this classic. Complete the Pink Floyd lyric: “I have become...”

Question 23

What is the name of Bruce Springsteen’s band?

When you think of the Jersey Shore, you might think of those ridiculously tanned, very annoying people from the reality TV show, but there is one musical legend who has his roots in the Jersey Shore, and that’s Springsteen. Bruce Springsteen is better known by his nickname “The Boss” and he is also known primarily as a solo artist with hits like Born in the USA and Land of Hope and Dreams, but he has also worked with a band, and they were pretty successful. What is the name of Bruce Springsteen’s band?

Question 24

Who was Led Zeppelin’s vocalist?

The vocalist from Led Zeppelin is often cited as a major influence by other rock singers for his heavy performing style. Just like everyone from Led Zeppelin – John Bonham, Jimmy Page etc. – this guy inspired almost everyone in his field who followed. Critics and experts and fans consistently rank him among the most talented vocal artists of all time. Lucky that he managed to find himself working with one of the best drummers and best guitarists, too. Who was Led Zeppelin’s vocalist?

Question 25

Which Beatle’s son was Hey Jude written about?

A lot of fans and critics name Hey Jude as the greatest song that the Beatles ever created. It is ranked alongside Yesterday and Don’t Let Me Down and A Day in the Life and Here Comes the Sun as one of the best, at the very least. Paul McCartney wrote it to comfort one of the band members’ kids when they were going through a messy divorce and there was a lot of yelling getting the kid down. Which Beatle’s son was Hey Jude written about?

Question 26

Which of these is NOT a Rolling Stones song?

There’s an ongoing debate over which classic British rock band is better: the Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Everyone seems to have their own idea about it – and their own very specific reasoning behind why. The Stones have been going for 50 years and given us some great stuff, but the Beatles managed to achieve so much and break so much new ground in just 10 years. Both bands have some great albums. Which of these is NOT a Rolling Stones song?

Question 27

Whose song is Smoke on the Water?

Smoke on the Water is one of the best loved rock songs of all time. It put the band that created it on the map. It is best known for its iconic and catchy guitar riff, which is the first thing that most people who try to learn how to play the guitar will learn to play. The band has other great songs, but this is the best known one. Which rock band’s awesome and rocking song is Smoke on the Water?

Question 28

Complete the Guns ‘n’ Roses lyric: “Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and...”

Paradise City is a very popular hard rock song. Even people who aren’t familiar with the band Guns ‘n’ Roses know this song – and love it! Even to people who aren’t fans of rock, this is an awesome song. The lyrics are catchy, you can bang your head to it. The song is on the band’s debut album, Appetite for Destruction. Complete the Guns ‘n’ Roses lyric: “Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and...”

Question 29

What color is the dog in the title of a Led Zeppelin hit?

Led Zeppelin used to get the inspiration for their songs from the strangest places. The Ocean is about the ocean of fans at their concerts. They also wrote a song about a dog that is a certain color, after a Labrador of this description had been walking around the studio while they were recording the album. Of course, the lyrics that they wrote turned it into something sexual. What color is the dog in the title of a hit track by the seminal, deified rock ‘n’ roll band Led Zeppelin?

Question 30

Which of these musicians does NOT play all their own instruments?

The concept of the one man band gets a bad rap. It conjures up an image of some loser in a town square with an accordion in his hands and a drum on his back and a harmonica strapped to his mouth. But there are some amazing rock stars who not only play one or two instruments to a professional enough level to be recording albums, but play every single one! Which of these musicians does NOT play all their own instruments?

Question 31

Which band holds the record for the most Rolling Stone magazine covers?

Rolling Stone magazine is one of the first names in music journalism, with a specific focus on rock ‘n’ roll. Every time a new issue comes out, there’s a new superstar on the cover of the magazine. Over the years, there have been a ton of them. John Lennon was featured on the cover of the very first issue of the magazine. But which band holds the record for the most images on the cover pages of issues of Rolling Stone magazine?

Question 32

Which band had Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell sharing lead vocals?

These two vocal powerhouses were ever present during the grunge era. Eddie Vedder, of course, headed up Pearl Jam, with Cornell singing the lead in his own band. However, when a mutual friend of theirs, Andrew Wood, passed away, Chris created one of the bands below to pay tribute as well as to help raise funds for Wood's family. Their most popular single, Hunger Strike, is almost impossible not to sing along to, especially with Cornell doing vocal gymnastics in the background. RIP, Chris.

Question 33

Which of these musicians was NOT in Pink Floyd?

Pink Floyd changed a lot of things during their tenure as the leading psychedelic rock band in the whole world. They opened up the world of sound to have atmospheric keyboard sounds carried across a whole song in order to keep you in a trance the entire time. It’s really quite spectacular how they used to do it. Some of the greatest musicians of all time were in that band. Which of these great musicians was NOT in Pink Floyd?

Question 34

How much did Paul McCartney charge to perform at the 2012 London Olympics?

A lot of British stars were eager to perform at the 2012 Olympics, since the games had finally come to London. The opening ceremony was directed by the great Danny Boyle of Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire fame. Paul McCartney performed as well, and for a man of his stature, the fee that he charged was absurdly low. This guy could have charged them millions! How much did Beatles legend Paul McCartney charge to perform at the 2012 London Olympics ceremony?

Question 35

What is the title of Motley Crue’s acclaimed autobiography?

The band members of Motley Crue and the great rock ‘n’ roll writer Neil Strauss collaborated on an autobiography of the band’s crazy and tumultuous and very rock ‘n’ roll career. All the drugs, all the girls, all the hotel rooms, all the concerts, all the wild things they ever got up to. Netflix will be releasing a movie adaptation of the book any day now. It’s titled after the nitty gritty stuff in there. What is the title of Motley Crue’s acclaimed autobiography?

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