Passing This Classic Rock Quiz Will Definitely Take Help From Mom And Dad
- by Colin Leggett
- – on
- in Entertainment
Nothing brings people together quite like the sound of music, and there's nothing more crowd-pleasing than the classics. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Springsteen, Van Halen, Zeppelin... Throw on any of their records and people will immediately be happy. After all, the reason their songs have endured for so many decades is that they are what started it all. Rock and Roll might not have gotten where it did without the pioneering work of these early acts.
With so much music to go through, though, how could anyone possibly hear all of it? Well, everyone has to start somewhere, and no one knew all of their favorite bands right from the beginning. Developing musical tastes takes time and means listening to all kinds of different music. Classic rock is always a good place to start though.
Some of the questions in this quiz might really stump people if they don't know much about the genre. They might even have to ask their parents for help. That is if their parents were fans of this kind of music in the first place. It may not be easy, but this quiz might open some eyes (and ears) to the great sounds of the 70s, 80s, and even 90s.
Which band played the songs "Paranoid" and "Iron Man?"
This rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 was one of the pioneering groups in the genre of metal music. Sure, it may sound tame by today's standards, but there were few other bands that were doing the same things as these guys. They played songs about everything from science-fiction to the occult to protesting. Even though they went through a few different lead singers in their later years, the core group of musicians stayed the same. The riff for their song "Iron Man" is one of the most famous in music history.
Which of these is a song by Led Zeppelin?
Led Zeppelin was known for their bluesy riffs, soaring lead vocals from frontman Robert Plant, and beyond-excellent drum work from John Bonham. Their guitar riffs were influenced particularly by the work of other blues musicians, and sometimes that influence went a little too far. One of Led Zeppelin's most famous songs, which starts with the lyrics "You need coolin', baby I'm not foolin," landed the band in hot water with a blues musician who claimed the band stole some of his lyrics to create their own song.
Which band had albums called "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver?"
They are probably the most historically significant rock and roll band in the world, and they started out playing basement shows in Liverpool. From there, they grew into one of the most popular bands in the world and set off a wave of bands from England becoming popular in the United States. though they started out with simple songs about love, their musical style grew more rich and complex over time, as the band explored new genres and instruments to utilize in their recordings.
Which updated song featured Run DMC and Aerosmith performing together?
Aerosmith was a huge band in the 1970s, but by the early 1980s, the sheen had started to wear off. Problems within the band made it hard for them to work together, and they were losing popularity. That was until Run DMC revived one of their songs by covering it one of their albums. Run DMC asked Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to record new parts for the song, and it was an instant hit. after that, Aerosmith launched into the successful second phase.
Which band had hits called "Paradise City" and "Welcome to the Jungle?"
This band formed in Los Angeles in 1985 at the height of hair metals popularity. However, this band stuck out as being less glam than some of the other acts that were around at the time. Their lead guitarist is best known for wearing a top hat and sunglasses at all times. Their lead singer has had some interesting moments throughout the band's history, and they eventually became famous for an album that had been planned for release in 1999 but didn't see the light of day until 2008.
Who was the lead singer of Nirvana?
Nirvana was one of the pioneering bands of the grunge movement in the early 1990s. Nirvana consisted of three members: bassist Krist Novoselic, drummer Dave Grohl (who would go on to great success with his own band, Foo Fighters), and this lead singer and guitarist. He was the mastermind behind almost all of the band's songs, writing all the lyrics himself. He eventually married Courtney Love and had a daughter with her. However, he passed away in 1994 after taking his own life.
What was Cheap Trick's famous live album called?
Cheap Trick was pioneering power pop band that found huge fame in the 1970s with hits like "I Want you to Want Me" and "Surrender." The band famously consisted of two "traditional" looking rock stars, and two average-looking guys, one of whom was the lead guitarist. Cheap Trick really hit it big when they released their first live album. It was easily their best-selling record and remains a rock and roll staple to this day. Radio stations even started playing the live version of "I Want you to Want Me" as a single.
In which song did David Bowie sing about Major Tom?
David Bowie might have been one of the most intriguing, influential, and celebrated figures in rock music. His constant reinvention of himself led him to adopt different looks and musical styles throughout his life. One of his most endearing and famous songs involves a character named Major Tom, who becomes stranded during a mission. The song is famous for its storytelling style, emotional resonance, and psychedelic touches. The song was Bowie's first single to reach the charts in the UK.
What was the name of Queen's guitarist?
Queen was one of the most famous bands in the world, and a lot of that had to do with their electric performances, the charisma of their lead singer, and the combined songwriting of the band as a whole. Much of that was thanks to Queen's guitarist, an immensely talented musician who built his own guitar which he called the Red Special. This gave him the opportunity to create a unique sound that could not be duplicated. He wrote the composition for one of Queen's most famous songs, "We Will Rock you."
What Led Zeppelin album included the songs "Kashmir" and "Boogie With Stu?"
Led Zeppelin had already proven themselves to be one of the greatest rock bands in the world when they began work on this album. It was one of their most ambitious yet, with enough material to cover a double LP. The album was recorded a Hampshire country house called Headley Grange and was the first to be released on Zeppelin's own Swan Song label. It included ambitious instrumentation, such as a string section conducted by John Paul Jones on the album's signature track, "Kashmir."
In which song did Tom Petty sing about a good girl who loved her mama?
Tom Petty released his album Full Moon Fever in 1989, and it was met with huge acclaim from both critics and audiences. It contained what would become some of his most enduring songs, including "Won't Back Down," Running Down a Dream," and this song, which became a massive hit. The track featured a simple three-chord riff, and lyrics that talked about a good girl who loves her mama, loves horses, and America, too. It also featured lines about vampires walking through the valley and all the bad boys standing in the shadows.
What is the name of this Aussie rock band?
This band from down under released their first album entitled High voltage all the way back in 1975. They have recorded massively popular rock and roll hits such as "Shook Me All Night Long," "Thunderstruck," and "Highway to Hell." After the loss of their first lead singer, they teamed up with a new one in 1980 and recorded their biggest album yet, Back in Black. They are known for their energetic stage shows, where their lead guitarist dresses up in a school uniform.
What is the title of this Pink Floyd album?
Pink Floyd was one of the most ambitious rock and roll bands of their time, recording genre-defying songs that broke convention and featured philosophical lyrics about everything from greed to time, and even mental illness. This album, released in 1973, was one of their most enduring and popular recordings. It featured songs such as "Breathe," "Money," and "The Great Gig in the Sky," and marked a clear transition from the band's earlier work with former vocalist Syd Barrett (who left the band due to mental illness).
Which singer had hits like "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer?"
This singer from England, born in 1947 saw huge success in the 1970s when he released albums such as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and "Madman Across the Water." He didn't work alone, however. while he wrote amazing musical compositions, his lyrics were largely written by songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Some of his biggest hits were the songs "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer," But he also saw success with tracks like "Levon" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting." Years later, he would co-write songs for the film The Lion King.
Whose girl did Rick Springfield sing about?
Rick Springfield grew up in Australia and had formed many different rock bands in his early life. He started out as a member of the band Zoot, before going off on his own as a solo artist. His most enduring song is about how he is secretly in love with his friend's girlfriend. It was his first number one hit in both Australia and the United States, and propelled him to fame. He leveraged the attention he was getting into acting. He landed a role on General Hospital and later appeared on True Detective and Supernatural.
To which girl did The Police say "you don't have to put out the red light?"
The Police formed in London in 1977 and drew much of their musical influence from reggae, which was becoming more and more popular in the UK and was a huge factor in influencing the second-wave of ska music. One of The Police's most famous songs concerns a woman who is working in an undesirable job. Sting, the lead vocalist, is telling her things like "you don't have to wear that dress tonight," and to "put away [her] makeup." The song was the band's first major hit.
Dire Straits had a hit with the song "Sultans of" what?
Brothers Mark and David Knopfler formed the band Dire Straits in London in 1977. Their first, self-titled album was met with huge critical acclaim and record sales. It peaked at number 2 in the United States and number one in Australia, Germany, and France. Its success was due to the band's well-known single, which drew inspiration from a true story. Mark Knopfler saw a jazz band playing in a small club, with no one paying attention. When they finished playing they said their name, which became the title fo the song.
Which singer performed the famous song "School's Out?"
This singer was known for making waves when he first started performing. His elaborate stage shows, which included props, makeup, and usually very intense imagery, marked him as someone that worried parent and church groups alike. However, one of his most enduring hits is one that is still played almost every single year right before summer: "School's Out." The song cemented the artist as someone who would not go away quietly. He also made a hilarious appearance in the film "Wayne's World," where he seemed to know a lot about Milwaukee.
Who played guitar for Led Zeppelin?
This guitarist got his start playing The Yardbirds, a band that also included members like Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. Eventually, he joined a band with Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. They planned to call themselves the New Yardbirds, but changed it when someone told them the idea would go over like a "lead balloon." He is considered one of the most influential guitarists in rock and roll history, and could sometimes be seen on stage playing a double-necked Gibson SG.
Which vehicle did Ozzy Osbourne famously sing about?
Ozzy Osbourne was fired from his first band, Black Sabbath, in 1979 due to his unreliable nature as a member. Afterward, he decided to go solo, rounding up a group of musicians that included guitarist Randy Rhoads to record a new album, which was called Blizzard of Ozz. The album was highly successful, with one particular song becoming a huge hit. The song features one of the most recognizable riffs in rock and roll and became an indelible part of heavy metal history.
Which singer from Canada wrote songs like "Down by the River" and "Old Man?"
This singer and guitarist, born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, first saw musical success in the United States when he joined the band Buffalo Springfield as a guitarist with fellow musician Stephen Stills. From there, he would go on to be a successful solo musician, as well as playing with other bands, and would write such lasting folk-rock songs as "Southern Man," "Down By The River," "Old Man." Later, he would record one of his most well-known and enduring songs, "Keep On Rockin' in the Free World" with Pearl Jam.
Which Queen song found new popularity in the 90s thanks to Wayne's World?
Queen wasn't just known for its electric live shows and their lead singers operatic vocal style. They were also an immensely talented group of songwriters, who wrote one of the most famously idiosyncratic songs in rock history. This song would be studied, picked apart, and analyzed for decades after its release, with no one ever really figuring out the secret to its opaque lyrics. The song was a number one hit for Queen in the 1970s and again in the 1990s due to the movie Wayne's World included it in a class headbanging sequence.
Which Pink Floyd concept album was also made into a feature-length film?
Pink Floyd was already known for their highly ambitious musical styles and thematic lyrics before releasing this famous concept album in November 1979. The album contained some of the band's most well-known tracks, such as "Comfortably Numb" and "Hey You." The album also spawned a hit single that included the title of the album. It would go on to be made into a musical film starring Live Aid founder Bob Geldof. The film was a blend of live-action segments and animation
Can you name this singer who took over vocal duties for Black Sabbath?
He was originally the singer in metal band Rainbow (which also featured guitarist Ritchie Blackmore) before he was asked to take on vocal duties in Black Sabbath following Ozzy Osbourne's departure from the band. He is known for pioneering the use of the "devil horns" hand gesture in rock music, and also had his own solo albums, one of which featured the popular heavy metal track, "Holy Diver." He appeared as a vocalist on the Black Sabbath albums Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules.
Which song got The Doors in a lot of trouble when they played it on TV?
The Doors were one of the most well-known bands during the late 1960s and early seventies. Their particular sound stemmed mostly from the work of keyboardist Ray Manzarek and vocalist Jim Morrison. One of the band's most popular songs featured lyrics which, at the time, were seen as being a little bit risky. When the band was asked to perform on the Ed Sullivan Show, a change to the lyrics was requested. However, Morrison sang the actual lyrics live on air, and the band was not asked to return ever again.
What color was the haze Jimi Hendrix sang about?
Jimi Hendrix was one of, if not just the greatest, guitar players of all time. His playing style would influence generations of other guitar players and was a huge influence on modern rock music. His first album with his band The Jimi Hendrix Experience, entitled "Are You Experienced?" is a masterpiece of 60s rock and roll that features such great tracks as "Fire" "The Wind Cries Mary," "Hey Joe," and this famous song which features the line "Excuse me, while I kiss the sky."
Which song by The Who mentioned a "teenage wasteland?"
The Who is considered one of the greatest rock bands ever for good reason. Their rhythm section alone, with Keith Moon on drums and John Entwistle on bass, was one of the most powerful forces in music. Combined with the soaring lead vocals of Roger Daltrey and the songwriting prowess of guitarist Pete Townshend, the band became one of the most influential musical groups in the world. One of their most famous songs from the album Who's Next? mentions a "teenage wasteland" repeatedly. The name of the song is not in the lyrics.
Which continent did Toto famously sing about?
The band Toto came together in Los Angeles in 1976. Formed by session musicians who had played on a number of famous albums, Toto found early success with its debut record which featured the song "Hold The Line." After two disappointing follow-ups, the band was under pressure to release a hit record. They managed to do it in 1982, with Toto IV. The album was one of the best-selling of the year and had three singles in the Billboard Top 100, including this song about a specific continent. The song was recently covered by the band Weezer.
Which band had hits like "Give a Little Bit" and "Breakfast in America?"
This band was formed in 1969 in London and began playing progressive rock. Their distinct style of music came from lead songwriters Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies. They found fame early on, and spawned a classic rock staple on their critically acclaimed fifth album with the song "Give a Little Bit." In 1979, they went on to release their most famous and commercially successful album, Breakfast in America, which included hits like the title track, "The Logical Song," and "Goodbye Stranger."
Which Kinks song did Van Halen famously cover on their debut album?
Van Halen was a band known mostly for its wild stage show and the pioneering guitar style of Eddie Van Halen, which marked him as a huge influence on future generations of rock and metal guitarists. On their debut album, the band displayed their heavy metal prowess with songs such as "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout 'Love," "Running with the Devil," and the blazing guitar solo entitled "Eruption," which led into an unexpected hit for the band, a cover of a classic rock and roll song by the Kinks.
Which album by The Clash featured songs such as "Train in Vain" and "The Clampdown?"
The Clash was one of the pioneering punk bands of the 1970s. Formed in London in 1976, they became one of the loudest voices in the early punk rock movement in England. Their first, self-titled album marked them as a band to watch. Their biggest album, though, came out in 1979. The sprawling double album featured some of the band's most famous songs including "Train in Vain," "The Clampdown," and the title track, which became one of the most memorable songs in punk rock history.
Which band features lead singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards?
This band, formed in London in 1962, is one of the most famous and lasting acts in rock and roll. Their lead singer, Mick Jagger, and guitarist, Keith Richards, have both been with the band since the very beginning, and continue to play shows all over the world with the band. Jagger has even been knighted. The band is famous for such songs as "(Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "19th Nervous Breakdown," and "Sympathy for the Devil." Their famous logo is a pair of lips with a tongue sticking out.
What was the name of Tom Petty's band?
Tom Petty is considered to be one o the greatest songwriters in rock and roll, but he didn't play on his own. His band, which had been with him since the beginning, have always contributed to the songwriting process. This was especially true of guitarist Mike Campbell, who co-wrote some of the bands most famous songs. Though Petty would release three solo albums, members of the band would often play on them as session musicians. Together, the band released 13 albums.
Which band had songs called "Roundabout" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart?"
This band formed in London in 1968 and is regarded as one of the pioneering acts in progressive rock. The band's musical style was marked by its numerous stylistic influences including jazz, blues, and rock. The band is also notable for its multitude of lineup changes. It famously does not feature any of its original members anymore. The band set a high standard for progressive ats with one of its earliest hits, "Roundabout." They later found great success with their hit single "Owner of a Lonely Heart."
Where did Bruce Springsteen famously sing about dancing?
Bruce Springsteen is known as the working man's rock and roll star. He is known for his down to earth sensibilities and poetic lyrics that still manage to touch on real life, particularly in the United States. One of his most famous singles featured a music video of Bruce and the E Street band playing a live show where he brings a woman on stage to dance with him (played by a pre-Friends Courtney Cox). The video was also directed by Brian De Palma.