The 1980s was a fantastic time for music, filled with catchy tunes, unforgettable artists, and vibrant styles. From pop legends like Michael Jackson and Madonna to rock groups like Bon Jovi and Guns N’ Roses, the decade offered something for everyone. Whether you were dancing in your living room or cruising in your car, the beats and melodies of the ’80s made an impact that still resonates today. Colorful music videos and the rise of MTV changed how people enjoyed music, turning songs into visual experiences that captured the imagination.
Today, we will look at some fun trivia about 1980s music that will take you back to those unforgettable years. You might learn interesting facts about your favorite songs, discover how some famous hits were made, or find out which artists were at the top of the charts. Get ready to test your knowledge with some fun questions and see how well you remember this iconic decade. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, there’s something for everyone in the lively world of 1980s music trivia!
1980’S Music Trivia
Dancing Through the Decade of 1980’S Music
1. Which Michael Jackson song featured the famous line “Just beat it”? (Answer: Beat It)
2. What was the title of Madonna’s debut album released in 1983? (Answer: Madonna)
3. Which song by Whitney Houston became a major hit in the 1987 movie “The Bodyguard”? (Answer: I Will Always Love You)
4. What iconic dance move is Michael Jackson known for in “Thriller”? (Answer: The moonwalk)
5. What was the name of the famous dance club in New York City that became a symbol of the 1980s? (Answer: Studio 54)
6. Which band released the hit song “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”? (Answer: Wham!)
7. What 1985 song featured the lyric “You can dance if you want to”? (Answer: Safety Dance)
8. Who is known as the “Queen of Pop” for her influence during the 1980s? (Answer: Madonna)
9. In what song does Cyndi Lauper sing about girls having fun? (Answer: Girls Just Want to Have Fun)
10. What 1984 song by Prince was featured in the film “Purple Rain”? (Answer: Let’s Go Crazy)
The Rockin’ Sounds of 1980’S Music
1. Which band is known for the anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer”? (Answer: Bon Jovi)
2. What year did Guns N’ Roses release their debut album “Appetite for Destruction”? (Answer: 1987)
3. What hit song begins with the line “Just a small town girl”? (Answer: Don’t Stop Believin’)
4. Who sang the hit “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”? (Answer: Poison)
5. What was the title of AC/DC’s popular song released in 1980? (Answer: Back in Black)
6. Which British rock band had a hit with “Another One Bites the Dust”? (Answer: Queen)
7. What iconic 1980s song features the line “I want to break free”? (Answer: I Want to Break Free)
8. Who was the lead singer of the band Culture Club? (Answer: Boy George)
9. What 1983 song by Def Leppard helped define the glam rock sound of the decade? (Answer: Photograph)
10. What famous band released the song “Under Pressure” with David Bowie? (Answer: Queen)
The Pop Phenomenon of 1980’S Music
1. Who had a massive 1985 hit with the song “Like a Virgin”? (Answer: Madonna)
2. What song is known for the lyric “It’s a celebration”? (Answer: Celebration)
3. Which artist is famous for the song “Material Girl”? (Answer: Madonna)
4. Who performed the hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”? (Answer: Eurythmics)
5. What 1984 song features the lyric “Jump, for my love”? (Answer: Jump)
6. Which pop superstar’s album “Thriller” is considered the best-selling album of all time? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
7. What song by Whitney Houston topped the charts in 1986 and was featured in “The Bodyguard”? (Answer: I Will Always Love You)
8. Who was known for the hit song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”? (Answer: Whitney Houston)
9. What 1982 song by Michael Jackson features the famous line “You rock my world”? (Answer: Rock with You)
10. Which band released “Take On Me,” known for its catchy melody and iconic music video? (Answer: A-ha)
Electrifying Music Videos of 1980’S Music
1. What song featured the first-ever music video played on MTV? (Answer: Video Killed the Radio Star)
2. Which Michael Jackson music video became a 14-minute mini-movie? (Answer: Thriller)
3. Who directed the famous music video for “Material Girl”? (Answer: Mary Lambert)
4. Which artist had a music video that showcased breakdancing in the 1980s? (Answer: Herbie Hancock – Rockit)
5. What genre of music videos flourished with the launch of MTV in 1981? (Answer: Pop music)
6. Which iconic band’s music video for “Sledgehammer” features innovative stop-motion techniques? (Answer: Peter Gabriel)
7. What 1980s music video is famous for its animation and surreal imagery? (Answer: Take On Me)
8. Who created the visual style for Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” video? (Answer: Mary Lambert)
9. Which song features the memorable music video with an African tribal dance theme? (Answer: Africa by Toto)
10. What was unique about the “Sweet Child o’ Mine” music video by Guns N’ Roses? (Answer: It features live performance footage)
The Chart-Toppers of 1980’S Music
1. What 1985 song by Phil Collins was a chart-topping hit? (Answer: One More Night)
2. Which group had their biggest hit with “Walk Like an Egyptian”? (Answer: The Bangles)
3. What was the title of Madonna’s first number one hit in the U.S.? (Answer: Holiday)
4. What year did “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor hit number one? (Answer: 1982)
5. What artist had the most number one hits in the 1980s? (Answer: Madonna)
6. Which Whitney Houston song held the number one spot for 14 weeks in 1992? (Answer: I Will Always Love You)
7. What song by Duran Duran topped charts in 1985 and became an anthem? (Answer: View to a Kill)
8. Who had the number one hit “Kiss” in 1986? (Answer: Prince)
9. Which song by Billy Joel was a major hit in 1985 and became iconic? (Answer: We Didn’t Start the Fire)
10. What year did Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” top the Billboard charts? (Answer: 1983)
The Legendary Artists of 1980’S Music
1. Who is known as the “King of Pop”? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
2. What group was fronted by lead singer Axl Rose? (Answer: Guns N’ Roses)
3. Who wrote the classic “Wind of Change”? (Answer: Scorpions)
4. What is the real name of pop icon Madonna? (Answer: Madonna Louise Ciccone)
5. Which artist is known for the hits “Hello” and “All Night Long”? (Answer: Lionel Richie)
6. Who was the frontman of the band U2? (Answer: Bono)
7. What singer had a massive hit with “Total Eclipse of the Heart”? (Answer: Bonnie Tyler)
8. Which artist is known for the rock ballad “Crazy for You”? (Answer: Madonna)
9. Who performed “Like a Virgin” and became a pop sensation in the 1980s? (Answer: Madonna)
10. Which legendary guitarist performed “Purple Rain”? (Answer: Prince)
Final Thoughts
The trivia questions explored the vibrant music scene of the 1980s, highlighting unforgettable artists, iconic songs, and the unique culture that defined that era. From pop legends like Madonna to rock anthems by Bon Jovi, the decade was truly a musical phenomenon. Whether you enjoy dancing to the hits or reminiscing about the colorful music videos, there’s no denying the impact the 1980s had on today’s music landscape.
If you’re fascinated by 1980s music trivia and want to learn more, consider checking out more topics about trivia related to the 1980s at 1980s Trivia or explore the rock sounds with 80s Rock Trivia. The vibrant world of music awaits your curiosity!