The 1980s were an exciting time for rock music! From powerful guitar riffs to unforgettable lyrics, this decade gave us some of the biggest and most iconic bands that still influence music today. With artists like Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, and David Bowie leading the charge, the 80s rock scene was full of energy, flair, and a bit of glam. MTV burst onto the scene, showcasing music videos that helped define the image of rock stars. Whether you were headbanging at a concert or trying to perfect those guitar solos in your bedroom, the music of the 80s created memories for a generation.
Today, we will take a fun look at some fascinating trivia about 80s rock music. How well do you know your favorite bands and songs from this decade? We’ll share interesting facts, quiz you on popular hits, and even reveal some behind-the-scenes stories that you might not have heard before. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just curious about this magical era, you’ll learn something new and exciting. Get ready to rock out with some awesome trivia that showcases the vibrant spirit of 80s rock music!
80s Rock Music Trivia
Classic Hits That Shook the Charts
1. What Bon Jovi song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987? (Answer: “Livin’ on a Prayer”)
2. Which artist released the iconic song “Sweet Child o’ Mine” in 1988? (Answer: Guns N’ Roses)
3. What year did Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album get released? (Answer: 1982)
4. Which famous rock band sang “Every Breath You Take”? (Answer: The Police)
5. Who is the lead singer of the band U2? (Answer: Bono)
6. What song is often considered the anthem of the 80s rock scene, performed by Journey? (Answer: “Don’t Stop Believin'”)
7. What was the official debut album of Guns N’ Roses? (Answer: “Appetite for Destruction”)
8. Which classic 80s rock song features the lyrics “Here I go again on my own”? (Answer: “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake)
9. What rock band is known for the hit “I Want to Break Free”? (Answer: Queen)
10. What year did Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet” album release? (Answer: 1986)
Legends and Their Impactful Stories
1. Who was the lead guitarist for the band Van Halen until 1985? (Answer: Eddie Van Halen)
2. What rock legend famously bit the head off a bat during a concert? (Answer: Ozzy Osbourne)
3. What was the name of David Bowie’s alter ego during the 80s? (Answer: Ziggy Stardust)
4. Which songwriter wrote the famous song “Like a Prayer” for Madonna? (Answer: Patrick Leonard)
5. Which rock band is known for the epic album “Back in Black”? (Answer: AC/DC)
6. Who became the King of Pop through his groundbreaking performances in the 80s? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
7. What group made “We Will Rock You” famous? (Answer: Queen)
8. Which 80s rock band featured a drummer named Tommy Lee? (Answer: Mötley Crüe)
9. What rock singer is known for the song “Dancing in the Dark”? (Answer: Bruce Springsteen)
10. Which band was famous for the hit “Funky Town”? (Answer: Lipps Inc.)
Iconic Music Videos That Defined an Era
1. What MTV music video features a “thriller” dance with zombies? (Answer: “Thriller” by Michael Jackson)
2. Which band had a memorable music video featuring a school of fish in “Take on Me”? (Answer: A-ha)
3. Who performed the music video for “True Colors” in the 80s? (Answer: Cyndi Lauper)
4. What music video featured Madonna rolling around on the floor in a wedding dress? (Answer: “Like a Virgin”)
5. What rock band is featured in a famous video with a “bizarre” set lot in space? (Answer: Styx)
6. What video featured David Bowie and Mick Jagger singing “Dancing in the Street”? (Answer: 1985)
7. Which group had a memorable music video for “Sweet Freedom”? (Answer: Michael McDonald)
8. Who sang the song “Girls on Film” that made waves on MTV? (Answer: Duran Duran)
9. What song featuring a silent film star was performed by Cyndi Lauper? (Answer: “Time After Time”)
10. Which band is known for the visually stunning “November Rain”? (Answer: Guns N’ Roses)
Rockers Who Topped the Charts
1. Who won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1986? (Answer: Tina Turner)
2. What rock band had hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Wanted Dead or Alive”? (Answer: Bon Jovi)
3. What was the name of the song that showcased Elton John’s duet with Kiki Dee? (Answer: “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”)
4. What rock star is known for “Kiss Me Deadly”? (Answer: Lita Ford)
5. Which rock band is famous for holding records with multiple Billboard hits? (Answer: The Rolling Stones)
6. What Aerosmith song is known for its catchy chorus and humor? (Answer: “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”)
7. What is the name of the power ballad by Scorpions released in 1984? (Answer: “Wind of Change”)
8. What classic rock song features harmony vocals from the Eagles? (Answer: “Hotel California”)
9. Who released the famous rock ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is”? (Answer: Foreigner)
10. Who sang “Eye of the Tiger” as the theme song for the movie “Rocky III”? (Answer: Survivor)
Memorable Concerts and Events
1. What major festival featuring rock music took place in 1985? (Answer: Live Aid)
2. Which iconic 80s rock venue is known for hosting legendary concerts in New York? (Answer: Madison Square Garden)
3. What rock band’s reunion concert in 1989 celebrated its 20-year anniversary? (Answer: The Who)
4. Who headlined the famous “Monsters of Rock” festival in 1988? (Answer: Van Halen)
5. What major event in 1983 included a concert by Michael Jackson? (Answer: The Motown 25 Special)
6. What 1983 music festival featured Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue? (Answer: US Festival)
7. What memorable event celebrated the 30th anniversary of Woodstock in 1994? (Answer: Woodstock ’94)
8. Which band had the highest ticket sales for the year 1989 among rock concerts? (Answer: U2)
9. What stadium hosted the infamous “Stadium Tour” of 1987 featuring several big names? (Answer: The Rose Bowl)
10. Which legendary rock group performed “Live at Knebworth” in 1990? (Answer: Pink Floyd)
Fashion and Style of 80s Rock Music
1. Who was known for the iconic hairstyle called “the mullet”? (Answer: Billy Ray Cyrus)
2. What fashion item is often associated with Madonna in the 80s? (Answer: Lace gloves)
3. Which rock star was famous for wearing spandex and big hair? (Answer: Bret Michaels)
4. What iconic accessory did rock musicians frequently wear during concerts? (Answer: Leather jackets)
5. What popular pants style did rock stars like Jon Bon Jovi often wear? (Answer: Acid-washed jeans)
6. What type of footwear became popular among rock performers in the 80s? (Answer: High-top sneakers)
7. Which rock star was known for his colorful and flamboyant clothing style? (Answer: Prince)
8. What legendary band was known for its signature 80s stage outfits consisting of sequins and glitter? (Answer: KISS)
9. What term describes the glamorous style of the rock musicians of the 80s? (Answer: Glam metal)
10. Who made the leather pants a trademark of their rock style in the 80s? (Answer: Joan Jett)
Final Thoughts
The trivia from the 80s rock music era showcases incredible artists, unforgettable songs, and unforgettable moments that have left lasting impressions on the music world. From the chart-topping hits that defined an entire generation to the concert events that brought fans together, the 80s were a transformative time for rock music. Whether you have nostalgic memories of the music or have learned something new from this trivia, the influence of the 80s rock scene remains as impactful today as it was then.
If you’re eager to learn more about this era or explore different topics, check out our other articles on 80s rock trivia or 1980s trivia. Dive into the world of music, history, and more!