The 1980s were a wild and colorful time for music, especially with the rise of hair bands. These rock groups were known for their big hair, flashy outfits, and catchy tunes. From high-energy anthems to power ballads, hair bands helped define a whole decade of music. Bands like Bon Jovi, Poison, and Mötley Crüe filled the airwaves and captured the hearts of fans all around the world. Their unique style and unforgettable songs made them iconic, and even today, people still love to jam out to their hits.
Today, we’re going to look at some fun trivia about these legendary hair bands. Whether you know a lot about them or just enjoy their music, you’ll learn something new. From band member secrets to the stories behind their biggest hits, each tidbit will give you a better understanding of what made these groups so special. So, get ready to relive the glam and excitement of the 80s as we share some entertaining facts about your favorite hair bands. Let’s rock!
80s Hair Band Trivia
Big Hair, Big Hits: The Glam of 80s Hair Bands
1. What was the first hair band’s debut album? (Answer: Van Halen)
2. Who was the lead singer of Bon Jovi? (Answer: Jon Bon Jovi)
3. Which hair band recorded the hit “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”? (Answer: Poison)
4. What year did Mötley Crüe release “Shout at the Devil”? (Answer: 1983)
5. Which band is known for the anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer”? (Answer: Bon Jovi)
6. What is the signature hairstyle associated with hair bands? (Answer: Teased or big hair)
7. Who played guitar for Guns N’ Roses? (Answer: Slash)
8. What band is famous for their song “Girls, Girls, Girls”? (Answer: Mötley Crüe)
9. Which 80s hair band is known for their colorful outfits and makeup? (Answer: Poison)
10. Name the lead guitarist of Aerosmith, known for his unique style. (Answer: Joe Perry)
Rockin’ the Stage: Epic Performances
1. What iconic festival is associated with hair bands in the 80s? (Answer: Monsters of Rock)
2. How many albums did Def Leppard sell worldwide by the end of the 80s? (Answer: Over 100 million)
3. Which hair band is known for their elaborate stage shows? (Answer: KISS)
4. Name the lead vocalist of Cinderella. (Answer: Tom Keifer)
5. What is the name of Mötley Crüe’s famous 1987 concert film? (Answer: Decade of Decadence)
6. Which hair band performed a controversial halftime show at the 1989 Super Bowl? (Answer: The Rolling Stones)
7. What live album did Bon Jovi release in 1993 that reflects their 80s success? (Answer: Live: One Wild Night)
8. In what venue did Guns N’ Roses perform their famous “Welcome to the Jungle”? (Answer: The Troubadour)
9. Which band played one of their last concerts in the 80s at the Whisky a Go Go? (Answer: Mötley Crüe)
10. Name the famous 1985 concert that featured many leading hair bands. (Answer: Live Aid)
Hair Band Anthems: Songs and Lyrics to Remember
1. What year did Bon Jovi release “You Give Love a Bad Name”? (Answer: 1986)
2. Who wrote the classic “I Remember You” for Skid Row? (Answer: Sebastian Bach)
3. Which song became a staple for karaoke lovers and was performed by Poison? (Answer: Every Rose Has Its Thorn)
4. What Mötley Crüe song features the lyrics “I’m on fire”? (Answer: Wild Side)
5. Who sang “Heaven” which became a massive hit in 1989? (Answer: Warrant)
6. Which hair band’s song is titled “Nothin’ But a Good Time”? (Answer: Poison)
7. What song by Def Leppard features a famous drum solo? (Answer: Rock of Ages)
8. Name the band that released “Crazy Train” in the 80s. (Answer: Ozzy Osbourne)
9. Which hit song by Cinderella starts with a piano intro? (Answer: Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone))
10. What 1989 song by Poison features a music video with a carnival theme? (Answer: Unskinny Bop)
Fashion Statements: The Glamorous Styles of Hair Bands
1. What kind of pants were popular among hair band members in the 80s? (Answer: Tight leather pants)
2. Which hair band was known for their outrageous stage outfits? (Answer: Poison)
3. What style of sunglasses became a trend among hair band fans? (Answer: Aviator sunglasses)
4. Who was famous for wearing a bandana on stage? (Answer: Axl Rose)
5. Which hair band sported a lot of animal print clothing? (Answer: C.C. DeVille of Poison)
6. What type of jewelry was a staple in 80s hair band fashion? (Answer: Leather bracelets)
7. Which hair band’s members were often seen wearing studs and spikes? (Answer: Mötley Crüe)
8. What hairstyle is synonymous with glam rock? (Answer: Crimped hair)
9. Which hair band included colorful socks and accessories in their looks? (Answer: Twisted Sister)
10. What iconic item did Dee Snider from Twisted Sister wear in performances? (Answer: Makeup)
Behind the Scenes: Hair Band Stories
1. Which famous producer worked with many hair bands in the 80s? (Answer: Mutt Lange)
2. What famous musician was married to hair band member Tommy Lee? (Answer: Pamela Anderson)
3. Who was the original guitarist for Van Halen? (Answer: Eddie Van Halen)
4. Which hair band faced a significant lineup change before their fame? (Answer: Guns N’ Roses)
5. What major event in 1985 helped establish the popularity of hair bands? (Answer: Live Aid)
6. What incident led to the breakup of a famous hair band in the early 90s? (Answer: Internal conflicts)
7. Who was the inspiration for the song “Sweet Child O’ Mine”? (Answer: Erin Everly)
8. Which band’s guitarist was known for his dramatic guitar solos and stage presence? (Answer: Slash from Guns N’ Roses)
9. What hair band originated from Los Angeles and became worldwide sensations? (Answer: Mötley Crüe)
10. Who wrote the memoir “The Dirt” detailing the rise of Mötley Crüe? (Answer: Neil Strauss)
The End of an Era: The Decline of Hair Bands
1. In what decade did hair bands start to decline in popularity? (Answer: 1990s)
2. What genre of music began to overshadow hair bands in the early 90s? (Answer: Grunge)
3. Which 1991 album signaled a shift away from glam metal? (Answer: Nirvana’s Nevermind)
4. What popular band is often credited with leading the grunge movement? (Answer: Nirvana)
5. What 1996 hair band album is often considered their last major release? (Answer: Maximum RnR by Warrant)
6. Who is considered the pioneer of the Seattle grunge scene that affected hair bands? (Answer: Kurt Cobain)
7. Which band reformed in the mid-90s but struggled with their style transition? (Answer: Poison)
8. What was the fashion change that contributed to hair bands’ decline? (Answer: More casual and grunge looks)
9. How did MTV’s programming change during the 90s impact hair bands? (Answer: Less focus on glam metal)
10. Which hair band successfully adapted to the changing music scene in the 90s? (Answer: Aerosmith)
Final Thoughts
Hair bands made a significant impact on the music scene in the 80s with their unforgettable hits, distinct fashion, and memorable performances. They represented a bold and glamorous era, captivating fans with their catchy tunes and larger-than-life personas. Although the popularity of hair bands waned with the rise of grunge in the 90s, their legacy continues to influence music today. Whether you loved the flashy outfits, the powerful anthems, or the backstage drama, there is no doubt that hair bands left an indelible mark on rock history.
If you’re looking for more fascinating trivia, consider diving into our 80s Rock Trivia or check out fun facts in our 80s Pop Culture Trivia. There’s always something new to discover!