The Sex Pistols (Sid Vicious left, Steve Jones center, and Johnny Rotten right) performing in Trondheim in 1977 Riksarkivet (National Archives of Norway) Photograph: Billedbladet NÅ/Arne S. Nielsen

Punk Rock Quiz

How much do you know about punk music?

Test your knowledge with this exhilarating Punk Rock quiz!  Explore the origins, bands, and iconic moments that have shaped the rebellious spirit of Punk Rock. Get ready to dive into the rebellious world of raw energy, fast-paced music, and a DIY ethos that defined one of the most influential music movements of all time.

From iconic bands to pivotal moments in punk history, challenge yourself and see if you have what it takes to prove your punk prowess. Let's crank up the volume, ignite the spirit of rebellion, and embark on this thrilling journey through Punk Rock trivia! Hey Ho, Let's Go!!

Start the Punk Quiz

Questions and answers about Punk Rock

• Who is considered the "godfather of punk"?

  The "godfather of punk" is Iggy Pop, an influential musician known for his energetic performances and rebellious attitude.

  • Iggy Pop
  • Johnny Rotten
  • Joey Ramone
  • Sid Vicious

• Which city is often considered the birthplace of punk rock?

  The birthplace of punk rock is often considered to be New York City, where the movement gained momentum in the 1970s. While London also played a crucial role in the development of punk rock, with bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash, it was largely influenced by the emerging punk scene in New York City.

  • New York City
  • London
  • Los Angeles
  • Detroit

• What band released the album "London Calling"?

  The band that released the album "London Calling" in 1979 is The Clash, an influential punk rock group from the UK.

  • The Clash
  • The Sex Pistols
  • Ramones
  • Green Day

• What is the name of the lead singer of the Ramones?

  The lead singer of the Ramones is Joey Ramone, whose real name was Jeffrey Hyman.

  • Joey Ramone
  • Dee Dee Ramone
  • Johnny Ramone
  • Tommy Ramone

• Which punk rock band wrote and performed the song "Anarchy in the U.K."?

  The punk rock band that wrote and performed the song "Anarchy in the U.K." is the Sex Pistols, a British group known for their controversial lyrics and rebellious image.

  • Sex Pistols
  • The Clash
  • Ramones
  • The Damned

• Which band released the album "Dookie"?

  The band that released the album "Dookie" is Green Day, an American punk rock band that gained widespread popularity in the 1990s.

  • Green Day
  • The Offspring
  • Blink-182
  • Rancid

• What was the name of the influential punk rock club located in New York City in the 1970s?

  The influential punk rock club located in New York City in the 1970s was CBGB (short for Country, Bluegrass, and Blues), which played a vital role in the development of the punk rock scene.

  • CBGB
  • The Roxy
  • Whisky a Go Go
  • The 100 Club

• What was the name of the punk rock movement that emerged in Washington, D.C.?

  The punk rock movement that emerged in late 1979 in Washington, D.C. was called "D.C. Hardcore" (sometimes styled as harDCore) or "D.C. Punk". It is considered one of the first and most influential punk scenes in the United States.

  • D.C. Hardcore
  • D.C. Grunge
  • Bay Area Punk
  • Washington Core

• Who is the lead singer of the Offspring?

  The lead singer of the Offspring is Dexter Holland. Dexter Holland is known for his distinctive vocals and has been the frontman of the band since its formation in 1984.

  • Dexter Holland
  • Noodles
  • Greg K.
  • Ron Welty

• Which band released the album "And Out Come the Wolves"?

  The band that released the album "And Out Come the Wolves" is Rancid. Rancid is a punk rock band formed in 1991 and the album "And Out Come the Wolves" is one of their most successful and influential releases.

  • Rancid
  • The Clash
  • NOFX
  • Green Day

• Which punk rock band's album "Zen Arcade" is considered a landmark in the genre and influenced many future alternative rock bands?

  The punk rock band's album "Zen Arcade" that is considered a landmark in the genre and influenced many future alternative rock bands is Hüsker Dü. Hüsker Dü was an American punk rock band formed in 1979, and "Zen Arcade" is regarded as one of their most influential and groundbreaking albums.

  • Hüsker Dü
  • Black Flag
  • Dead Kennedys
  • The Ramones

• Who is the lead vocalist of Bad Religion?

  The lead vocalist of Bad Religion is Greg Graffin. Greg Graffin co-founded Bad Religion in 1980 and has been the band's consistent lead vocalist, known for his intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics.

  • Greg Graffin
  • Brett Gurewitz
  • Jay Bentley
  • Greg Hetson

• Which record label released the iconic punk compilation album "Punk-O-Rama"?

  The iconic punk compilation album "Punk-O-Rama" was released by Epitaph Records. Epitaph Records is an independent record label founded by Brett Gurewitz, guitarist of Bad Religion.

  • Epitaph Records
  • Dischord Records
  • Lookout! Records
  • Fat Wreck Chords

• What extreme and controversial behavior was GG Allin known for during his performances?

  GG Allin was known for his extreme and controversial behavior during his performances, including self-mutilation, defecating on stage, and assaulting audience members. His shocking and confrontational stage presence became infamous within the punk rock community.

  • Self-mutilation and violent behavior
  • Pyrotechnic displays
  • Cross-dressing and gender-bending
  • Acrobatic stunts

• What is the name of the band known for their album "Enema of the State"?

  The band known for their album "Enema of the State" is Blink-182. Blink-182 is a pop punk band formed in 1992, and "Enema of the State is one of their most successful and popular albums, featuring hits like "All the Small Things" and "What's My Age Again?".

  • Blink-182
  • Green Day
  • Sum 41
  • Good Charlotte

• Which protopunk band has their logo written with lipstick in their debut album?

  The protopunk band that has their logo written with lipstick in their debut album is New York Dolls. In their self-titled debut album, released in 1973, the cover features the band members wearing women's clothing and makeup, and the band's name "New York Dolls" is written in a lipstick-like font. This album cover became iconic and represented the band's glam and punk aesthetic.

  • New York Dolls
  • The Stooges
  • MC5
  • Velvet Underground

• What is the name of the punk rock band known for their song "Story of My Life"?

  The punk rock band known for their song "Story of My Life" is Social Distortion. They are known for their raw and energetic sound, combining elements of punk rock and rockabilly.

  • Social Distortion
  • Bad Religion
  • The Offspring
  • Rancid

• Who is the lead vocalist and guitarist of The Toy Dolls?

  The lead vocalist and guitarist of The Toy Dolls is Michael "Olga" Algar. Olga is known for his distinctive vocal style and energetic performances, which contribute to the band's comedic and upbeat punk sound.

  • Michael "Olga" Algar
  • Joey Ramone
  • Tim Armstrong
  • Billy Joe Armstrong

• Which city is associated with the birth of the punk subgenre known as "Oi!"?

  The city associated with the birth of the punk subgenre known as "Oi!" is London, England. The Oi! movement emerged in the late 1970s as a working-class response to the growing punk scene, characterized by its anthemic and street-oriented sound.

  • London, England
  • Los Angeles, California
  • New York City, New York
  • Seattle, Washington

• Who appears shirtless in an album cover with the phrase "YOU MAKE ME _______" written across his chest?

  The person who appears shirtless in an album cover with the phrase "YOU MAKE ME _______" written across his chest is Richard Hell. This iconic album cover belongs to Richard Hell's album "Blank Generation," released in 1977.

  • Richard Hell
  • Iggy Pop
  • Johnny Thunders
  • Johnny Rotten

• Who is the lead vocalist of NOFX?

  The lead vocalist of NOFX is Fat Mike. Fat Mike, whose real name is Michael John Burkett, is known for his distinctive voice, sarcastic lyrics, and the band's humorous and irreverent approach to punk rock.

  • Fat Mike
  • Greg Graffin
  • Tim Armstrong
  • Iggy Pop

• Who was the lead vocalist of the punk rock band The Germs?

  The lead vocalist of the punk rock band The Germs was Darby Crash. Darby Crash, whose real name was Jan Paul Beahm, was known for his intense and chaotic stage presence, as well as his influential role in the early LA punk scene.

  • Darby Crash
  • Jello Biafra
  • Lux Interior
  • Henry Rollins

• Who is the frontman of the Dead Kennedys?

  The frontman of the Dead Kennedys is Jello Biafra. Jello Biafra, whose real name is Eric Reed Boucher, is known for his unique vocal style, politically charged lyrics, and his outspoken activism both within and outside of the punk rock scene.

  • Jello Biafra
  • Joey Ramone
  • Ian MacKaye
  • Johnny Rotten

• Who is the lead singer of the Misfits?

  The lead singer of the Misfits is Glenn Danzig. Glenn Danzig formed the Misfits in 1977 and became known for his powerful and haunting vocals, as well as his contributions to the horror punk genre.

  • Glenn Danzig
  • Dee Dee Ramone
  • Joey Ramone
  • Henry Rollins

• Which post-punk band has a minimalistic album cover with a pink flag in it?

  The post-punk band that has a minimalistic album cover with a pink flag in it is Wire. One of their most notable albums, titled "Pink Flag" and released in 1977, features a simple, monochromatic design with a pink flag as the central focus. This iconic album cover has become synonymous with the band's influential and innovative approach to post-punk music.

  • Wire
  • Joy Division
  • The Cure
  • Talking Heads

• Which punk rock band, formed in 1976, released the influential album "Pure Mania"?

  The punk rock band formed in 1976 that released the influential album "Pure Mania" is The Vibrators. "Pure Mania" is their debut album, known for its catchy hooks and fast-paced energy, which contributed to shaping the punk sound of the late 1970s.

  • The Vibrators
  • The Buzzcocks
  • The Adverts
  • The Damned

• What was the name of the influential punk rock fanzine that chronicled the emerging punk scene in the United Kingdom?

  The name of the influential punk rock fanzine that chronicled the emerging punk scene in the United Kingdom is "Sniffin' Glue." "Sniffin' Glue" was a notable punk fanzine that captured the DIY spirit of the punk movement and provided a platform for bands, artists, and fans to connect and share their experiences.

  • Sniffin' Glue
  • Punk Planet
  • Maximum Rocknroll
  • Flipside

• Who is the lead vocalist of the Descendents?

  The lead vocalist of the Descendents is Milo Aukerman. Milo Aukerman has been the distinctive voice of the Descendents since their formation in 1977, known for his melodic singing style and relatable, often humorous, lyrics.

  • Milo Aukerman
  • Greg Graffin
  • Ian MacKaye
  • Henry Rollins

• What was the name of the punk rock movement that emerged in Southern California in the late 1970s?

  The name of the punk rock movement that emerged in Southern California in the late 1970s is "hardcore punk." Hardcore punk was characterized by its fast, aggressive sound, intense live performances, and DIY ethos, and it had a significant impact on the punk scene worldwide.

  • Hardcore punk
  • Post-punk
  • New Wave
  • Anarcho-punk

• Which band released the album "Another Music in a Different Kitchen"?

  The band that released the album "Another Music in a Different Kitchen" is Buzzcocks. "Another Music in a Different Kitchen" is the debut studio album by Buzzcocks, known for its energetic and melodic punk sound, as well as its influential role in shaping the punk and new wave movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

  • Buzzcocks
  • The Undertones
  • Wire
  • Stiff Little Fingers

• Who is the lead singer of X?

  The lead singer of X is Exene Cervenka. Exene Cervenka, along with John Doe, co-founded the punk rock band X in 1977. Exene's unique vocal style and poetic lyrics have been integral to X's sound and artistic identity.

  • Exene Cervenka
  • Debbie Harry
  • Siouxsie Sioux
  • Poly Styrene

• Who is the frontman of Black Flag?

  The frontman of Black Flag is Henry Rollins. Henry Rollins joined Black Flag as the band's fourth vocalist in 1981 and became known for his intense stage presence and powerful vocals, contributing to the band's hardcore punk sound and its enduring influence.

  • Henry Rollins
  • Keith Morris
  • Greg Ginn
  • Chuck Dukowski

• Which band released the album "Raw Power"?

  The band that released the album "Raw Power" is The Stooges. "Raw Power" is the third studio album by The Stooges, known for its raw and aggressive sound, and it is considered a landmark album in punk rock history.

  • The Stooges
  • MC5
  • The New York Dolls
  • The Ramones

• Which punk rock band's performance on Saturday Night Live in 1981 caused significant controversy and led to their banning from the show?

  The punk rock band whose performance on Saturday Night Live in 1981 caused significant controversy and led to their banning from the show is Fear. Their appearance on the show, marked by their aggressive and confrontational style, created a stir among the audience and the television network, ultimately resulting in their exclusion from future appearances on the program.

  • Fear
  • The Sex Pistols
  • The Clash
  • The Damned

• Which punk band released the song "Sonic Reducer"?

  The punk band that released the song "Sonic Reducer" is Dead Boys. "Sonic Reducer" is one of Dead Boys' most well-known songs, characterized by its aggressive energy and powerful guitar riffs, making it a staple in punk rock playlists.

  • Dead Boys
  • Black Flag
  • The Misfits
  • The Germs

• Which band released the album "Out of Step"?

  The band that released the album "Out of Step" is Minor Threat. "Out of Step" is the only full-length studio album by Minor Threat, known for their influential contributions to the hardcore punk movement and their straightforward, fast-paced sound.

  • Minor Threat
  • Bad Brains
  • Black Flag
  • Circle Jerks

• What is the name of the punk rock band known for their song "Pay to Cum"?

  The punk rock band known for their song "Pay to Cum" is Bad Brains. Bad Brains, with their unique fusion of punk rock and reggae, have left a significant impact on the punk and alternative music scenes, and "Pay to Cum" is one of their most well-known songs.

  • Bad Brains
  • Minor Threat
  • Black Flag
  • The Exploited

• What is the name of the iconic Los Angeles punk rock venue that hosted many influential bands in 1977-1978?

  The name of the iconic Los Angeles punk rock venue that hosted many influential bands in 1977 and 1978 is The Masque. The Masque was a crucial hub for the emerging punk scene in LA, providing a platform for bands like X, The Germs, and The Go-Go's to showcase their music.

  • The Masque
  • CBGB
  • The Whisky a Go Go
  • Max's Kansas City

• Which band released the album "Machine Gun Etiquette"?

  The band that released the album "Machine Gun Etiquette" is The Damned. "Machine Gun Etiquette" is the third studio album by The Damned, known for its mix of punk rock, gothic, and psychedelic elements, and it is considered a seminal release in the punk genre.

  • The Damned
  • The Clash
  • The Buzzcocks
  • The Dead Boys

• What punk rock guitarist was known for his work with the New York Dolls and the Heartbreakers?

  The punk rock guitarist known for his work with the New York Dolls and the Heartbreakers is Johnny Thunders. Johnny Thunders, recognized for his distinctive guitar style and influential contributions to punk rock and glam rock, left a lasting impact on the music scene despite his untimely passing.

  • Johnny Thunders
  • Steve Jones
  • Mick Jones
  • Tom Verlaine

Joey Ramone with the Ramones at Club Citta in Japan, 1990 Masao Nakagami, CC BY-SA 2.0

What is Punk Rock?

Punk Rock is a genre of music that emerged in the 1970s, characterized by its raw, fast-paced, and rebellious sound. It originated as a reaction against the mainstream music of the time, rejecting the polished and commercialized approach in favor of a do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos and a desire for authenticity and self-expression.

Punk Rock is known for its short and aggressive songs, typically featuring distorted guitars, energetic drumming, and lyrics that tackle themes of social and political unrest, individualism, alienation, and anti-establishment sentiments. The lyrics often reflect a sense of frustration, anger, and disillusionment with society.

Alongside the music, Punk Rock also gave rise to a cultural movement and subculture. Punk fashion became a significant aspect, characterized by its edgy and rebellious style, often incorporating torn clothing, leather jackets, band t-shirts, and distinctive hairstyles such as mohawks or spiked hair. Punk Rock also brought forth a DIY ethos, encouraging individuals to form their own bands, create their own music, and organize their own shows outside of mainstream channels.

The Punk Rock movement had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing subsequent generations of musicians, artists, and individuals. It challenged conventional norms and paved the way for alternative and independent music scenes. Bands such as The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Stooges are considered pioneers of Punk Rock, contributing to its evolution and influencing countless bands that followed.