Rock Quiz

How much do you know about Rock Music?

Welcome to our Ultimate Rock Music Quiz! This expansive quiz, featuring a whopping 50 questions, is designed to challenge and entertain rock music enthusiasts of all levels. Spanning several decades of rock history, it delves into a wide array of subgenres, from the electrifying riffs of metal and the raw energy of hard rock to the introspective depth of alternative and the rebellious spirit of grunge.

Whether you're a fan of the classic rock legends of the 60s and 70s, the hard-hitting sounds of the 80s, or the groundbreaking movements of the 90s and beyond, this quiz has something for everyone. With questions covering iconic bands, legendary performances, influential albums, and memorable moments in rock history, you're in for a journey through the rich and diverse tapestry of rock music.

So, get ready to test your knowledge and rediscover the powerful chords and stirring lyrics that have defined generations. Let's rock!

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Questions and answers about Rock

• What famous venue did The Beatles play their last concert?

  The Beatles played their last concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29, 1966. This marked the end of their touring days and shifted their focus to studio recording.

  • Candlestick Park
  • Shea Stadium
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Wembley Stadium

• The Rolling Stones were named after a song by which blues artist?

  The Rolling Stones took their name from "Rollin' Stone," a song by Muddy Waters. Muddy Waters, whose real name was McKinley Morganfield, was a key figure in the development of electric blues.

  • Muddy Waters
  • Howlin' Wolf
  • Robert Johnson
  • B.B. King

• What was the original name of Queen before they changed it?

  Before adopting the name Queen, the band was originally called Smile. Queen, formed in 1970, consisted of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon.

  • Smile
  • Flash
  • Crown
  • Monarchy

• Who was the original lead singer of Pink Floyd?

  The original lead singer of Pink Floyd was Syd Barrett. Barrett co-founded the band in 1965 and was a major influence on their early sound and style before leaving the band in 1968.

  • Syd Barrett
  • Roger Waters
  • David Gilmour
  • Richard Wright

• In which city did Nirvana form?

  Nirvana was formed in Aberdeen, Washington. The band, established by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic in 1987, became a defining act in the grunge movement of the early 1990s.

  • Aberdeen
  • Seattle
  • Olympia
  • Tacoma

• What city is AC/DC originally from?

  AC/DC originally hails from Sydney, Australia. Formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, the band is known for its hard rock and heavy metal music.

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • London
  • Perth

• What rock opera is The Who best known for?

  The Who is best known for their rock opera "Tommy." Released in 1969, "Tommy" is a double album telling a story about a "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy and his experiences with life and relationships.

  • Tommy
  • Quadrophenia
  • The Wall
  • Jesus Christ Superstar

• What was the first Aerosmith song to win a Grammy Award?

  The first Aerosmith song to win a Grammy Award was "Janie's Got a Gun." The song, from their 1989 album "Pump," won the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1991.

  • Janie's Got a Gun
  • Dream On
  • Crazy
  • Sweet Emotion

• What is the title of Guns N' Roses' debut album?

  Guns N' Roses' debut album is titled "Appetite for Destruction." Released in 1987, it includes hits like "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Welcome to the Jungle."

  • Appetite for Destruction
  • Use Your Illusion I
  • G N' R Lies
  • Chinese Democracy

• What novel inspired the cover art of Led Zeppelin's album 'Houses of the Holy'?

  The cover art for Led Zeppelin's album 'Houses of the Holy' was inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel 'Childhood's End'. While the photographs for the cover were taken at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, the actual inspiration came from Clarke's novel. The cover is a collage of several photographs, taken by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis.

  • Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
  • Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

• What was The Doors' debut single?

  The Doors' debut single was "Break on Through (To the Other Side)." Released in 1967, it was the opening track on their self-titled debut album but initially failed to chart.

  • Break on Through
  • Light My Fire
  • The End
  • People Are Strange

• What imagery is featured on the cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album?

  The cover of Metallica's 'Master of Puppets' album features a cemetery of white crosses tethered to strings, which are being manipulated by a pair of hands from above. This powerful imagery aligns with the album's themes of control and manipulation.

  • A cemetery of crosses
  • A skull engulfed in flames
  • An electric guitar in a thunderstorm
  • A warrior holding a broken sword

• What memorable act did Jimi Hendrix perform with his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967?

  At the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, Jimi Hendrix created a legendary rock moment by setting his guitar on fire on stage. This dramatic act occurred during his performance of "Wild Thing" and became one of the most iconic images in rock history.

  • He set his guitar on fire
  • He smashed his guitar
  • He played the guitar with his teeth
  • He played behind his back

• Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water' was inspired by a fire during a concert of which artist?

  'Smoke on the Water' by Deep Purple was inspired by a fire during a Frank Zappa concert. The fire occurred at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland in 1971, which the band witnessed.

  • Frank Zappa
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • David Bowie
  • Led Zeppelin

• In which film did David Bowie play an alien?

  David Bowie played an alien in the film "The Man Who Fell to Earth." Released in 1976, Bowie stars as Thomas Jerome Newton, an extraterrestrial who comes to Earth in search of water for his planet.

  • The Man Who Fell to Earth
  • Labyrinth
  • Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
  • Basquiat

• What is the title of Black Sabbath's first album?

  Black Sabbath's first album is self-titled "Black Sabbath." Released in 1970, it is considered one of the first heavy metal albums and includes tracks like "Black Sabbath" and "N.I.B."

  • Black Sabbath
  • Paranoid
  • Master of Reality
  • Heaven and Hell

• In what city was U2 formed?

  U2 was formed in Dublin, Ireland. The band, consisting of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., came together in 1976 at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin.

  • Dublin
  • London
  • Belfast
  • Glasgow

• What is the title of the only studio album released by the Sex Pistols?

  The only studio album released by the Sex Pistols is "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols." Released in 1977, it is a seminal punk album featuring tracks like "Anarchy in the UK" and "God Save the Queen."

  • Never Mind the Bollocks
  • The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle
  • Pretty Vacant
  • Anarchy in the UK

• What was the original name of the band that would become Pearl Jam?

  Before adopting the name Pearl Jam, the band was originally named "Mookie Blaylock" after the American basketball player. They changed the name to Pearl Jam as they were signing their first record deal. The title of their debut album 'Ten' is a nod to Mookie Blaylock's jersey number.

  • Mookie Blaylock
  • Bad Radio
  • Green River
  • Mother Love Bone

• What is the official name of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' logo?

  The official name of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' logo is the "Star of Affinity." The emblem, which resembles a star or an asterisk, has been associated with the band since their early years. It is also sometimes referred to as the “Star of Infinity,” and humorously by Anthony Kiedis as “Angel's A–hole.”

  • Star of Affinity
  • Star of Infinity
  • Chili Star
  • Asterisk Star

• Radiohead's 'OK Computer' was primarily recorded in which historic English house?

  Radiohead's 'OK Computer' was primarily recorded in St Catherine's Court, a historic manor house near Bath, England. The album, released in 1997, is often hailed as a landmark in modern rock music.

  • St Catherine's Court
  • Blenheim Palace
  • Chatsworth House
  • Highclere Castle

• What was Creedence Clearwater Revival's first hit single?

  Creedence Clearwater Revival's first hit single was "Suzie Q." Released in 1968, the song is a cover of a rockabilly track by Dale Hawkins and became a significant hit for the band.

  • Suzie Q
  • Proud Mary
  • Bad Moon Rising
  • Fortunate Son

• Which album marked the debut of guitarist Joe Walsh in the Eagles?

  Joe Walsh made his debut as a guitarist with the Eagles on their fifth studio album, "Hotel California." His arrival marked a significant shift in the band's sound, contributing to the album's critical and commercial success.

  • Hotel California
  • Desperado
  • On the Border
  • One of These Nights

• Van Halen's debut album was released in which year?

  Van Halen's self-titled debut album was released in 1978. The album features tracks like "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Eruption," showcasing Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar techniques.

  • 1978
  • 1976
  • 1980
  • 1974

• Lynyrd Skynyrd is named after a teacher from what school?

  Lynyrd Skynyrd is named after Leonard Skinner, a gym teacher at Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Skinner was known for strictly enforcing the school's policy against boys having long hair.

  • Robert E. Lee High School
  • Jacksonville High School
  • Florida State University School
  • Lee-Davis High School

• Bon Jovi's first number one single was titled what?

  Bon Jovi's first number one single was titled "You Give Love a Bad Name." Released in 1986, this song is from their album "Slippery When Wet" and became one of their most famous tracks.

  • You Give Love a Bad Name
  • Livin' on a Prayer
  • It's My Life
  • Wanted Dead or Alive

• What was the first single released by R.E.M.?

  R.E.M.'s first single, released in 1981, was "Radio Free Europe." This song quickly gained attention in the alternative rock scene and was instrumental in establishing the band's career.

  • Radio Free Europe
  • Losing My Religion
  • Everybody Hurts
  • The One I Love

• Dire Straits' 'Money for Nothing' music video is known for what?

  Dire Straits' 'Money for Nothing' music video is known for its early use of computer-generated animation. Released in 1985, it was one of the first music videos to use such technology, making it groundbreaking at the time.

  • Early use of computer-generated animation
  • Black and white cinematography
  • Stop-motion animation
  • Live performance footage

• T. Rex originally formed under what name?

  T. Rex originally formed under the name "Tyrannosaurus Rex." The band, led by Marc Bolan, initially played psychedelic folk music before transitioning to the glam rock style they are known for.

  • Tyrannosaurus Rex
  • The Warlocks
  • The Rockets
  • The Wizards

• The Beach Boys are famous for their harmonies in what genre of music?

  The Beach Boys are famous for their harmonies in the surf rock genre of music. Known for hits like "Surfin' USA" and "California Girls," their music embodies the surf culture and sound of the 1960s.

  • Surf Rock
  • Folk Rock
  • Psychedelic Rock
  • Pop Rock

• What city did The Clash originate from?

  The Clash originated from London, England. Formed in 1976, the band was a key player in the original wave of British punk rock and later incorporated various music styles, making them influential in the punk and new wave movements.

  • London
  • Manchester
  • Liverpool
  • Bristol

• What is the title of The Smiths' debut studio album?

  The Smiths' debut studio album, released in 1984, is self-titled "The Smiths." This album was a significant release in the indie music scene of the 1980s and established the band's distinct style.

  • The Smiths
  • Meat Is Murder
  • The Queen Is Dead
  • Strangeways, Here We Come

• What was The Kinks' first single to reach number one in the UK?

  The Kinks' first single to reach number one in the UK charts was "You Really Got Me." Released in 1964, this song is famous for its powerful guitar riff and is often cited as an influence on the later development of heavy metal and punk rock.

  • You Really Got Me
  • All Day and All of the Night
  • Sunny Afternoon
  • Lola

• With which famous rap group did Sonic Youth collaborate on the song 'Kool Thing'?

  Sonic Youth collaborated with the rap group Public Enemy on the song 'Kool Thing.' This collaboration, featured on Sonic Youth's 1990 album "Goo," is known for its blend of alternative rock and hip-hop.

  • Public Enemy
  • Run-DMC
  • N.W.A
  • Beastie Boys

• ZZ Top's iconic beards are famously absent on which band member?

  ZZ Top's iconic beards are famously absent on the band member Frank Beard. Ironically, Beard, the drummer of the band, is the only member who does not sport a long beard.

  • Frank Beard
  • Billy Gibbons
  • Dusty Hill
  • None, all have beards

• Who was the lead singer and primary songwriter of Soundgarden?

  Chris Cornell was the lead singer and primary songwriter of Soundgarden. Known for his powerful vocal range and unique songwriting, Cornell was a key figure in the grunge movement of the early 1990s.

  • Chris Cornell
  • Eddie Vedder
  • Kurt Cobain
  • Layne Staley

• Rage Against the Machine's debut album cover features a photo of which historical event?

  Rage Against the Machine's debut album cover features a photo of the self-immolation of Thích Quảng Đức, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, in 1963. This act was a protest against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.

  • Self-immolation of Thích Quảng Đức
  • Tiananmen Square protest
  • Fall of the Berlin Wall
  • Woodstock festival

• Which famous drummer started his career with Genesis?

  Phil Collins started his career with Genesis. Initially the band's drummer, Collins became the lead singer after Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975, leading Genesis to international success.

  • Phil Collins
  • Neil Peart
  • Keith Moon
  • John Bonham

• What is The Cure's darkest album?

  The Cure's album "Pornography," released in 1982, is widely regarded as their darkest album, both thematically and sonically. Characterized by its dense, heavy sound and bleak lyrics, it stands as a seminal work in the gothic rock genre.

  • Pornography
  • Disintegration
  • Bloodflowers
  • Faith

• What's the name of the Motörhead symbol?

  Snaggletooth, also called War-Pig, is the official mascot of the British heavy metal band, Motörhead. He has appeared on most of the band's album covers. This distinctive symbol is a mix of a wolf, dog, and gorilla, adorned with a helmet, horns, and spikes, and was created by cartoonist Joe Petagno.

  • Snaggletooth
  • Iron Eagle
  • Metal Fist
  • Sküll

• What is the title of Yes's first album without their original lead vocalist Jon Anderson?

  The title of Yes's first album without their original lead vocalist Jon Anderson is "Drama." Released in 1980, "Drama" featured Trevor Horn as the new lead vocalist, marking a significant change in the band's lineup.

  • Drama
  • Tormato
  • Close to the Edge
  • Fragile

• What's the name of the supergroup formed by members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam?

  The supergroup formed by members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam in memory of Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, is called "Temple of the Dog." The band's self-titled album, released in 1991, was a tribute to Wood.

  • Temple of the Dog
  • Mad Season
  • Audio Slave
  • Skin Yard

• The Police's hit song 'Roxanne' is about a woman with what occupation?

  The Police's hit song 'Roxanne' is about a woman who is a prostitute. Released in 1978, the song is from their album "Outlandos d'Amour" and became one of The Police's most famous tracks.

  • Prostitute
  • Waitress
  • Actress
  • Nurse

• Rush's '2112' album features a suite divided into how many parts?

  Rush's '2112' album features a suite divided into seven parts. The album, released in 1976, is a concept album with the title track telling a dystopian story set in the year 2112.

  • Seven
  • Five
  • Six
  • Eight

• The Velvet Underground collaborated with which famous pop artist for their debut album cover?

  The Velvet Underground collaborated with the famous pop artist Andy Warhol for their debut album cover. Warhol's involvement with the band's 1967 album "The Velvet Underground & Nico" included designing the iconic banana cover.

  • Andy Warhol
  • Roy Lichtenstein
  • Keith Haring
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat

• Iggy Pop was the lead singer of which influential proto-punk band?

  Iggy Pop was the lead singer of The Stooges, an influential proto-punk band. Formed in 1967, The Stooges are known for their raw and aggressive style, which laid the groundwork for punk rock.

  • The Stooges
  • The New York Dolls
  • MC5
  • Television

• Cream, considered one of the first supergroups, was formed by members of which bands?

  Cream, one of the first supergroups, was formed by Eric Clapton (The Yardbirds), Jack Bruce (Manfred Mann), and Ginger Baker (The Graham Bond Organisation). Their blend of blues, rock, and jazz established a new genre of music.

  • Manfred Mann, The Yardbirds, The Graham Bond Organisation
  • The Who, The Yardbirds, The Kinks
  • Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Yardbirds
  • The Animals, The Spencer Davis Group, The Yardbirds

• The Ramones are often credited with founding what music movement in New York?

  The Ramones are often credited with founding the punk rock movement in New York. Emerging in the mid-1970s, their fast, stripped-down songs at CBGB became influential in shaping the punk genre.

  • Punk Rock
  • New Wave
  • Grunge
  • Disco

• Kiss is known for their distinctive stage makeup and personas. What is Gene Simmons' stage persona?

  Gene Simmons' stage persona in Kiss is "The Demon." Known for his long tongue and fire-breathing antics, Simmons' character is a central part of Kiss's theatrical and larger-than-life live performances.

  • The Demon
  • The Starchild
  • The Spaceman
  • The Catman

• Smashing Pumpkins' 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' was released as a double album in what year?

  Smashing Pumpkins' 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness' was released as a double album in 1995. The album, known for its ambitious and varied musical styles, received widespread critical acclaim.

  • 1995
  • 1993
  • 1996
  • 1994

About Rock

Rock music is a broad genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll" in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s, developing into a range of different styles in the mid-1960s and later. Characterized by a strong beat, simple chord structure, and often played loudly, rock music traditionally revolves around the electric guitar, both as a rhythm instrument using strong backbeat rhythms and as a lead guitar.

Early rock & roll drew heavily from blues and rhythm and blues, with influential figures like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley. By the 1960s, rock music had diversified into many subgenres. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys were prominent in this era, each contributing distinct sounds that further expanded the genre.

The late 1960s saw the rise of more aggressive styles: Jimi Hendrix with his innovative electric guitar techniques, Led Zeppelin and The Who with their proto-heavy metal sounds. This period also saw the emergence of psychedelic rock and the cultural phenomenon of the Woodstock festival.

The 1970s witnessed the growth of hard rock and the birth of the punk rock movement, exemplified by bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and The Clash. This era also saw the rise of progressive rock, a genre that sought to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility.

The 1980s were dominated by glam rock, new wave, and the early seeds of alternative rock. Bands like Queen, U2, and Guns N' Roses each brought unique styles to the forefront. The late 80s and early 90s saw the grunge movement, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, which was a return to a more raw, unpolished sound.

In recent decades, rock music has continued to diversify, with the rise of indie and alternative rock, and its influence can be seen in genres ranging from hip hop to country. Rock music has often been at the center of social and cultural movements, with its stars and songs becoming symbols of larger ideas and ideals. Its global impact on popular culture is immeasurable, transcending generations and continuing to evolve and inspire.