The Bands of the 80s Quiz

Estimated Completion Time
3 min
The Bands of the 80s Quiz
Image: Paul Natkin/WireImage/Getty

About This Quiz

If you - or someone you know - ever had a mullet, then you owe it to yourself to see if you can ace this Bands of the 80s quiz. Even if these bands weren't playing the anthem of your generation, we invite you to play along!
Which '80s band took its name from a British unemployment form?
INXS
UB40
R.E.M.
Which band released the album "Hysteria" in 1987?
Van Halen
Skid Row
Def Leppard
Which solo artist came from the '80s band The Smiths?
Robert Smith
Morrissey
Elvis Costello

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The band 10,000 Maniacs released which album in 1987?
"In My Tribe"
"Blind Man's Zoo"
"Our Time in Eden"
The band Duran Duran took its name from a character in a science fiction movie.
TRUE
FALSE
Which '80s superstar was born William Albert Michael Broad?
Sting
Billy Idol
Bono

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Which band released the hit song "Private Idaho" on the album "Wild Planet"?
The B-52's
Echo and the Bunnymen
The Talking Heads
Michael Hutchence was the lead singer for which Australian 80s band?
Midnight Oil
Hoodoo Gurus
INXS
Which movie soundtrack featured the song "Hazy Shade of Winter" by The Bangles?
"The Lost Boys"
"Lethal Weapon"
"Less Than Zero"

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Which type of car is featured in the music videos from the ZZ Top album "Eliminator"?
1957 Chevy
1933 Ford Coupe
1969 Pontiac GTO
Which '80s band is "Working for the Weekend?"
Loverboy
Foreigner
Toto
Which Violent Femmes song did Wendy's buy the advertising rights to?
"Gone Daddy Gone"
"Add It Up"
"Blister In The Sun"

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Which '80s rock band recorded the song "Rock You Like A Hurricane?"
Quiet Riot
The Scorpions
Ratt
The song, "I Melt With You," was recorded by the band Simple Minds.
TRUE
FALSE
Which Food Network star filmed the 1987 R.E.M. music video "The One I Love?"
Guy Fieri
Alton Brown
Bobby Flay

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The 1986 college radio hit "Don't Let's Start" was released on the self-titled debut album of which band?
They Might Be Giants
The Dead Milkmen
Bauhaus
What was Metallica's debut album titled?
"Master of Puppets"
"Ride the Lightning"
"Kill 'Em All"
Robert Smith is still the lead singer for which '80s alternative group?
The Smiths
The Cure
The Cult

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The song "People Are People" was a breakthrough hit in the U.S. for which British band?
Depeche Mode
The Human League
Big Country
Who was the lead singer of the '80s metal band Motley Crue?
Bret Michaels
Axl Rose
Vince Neil
Which band performed the title song of the 1985 movie "Weird Science?"
Oingo Boingo
Killing Joke
Tears For Fears

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Which female trio from the '80s sang the song "Cruel Summer?"
The Go-Gos
Bananarama
The Bangles
Which '80s hair band performed the rock ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn?"
Warrant
Dokken
Poison
What year did MTV first go on air?
1980
1981
1982

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Which '80s superstar wrote the Bangles hit, "Manic Monday"?
Madonna
Michael Jackson
Prince
Which "Friends" actress appeared in a Bruce Springsteen music video?
Courteney Cox
Lisa Kudrow
Jennifer Aniston
Which '80s rocker played the guitar solo in Michael Jackson's song "Beat It"?
Nikki Sixx
Sammy Hagar
Eddie Van Halen

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What was the title of Madonna's 1983 debut album?
"Like A Virgin"
"Madonna"
"Who's That Girl"
What is the title of the Beastie Boy's first full-length album?
"Ill Communication"
"Paul's Boutique"
"Licensed to Ill"
Bono's real name is Paul Hewson.
TRUE
FALSE

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