Can You Name These Male ’80s Bands and Artists From an Image?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name These Male ’80s Bands and Artists From an Image?
Image: CBS

About This Quiz

Try as they might, no decade has ever come close to producing the sounds that were delivered to us in the 1980s. There were techno beats, synthesized sounds, keytars and country-rock hybrids. We were also first introduced to mainstream rap music that pushed Motown to the back seat. It was a decade of meaningful music ... and a decade of cheesy music. Though the style of the 1980s was something that people still enjoy making fun of (who could forget the shoulder pads that reached toward the sky?), the music is something we can always return to. And the decade gave us artists that we simply cannot forget. 

While there were dozens of memorable female artists and bands of the '80s, the sheer amount of male artists and bands that flooded every music genre is undeniable. If you're a fan of '80s music (whether you admit it to your friends or not), you may be able to recognize a few artists by their hair or a screenshot of their music video, but do you think you can name all 40 of these male artists and bands from the decade with just an image? Take this quiz to find out just how good you really are.

Prince
Warner Bros.
Can you name this master of many instruments?
Prince
George Michael
Slash
Michael Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prince was one of the most talented artists in a time when synthesizers were popular and lip syncing was the standard. He could play multiple instruments and was a true showman on stage.

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Iron Maiden
Wiki Commons by Metalheart
Who are these rockers who specialized in heavy metal music?
Pantera
Iron Maiden
Black Sabbath
Mike Rhodes Band
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Iron Maiden was the kind of band that could define a genre. They were true heavy metal. Though the band started in 1975, they released eight albums in the 1980s (which is a lot of albums for any artist).

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LL Cool J
Wiki Commons by Daniel Mayer
Can you name this rapper who is now a TV actor?
Ice Cube
Mike Brown
Ice T
LL Cool J
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

LL Cool J isn't just a rapper and actor. He has written books, produced records and so much more. He originates from Queens, New York, and his success has spanned over four decades.

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Rush
Wiki Commons by Enrico Frangi
Do you recognize this band that did a lot of political commentary in their music?
Pixies
Van Morrison
Rush
Flock of Seagulls
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rush, despite having recently completed their "final" tour, still have legions of fans. They were a Canadian band that liked to bring political issues to light. Their drummer, Neil Peart has been considered the best drummer of all time, delivering difficult techniques.

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The Cure
Wiki Commons by Mooncure 1970
What is the name of this band that had a unique sound (even for the 1980s)?
Pixies
Radio Nation
The Pure
The Cure
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Cure was one of those bands that couldn't keep members for too long. However, it didn't matter who was singing, drumming or playing the guitar, as they continued to make great music through the 1990s as well.

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Eazy-E
Wiki Commons by Edward Reyes
Who is this hardcore gangsta rapper?
Too Short
Big Daddy Kane
Eazy-E
Rakim
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rappers and gangsta rappers of the 1980s were done holding back for the sake of fame, and that's where some of the best, purest forms of the genre came into play. Eazy-E wrote hardcore lyrics that offended just about everyone who didn't live in his world.

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Black Sabbath
Wiki Commons by Robson Batista
Ozzy Osbourne headed this band. Can you name it?
Man Alive
New Order
New Deal
Black Sabbath
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though the band was originally founded in 1968, they released several albums during the 1980s. As a matter of fact, during one Black Sabbath show in Iowa, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a live bat and made national news.

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U2
Wiki Commons by Wikipedia brown
Which band from across the pond was headed by Bono?
B52s
More Music
U2
Crowded House
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the 1980s, U2 was basically a record-creating machine. They released multiple studio albums and seemingly endless live and concert albums. They were political and angry, but the music was beautiful and hit home hard.

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Beastie Boys
Wiki Commons by Charlie Llewellin
This group consisted of MCA, Ad-Rock and Mike D. Who are they?
The Cure
Beastie Boys
The Police
Pet Shop Boys
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The very small pool of white rappers in the 1980s didn't hinder the Beastie Boys from making some memorable and iconic music. They weren't the hardest of the hardcore rappers, but their songs did include a lot of innuendo.

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Michael Jackson
Wiki Commons by Constru-centro
Who was considered the king of pop?
Van Morrison
Michael Jackson
George Michael
Elvis Costello
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Jackson had been a star since he was a young boy, but when he entered the 1980s, everything changed for him. His fame and popularity grew as his music evolved and he embraced stardom.

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Megadeth
Wiki Commons by Ingo Hoffmann
Do you know the name of this rock band?
Megadeth
Iron Maiden
Duran Duran
Poison
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The lead singer of Megadeth, Dave Mustain, was actually kicked out of the band Metallica. He was a little too crazy for them, but he started a new band and made some very interesting music.

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Queensryche
Wiki Commons by Shadowgate
Can you name the band that sings the rock ballad "Silent Lucidity"?
Queensryche
Queen
Ruled Over
Kingsguard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With albums like "The Warning" (1984) and "Operation: Mindcrime" (1988), it is no secret that Queensryche was one of the most political bands of the decade. However, they didn't get a lot of airtime on American radio stations until the release of "Empire" in 1990.

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bowie
ABC
His career spanned decades. Do you know his name?
Tom Larson
David Bowie
George Strait
Michael Andrews
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Bowie's career began in the 1970s, but he had multiple hits in the '80s. He even made the transition to film in "Labyriinth" (1986), where he played the Goblin King. His work has been noted as some of the most influential music of the century.

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The Police
Wiki Commons by Elvire.R.
Can you name the band that had Sting as their frontman?
The Ragers
Guns N' Roses
The Police
Midnight Oil
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sting had one of the most unique voices of the 1980s, and his presence was on par with it. His work with The Police through the '70s and '80s gave us some of the most influential songs of the time period. The band had very literate song lyrics, referencing everyone from Shakespeare to Edgar Allan Poe.

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Duran Duran
Wiki Commons by L*u*z*A* / Luz A. Villa
Which band performed the song "Rio"?
Eurythmics
Michael Bowie Band
Just Blend In
Duran Duran
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though some may criticize Duran Duran, their hit list is undeniable. They have a core following, and their music videos set the standard for visual flash in the '80s. They still tour every once in a while, and they pack the house every time.

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George Michael
Wiki Commons by Insasse
This singer was an icon of the 1980s. Can you remember his name?
Prince
Michael Anthony
Anthony George
George Michael
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starting as the lead singer of Wham!, he was a man who sang about faith and love and popularity. In his career, he sold over 115 million records around the world. In the 1990s, he got into a little bit of trouble in a bathroom, and thus opened up about his homosexuality.

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Guns N' Roses
Wiki Commons by Delusion23
Do you know which band had a lead singer with bright red hair?
Van Halen
Motley Crue
Guns N' Roses
Pantera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Axl Rose was one of those frontmen who didn't just grab the mike and scream into it. He danced on stage, showed his audience that he was into the music, and really put his all into every show that he put on.

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Van Halen
Wiki Commons by GHOSTRIDER2112
Can you name this band named after the guitarist?
Van Morrison
Van Halen
Chickenfoot
The Police
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Van Halen is a different kind of band. While most bands at the time were named after the lead singers (if they went that direction), Van Halen took a different approach. It's a good thing they did, because they changed lead singers quite a bit.

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AC-DC
Wiki Commons by PHOTO BY MATT BECKER
This band likes innuendo in their songs. Who are they?
AC/DC
Tears for Fears
The Cars
Eagles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coming out of Australia but fronted by Scottish brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, AC/DC has defied pigeonholing. They've been called heavy metal, blues rock and hard rock, but they don't really fit in any of those boxes.

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Motley Crue
Wiki Commons by Bjornsphoto
This crazy hair band didn't care what people thought. Who are they?
Dr. Feelgood
Motley Crue
Earth, Wind & Fire
Bananarama
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Anyone who has read the book that details the indulgence that the members of this band took part in knows that they were wild and crazy. Their rebellion against norms was almost cartoonish, but it was catnip for '80s youth.

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Def Leppard
Wiki Commons by Kevin Nixon
Which band had a drummer who only had one arm?
Def Leppard
Dire Straits
The Cure
Men at Work
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Those who love '80s music love Def Leppard. This band pumped out hit after hit, showed off interesting characters and really gave all the other hair bands a run for their money. They were also one of the youngest hair bands (as most of their members were still in their teens when the band was formed).

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Phil Collins
Wiki Commons by Raph_PH
Eminem wrote a song about one of this singer's songs. Who is he?
Sting
Phil Collins
Elton John
Boy George
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though he was a big name in pop music in the 1980s both solo and as the frontman of Genesis, Phil Collins was an incredibly talented musician who played several instruments. He continues to tour today and his love for music hasn't changed.

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Depeche Mode
Wiki Commons by Nontelodiromai
As of today, this band has 14 studio albums. Can you name them?
The Police
Pink Floyd
Depeche Mode
Duran Duran
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There were several English bands that came out of the 1980s. Depeche Mode focused on electronics and synthesizing with their songs, giving teens in the United States sounds they needed to get it through the decade.

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Tears for Fears
Wiki Commons by Raph_PH
Do you remember this new wave band?
The DNC
Mills and Jones
Electric Vibrance
Tears for Fears
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pop rock music showed people that they could have the best of both worlds in the 1980s. Tears for Fears reminded us that everybody wanted to rule the world, but it was a mad world indeed.

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Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Wiki Commons by ABC/Shelter Records
The lead singer of this band was known for being one of the oddest fellows in rock. What band is it?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Van Morrison
Bruce Springsteen & The E street Band
INXS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was a staple of the 1980s. Their music didn't really "fit" the sounds of the time, but it paved the way for new music to come through. Their videos were also one of the backbones of MTV back when the channel still played music videos.

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Metallica
Wiki Commons by Raph_PH
People were very upset when which band cut their hair?
Guns N' Roses
Metallica
Motley Crue
Simple Minds
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Metallica wrote some of the biggest songs that connected to disaffected teens of the 1980s, of which there were many. The music was angry and powerful and it showed us that we didn't have to listen to authority to be successful.

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MC Hammer
Wiki Commons by Brian Solis
He was a very successful street rapper, and it took a lot to get him signed. Who is he?
Big Daddy Kane
Slick Rick
MC Hammer
Vanilla Ice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

MC Hammer's career started with underground music and sales. He would sell tapes out of the trunk of his car. When a record company approached him for a deal, it originally offered him less than he was making from those underground sales.

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DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Jive
Which hip hop duo won the first rap Grammy in 1989?
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Run DMC
Cocomelon
The Clash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

That's right, DJ Jazzy Jeff was the one who received top billing when "Parents Just Don't Understand" was released in 1988. Though after the music video was released, fans connected more with the Fresh Prince, whom we now know as Oscar winner Will Smith.

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Billy Joel
Wiki Commons by Deedar70
This singer was a master of lyrics. Do you know who he is?
Peter Gabriel
Eric Clapton
Bryan Adams
Billy Joel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Between 1971 and 1993, Billy Joel gave us 12 studio albums. His lyrics were poetry, and his instrumental talent showed us that someone really could have it all. He is still a very popular musician today.

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Chicago
Wiki Commons by wight McCann
Do you remember this band that wrote a lot of songs about heartbreak?
Chicago
Boston
New York
Cincinnati
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peter Cetera's voice was the definition of '80s sound. Young women loved to hear him sing ballads of heartbreak and so much more. Few people realize that the band released its first album in 1969, and the band was able to change with the times throughout several decades.

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Hall & Oates
Wiki Commons by Gary Harris
Who sang the hit song "Maneater" in the 1980s?
Toto
The Clash
WHAM!
Hall & Oates
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hall & Oates was a pop duo that gave us endless '80s songs that you could dance to and rock out to in the car. "Maneater" (1982), "Private Eyes" (1981) and "You Make My Dreams" (1980) were some of their most important earlier songs.

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Survivor
Wiki Commons by Staffan Vilcans
This band had several hit songs that were featured in movies. Who are they?
The Clash
Boston
Survivor
Led Zeppelin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though there were a lot of bands that one could argue defined the 1980s, Survivor gave us some important songs that we remember to this day. They are the band that delivered us the epic "Eye of the Tiger" from the "Rocky" soundtrack.

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A-Ha
Wiki Commons by Jamesbond raul
One-hit wonders were abundant in the 1980s. Can you name this one?
The Culture Club
Whitesnake
A-Ha
The Scorpions
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pop music was so lucrative in the 1980s that hundreds of bands tried to hit the scene to make it. Though some were more popular than others, most bands didn't make it past their first hit. A-Ha was one of those bands with the hit song "Take On Me" (1985).

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Slick Rick
Wiki Commons by Brett Hammond
Do you recognize this rapper with an eye patch?
Slick Rick
Ice T
Morris Shelton
MC Hammer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You don't hear the story of a British-American rapper very often, but Slick Rick was a hip hop idol that no one could forget. He rapped with a clear accent and gave us stories of American youth with poetry and beat.

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Robert Palmer
Wiki Commons by Nathan Callahan
Can you name this singer who always seemed to be wearing a suit?
Robert Palmer
Paul Simon
George Michael
Boy George
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Robert Palmer gave us songs like "Addicted to Love" (1985) and "Simply Irresistible" (1988). He seemed to enjoy wearing a suit and tie, making him a sophisticated pop-rocker or a dedicated lounge singer. His videos were a huge favorite among teenage boys of the time.

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Public Enemy
Wiki Commons by Kowarski
This rap group didn't mind making the government angry. Who are they?
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Public Enemy
Milli Vanilli
Bobby Brown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With rappers and artists like Chuck D, Keith Schoklee, DJ Lord, Professor Griff and Flavor Flav, Public Enemy was all about calling out politicians and showing the world what it was like to live in the inner city in the 1980s.

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Culture Club
Wiki Commons by John Begalke
Which band gave us "Karma Chameleon"?
A-Ha
Flock of Seagulls
Culture Club
Bam Bams
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you had to define the 1980s with one band, Culture Club would be your go-to answer. They had a few different sounds, and their lead singer (Boy George) had an iconic look that both men and women of the time tried to mimic.

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Lionel Richie
Wiki Commons by Wight McCann
He sang some intense ballads. What is his name?
Sting
David Bowie
Prince
Lionel Richie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lionel Richie gave us the music all '80s parents approved of. It was slow and meaningful, and it called back to the sounds of Motown ballads from the past. His work is still revered today as some of the best of the time period.

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Cheap Trick
Wiki Commons by Swimfinfan
What is the name of this rock group that is still touring today?
Cheap Trick
Poison
Iron Maiden
Motley Crue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cheap Trick gave it their all throughout the 1970s, but in the 1980s, we got to hear some of the most important songs that they released. The band was punk and rock and pop all at the same time, giving them distinction throughout the decades. You can still catch them on tour today!

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Warrant
Wiki Commons by Frank Schwichtenberg
Can you name this band that sang "Cherry Pie"?
Bullet Boys
Cheap Trick
Duck Bath
Warrant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it comes to hair metal, you may not know Warrant by band name, but you can probably sing each and every one of their hit songs. From "Cherry Pie" to "Heaven" (their rock ballad), Warrant gave us the perfect mix of hard rock and slow love in the 1980s.

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