Do you know your Madonna from your Michael Jackson? Your Pop Music from your Rock Music? And think you know every word of Purple Rain or Livin’ on a Prayer?! Test your knowledge with these 80s Music Quiz Questions & Answers!

The 80s was a fantastic decade for music, producing classics that are still belted out at parties, danced to at celebrations and absolutely loved on a road trip to this day. The decade also gave us the mixtape – and that in itself is something which we must be forever thankful for!

If you were to ask anyone what music represented the 80s, they’d probably give you the names of iconic bands such as Bon Jovi, Guns N Roses and U2 in the same breath as Madonna, David Bowie, George Michael and the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson.

In amongst all those legends of pop and rock, the love of Disco died and new genres of music hit the scene. Death metal, punk rock, new wave and hip hop grew and added variety to the airwaves that hadn’t been heard before.

And talking of airwaves, we bet anyone who was around in the 80s can remember sitting with your tape deck, ready to hit record when your favourite song came onto the radio – the challenge being to get the song without the radio DJ talking over it! And while we’re talking about the 80s, it would be rude not to mention the fluorescent colours, shoulder pads, leg warmers, spandex shorts, big hair and beatboxes! If you know, you know…

So after that brief introduction of the pop culture of the 80s, we hope you’re excited to test your knowledge with this ultimate 80s music quiz – or find the perfect questions to add to your next quiz night or pub quiz. We hope you enjoy it!

80s Music Trivia Quiz: 80s Bands & Artists

1. Who did Cyndi Lauper write the song “Time After Time” with?

2. Janet Jackson appeared in a Japanese television commercial for Pepsi-Cola with which artist?

3. Whitney Houston was born August 9, 1963 in which U.S. state?

4. “Don’t Stop Believin’” is an iconic 1981 smash hit song from which rock band?

5. What band toured with Bon Jovi on the worldwide concert tour “Have a Nice Day”?

6. True or False: Eddie Van Halen couldn’t read music sheets. He would, instead, painstakingly memorize his teacher’s finger movements to play his musical pieces.

7. Band Aid is a group who features mainly British and Irish musicians and recording artists. For what purpose did they release the charity song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”

8. In which movie did Phil Collins appear as a part of the fan crowd screaming for the Beatles?

9. Chaka Khan gave us the absolute bop that is ‘I’m Every Woman’, but what is the Queen of Funk’s real name?

10. He is the lead singer in the glam-metal band Poison, has starred in several reality TV shows including “The Celebrity Apprentice” and “Rock of Love”.

 

80s Iconic Songs Quiz Questions:

1. Dolly Parton won Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance (Female) with which song?

2. Stevie Wonder performed which song on Sesame Street?

3. What song of the Dexys Midnight Runners topped both the UK Singles chart and the US Billboard Hot 100?

4. This movie theme song has been inseparable from the film from which it came from. This song also topped the Billboard charts for three weeks and was nominated for an Oscar. Penned and performed by Raydio frontman Ray Parker Jr., this 80s hit had legal issues with another 80s soundtrack “I Want A New Drug” because of their similarities. What was it?

5. This 80s billboard hot song was recorded by American singer Michael Jackson, but was first offered to Karen Carpenter to sing but she turned it down as she was working on her solo album. What was the song?

6. This song is believed to have made Prince Rogers Nelson a legend as this showcased his vocal abilities and ability to slay a guitar solo. Name it.

7. What is the name of Tina Turner’s popular song from the hit album “Private Dancer” and won her a Grammy Award?

8. This song by the English band, Culture Club, is the second single after “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” to top the UK Singles Chart for 6 weeks and became the biggest-selling single in 1983.

9. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson wrote a song that was released in 1985, selling more than 20 million copies and raising more than 63 million for humanitarian aid in the U.S. and Africa. What is this song?

10. Which 80s megastar is known as ‘The Queen of Pop’?

 

 

80s Music Lyrics Quiz

In this section, you need to name the song from lyrics or identify the missing word in a line from a famous 80s song.

1. Complete the lines from this popular song in the 80s by Cyndi Lauper: “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, Time after ___________.”

2. Identify the missing word for one of Whitney Houston’s popular songs of the 80s: “Oh, I wanna dance with _________, I wanna feel the heat with __________, Yeah, I wanna dance with __________, with __________ who loves me.” (Clue: Answers for the 4 blanks are the same word.)

3. Complete the words to this popular song of Madonna: I see you through the smokey air, Can’t you feel the weight of my state, You’re so close but still a _________ away.

4. Complete the lyrics of this 80s song from Barry Gibb: “After dark where the lights start fading sweet and ________, I wanna be there, I wanna be there.”

5. Fill in the missing lyrics Culture Club’s 1982 song “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”: “Give me time to realize my ________, Let me love and steal.”

6. Hold Me Now is a song by the British band, the Thompson Twins. Complete the missing word on the lyrics: “Hold me now, whoa, Warm my heart, Stay with me, Let loving ________, Let loving ________.” (Clue: Answers for the 2 blanks are the same word.)

7. Bryan Adams 1984 album “Reckless” made him well-known around the world, especially his track “Run to You”. Complete the lyrics of the song: “I’m gonna run to you, I’m gonna run to you, ‘Cause when the feelin’s right, I’m gonna run all ________, I’m gonna run to you.

8. Tears for Fears debuted in the 80s with a debut album entitled “The Hurting” and reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. Complete the missing word in this song: “All along, You’ve been told you’re wrong, When you felt it right, And you’re left to __________ the hurting.”

9. “Manic Monday” is a song by the Bangles, an American pop rock band. Fill in the missing words in the song: “It’s just another manic Monday, I wish it was __________.”

10. Released in 1982, “Eye of the Tiger” is a song by the American rock band Survivor and served as the theme song for the film Rocky III. Complete the lyrics of the song: “It’s the eye of the tiger, It’s the thrill of the flight, Rising up to the challenge of our ___________, And the last known survivor.”

 

80s Rock Quiz

1. Karma Chamelon is a pop-rock music that was released in September 1983. Which band owns this song?

2. The American rock song “Eye of the Tiger” was released as a single for the 1982 film Rocky III. The song was written by Survivor guitarist and keyboardist. Who are the writers of the song?

3. “Sweet Child O Mine” is a song in the debut album Appetite for Destruction. Which American rock band recorded this song?

4. “Walk Like an Egyptian” is a pop-rock song released in 1986 from the third single “Different Light”. Which American band recorded this song?

5. “Little Red Corvette” has a slow synth buildup with a rock chorus and uses several automobile metaphors. Who is the American recording artist of this song?

6. True or False: Duran Duran, a pop-rock band, got their name from the character Dr. Durham in the 1968 cult sci-fi classic ‘Barbarella’.

7. Apart from Slash, who played the guitar on Guns N’ Roses 1987 album Appetite for Destruction?

8. Which 80s Metallica album features the song Fade to Black?

9. Which 80s rock band did Joey Krame play the drums for?

10. In what year did Pat Benetar release “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”?

 

80s Pop Music Quiz

1. Human League is an English synth-pop band that was formed in 1977 but they rose to popularity in the 1980s. Who is their only constant band member since 1977 and has been the band’s lead singer and songwriter?

2. Another English synth-pop group, this time a duo, is Pet Shop Boys. The duo consists of a primary vocalist and a keyboardist. Who are the members of the Pet Shop Boys?

3. Boy George is an English singer, songwriter, disc jockey, fashion designer, photographer and record producer. He is also the lead singer of the pop band the Culture Club. What is his real name?

4. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a song that was released in 1987 and was recognized at the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single. Which American singer recorded this song?

5. The song “Hungry Like the Wolf” is written by which British new wave band and was released in 1982?

6. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a pop song by the British new wave music duo, which was released in 1983. What is the name of the music duo?

7. Dead or Alive is an English pop band formed in the 80s. They were able to release seven singles that made to the UK Top 40 and three albums that made to the UK Top 30. Name the songs that made it in the U.S. Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

8. A-ha wrote and recorded the first version of “Take On Me” in 1982 with different lyrics and with a basic keyboard riff. What was the original title of this song?

9. Wham is an English duo who released their first UK and US number one hit in May 1984. What is the title of this certified platinum song and sold over two million copies in the US?

10. This dance-pop song was recorded by English singer and songwriter Rick Astley and was released in July 1987. It was released as the first single from Astley’s debut album Whenever You Need Somebody.

 

Identify the Hit 80s Song from the Opening Line

1. “See the stone set in your eyes, see the thorn twist in your side”

2. “Once upon a time not so long ago Tommy used to work on the docks”

3. “Steve walks warily down the street with his brim pulled way down low”

4. “She’s a very kinky girl”  

5. “I gotta take a little time”

6. “We are young (Heartache to heartache)”

7. “Hey, hey, hey, hey, Ooh, woah. Won’t you come see about me?”

8. “Colour me your colour baby”

9. “Now there’s a backseat, lover, that’s always undercover”

10. “She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean”

 

Tie Breaker 80s Music Quiz Questions

1. When Doves Cry was Prince’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 single and the top-selling single of which year?

2. “That’s great, it starts with an earthquake” is the opening line to which iconic 80s song that was dropped by USA radio stations in the wake of 9/11.

3. What year was The Beatles star John Lennon shot and killed in New York City?

4. What was the first song ever played on MTV?

5. How many record-breaking weeks did Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller” spend at number 1?

 

 

80s Music Quiz Questions and Answers: The Artists

1. Who did Cyndi Lauper write the song “Time After Time” with?
Rob Hyman

2. Ricky Martin appeared in a Japanese television commercial for Pepsi-Cola with which artist?
Janet Jackson

3. Whitney Houston was born August 9, 1963 in which U.S. state?
New Jersey

4. “Don’t Stop Believin’” is an iconic 1981 smash hit song from which rock band?
Journey

5. What band toured with Bon Jovi on the worldwide concert tour “Have a Nice Day”?
Nickelback

6. True or False: Eddie Van Halen couldn’t read music sheets. He would, instead, painstakingly memorize his teacher’s finger movements to play his musical pieces.
True

7. Band Aid is a group that features mainly British and Irish musicians and recording artists. For what purpose did they release the charity song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
Anti-Famine Efforts in Ethiopia

8. In which movie did Phil Collins appear as a part of the fan crowd screaming for The Beatles?
A Hard Day’s Night

9. Chaka Khan gave us the bob that is ‘I’m Every Woman’, but what is the Queen of Funk’s real name?
Yvette Marie Stevens

10. He is the lead singer in the glam-metal band Poison, has starred in several reality TV shows including “The Celebrity Apprentice” and “Rock of Love”.
Bret Michaels

 

80s Music Trivia Questions and Answers: Iconic Songs

1. Dolly Parton won Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance (Female) with which song?
9 to 5

2. Stevie Wonder performed which song on Sesame Street?
Superstition

3. What song of the Dexys Midnight Runners topped both the UK Singles chart and the US Billboard Hot 100?
Come on Eileen

4. This movie theme song has been inseparable from the film from which it came from. This song also topped the Billboard charts for three weeks and was nominated for an Oscar. Penned and performed by Raydio frotnman Ray Parker Jr., this 80s hit had legal issues with another 80s soundtrack “I Want A New Drug” because of their similarities.
Ghostbusters

5. This 80s billboard hot song is recorded by American singer Michael Jackson and was first offered to Karen Carpenter to sing but she was working on her solo album back so she has to turn it down.
Rock with You

6. This song is believed to have made Prince Rogers Nelson a legend as this showcased his vocal abilities and ability to slay a guitar solo.
Purple Rain

7. What is the name of Tina Turner’s popular song from the hit album “Private Dancer” and won her a Grammy Award?
What’s Love Got to Do With It

8. This song by the English band, Culture Club, is the second single after “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” to top the UK Singles Chart for 6 weeks and became the biggest-selling single in 1983.
Karma Chameleon

9. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson wrote a song that was released in 1985, selling more than 20 million copies and raising more than 63 million for humanitarian aid in the U.S. and Africa. What is this song?
We Are The World

10. Which 80s megastar is known as ‘The Queen of Pop’?
Madonna

 

80s Songs Quiz Answers

1. Complete the lines from this popular song in the 80s by Cyndi Lauper: “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, Time after Time.”

2. Identify the missing word for one of Whitney Houston’s popular songs of the 80s: “Oh, I wanna dance with Somebody, I wanna feel the heat with Somebody, Yeah, I wanna dance with Somebody, with Somebody who loves me.” (Clue: Answers for the 4 blanks are the same word.)

3. Complete the words to this popular song of Madonna: I see you through the smokey air, Can’t you feel the weight of my state, You’re so close but still a World away.

4. Complete the lyrics of this 80s song from Barry Gibb: “After dark where the lights start fading sweet and Low, I wanna be there, I wanna be there.”

5. Fill in the missing lyrics of Culture Club’s 1982 song “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me”: “Give me time to realize my Crime, Let me love and steal.”

6. Hold Me Now is a song by the British band, the Thompson Twins. Complete the missing word on the lyrics: “Hold me now, whoa, Warm my heart, Stay with me, Let loving Start, Let loving Start.” (Clue: Answers for the 2 blanks are the same word.)

7. Bryan Adams is a 1984 album “Reckless” made him well-known around the world, especially his track “Run to You”. Complete the lyrics of the song: “I’m gonna run to you, I’m gonna run to you, ‘Cause when the feelin’s right, I’m gonna run all Night, I’m gonna run to you.

8. Tears for Fears debuted in the 80s with a debut album entitled “The Hurting” and reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. Complete the missing word in this song: “All along, You’ve been told you’re wrong, When you felt it right, And you’re left to Fight the hurting.”

9. “Manic Monday” is a song by the Bangles, an American pop rock band. Fill in the missing words in the song: “It’s just another manic Monday, I wish it was Sunday.”

10. Released in 1982, “Eye of the Tiger” is a song by the American rock band Survivor and served as the theme song for the film Rocky III. Complete the lyrics of the song: “It’s the eye of the tiger, It’s the thrill of the flight, Rising up to the challenge of our Rival, And the last known survivor.”

 

80s Rock Quiz Questions and Answers

1. Karma Chamelon is a piece of pop-rock music that was released in September 1983 by which band?
Culture Club

2. The American rock song “Eye of the Tiger” was released as a single for the 1982 film Rocky III. The song was written by the Survivor guitarist and keyboardist. Who are the writers of the song?
Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik

3. “Sweet Child O Mine” is a song in the debut album Appetite for Destruction. Which American rock band recorded this song?
Guns N’ Roses

4. “Walk Like an Egyptian” is a pop-rock song released in 1986 from the third single “Different Light”. Which American band recorded this song?
The Bangles

5. “Little Red Corvette” has a slow synth buildup with a rock chorus and uses several automobile metaphors. Who is the American recording artist of this song?
Prince

6. True or False: Duran Duran, a pop-rock band, got their name from the character Dr. Durham in the 1968 cult sci-fi classic ‘Barbarella’.
False

7. Apart from Slash, who played guitar on Guns N’ Roses 1987 album Appetite for Destruction?
Izzy Stradlin

8. Which 80s Metallica album features the song Fade to Black?
Ride the Lightning

9. Which 80s rock band did Joey Krame play drums for?
Aerosmith

10. In what year did Pat Benetar release “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”?
1980

 

80s Pop Music Trivia Answers

1. Human League is an English synth-pop band that was formed in 1977 but they rose to popularity in the 1980s. Who is their only constant band member since 1977 and has been the band’s lead singer and songwriter?
Philip Oakey

2. Another English synth-pop group, this time a duo, is Pet Shop Boys. The duo consists of a primary vocalist and a keyboardist. Who are the members of the Pet Shop Boys?
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe

3. Boy George is an English singer, songwriter, disc jockey, fashion designer, photographer and record producer. He is also the lead singer of the pop band the Culture Club. What is his real name?
George Alan O’Dowd

4. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a song that was released in 1987 and was recognized at the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single. Which American singer recorded this song?
Whitney Houston

5. The song “Hungry Like the Wolf” is written by which British new wave band and was released in 1982?
Duran Duran

6. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a pop song by the British new wave music duo, which was released in 1983. What is the name of the music duo?
Eurythmics

7. Dead or Alive is an English pop band formed in the 80s. They were able to release seven singles that made to the UK Top 40 and three albums that made to the UK Top 30. Name one of the two songs that made it in the U.S. Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and Brand New Lover

8. A-ha wrote and recorded the first version of “Take On Me” in 1982 with different lyrics and with a basic keyboard riff. What was the original title of this song?
Lesson One

9. Wham is an English duo who released their first UK and US number one hit in May 1984. What is the title of this certified platinum song and sold over two million copies in the US?
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

10. This dance-pop song was recorded by English singer and songwriter Rick Astley and was released in July 1987. It was released as the first single from Astley’s debut album Whenever You Need Somebody.
Never Gonna Give You Up

 

Identify the Hit 80s Song from the Opening Line: The Answers

1. “See the stone set in your eyes, see the thorn twist in your side”
With Or Without You by U2

2. “Once upon a time not so long ago Tommy used to work on the docks”
Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi

3. “Steve walks warily down the street with his brim pulled way down low”
Another One Bites The Dust by Queen

4. “She’s a very kinky girl”
Super Freak by Rick James 

5. “I gotta take a little time”
I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner

6. “We are young (Heartache to heartache)”
Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benetar

7. “Hey, hey, hey, hey, Ooh, woah. Won’t you come see about me?”
Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds

8. “Colour me your colour baby”
Call Me by Blondie

9. “Now there’s a backseat, lover, that’s always undercover”
Walk This Way by Run-DMC

10. “She was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean”
You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC

 

Tie Breaker 80s Music Quiz Questions and Answers

1. When Doves Cry was Prince’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 single and the top-selling single of which year?
1984

2. “That’s great, it starts with an earthquake” is the opening line to which iconic 80s song that was dropped by USA radio stations in the wake of 9/11.
It’s The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) by R.E.M

3. What year was The Beatles star John Lennon shot and killed in New York City?
1980 (on December 8)

4. What was the first song ever played on MTV?
Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles

5. How many record-breaking weeks did Michael Jackson’s album “Thriller” spend at number 1?
37 Weeks

 

And that’s a wrap on our 80s Music Quiz Questions and Answers. We hope you enjoyed it, and your favourite 80s album and 80s hits were featured somewhere in our questions!

If you enjoyed this hits of the 80s quiz, be sure to check out our other music quizzes, sports trivia, food and drink trivia and music trivia quizzes:

• 60s Music Quiz
• 70s Music Quiz Questions and Answers
• 90s Music Quiz
• 2000s Music Quiz
• The Beatles Quiz