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Quizzes > Music

Rock and Roll Trivia Quiz: Test Your Classic Rock Knowledge

Quick, free classic rock quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Navin GolchhaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for rock trivia game quiz on teal background

This rock and roll trivia quiz helps you check your knowledge of bands, riffs, and timeless hits, from arena anthems to deep cuts. Answer quick questions and see how you score. Want more? Try classic rock trivia, tackle fresh rock trivia questions, or explore Queen trivia.

Which band wrote the song "Stairway to Heaven"?
Pink Floyd
Queen
The Who
Led Zeppelin
"Stairway to Heaven" was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant and performed by Led Zeppelin. It first appeared on their untitled fourth studio album in 1971. The song is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Which Beatles album includes the song "Come Together"?
Rubber Soul
Let It Be
Abbey Road
Revolver
"Come Together" is the opening track of The Beatles' 1969 album Abbey Road. The song was primarily written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon - McCartney. Abbey Road was the last album the Beatles recorded together.
Who is the lead singer of the Rolling Stones?
Robert Plant
Mick Jagger
Mick Mars
Keith Richards
Mick Jagger is the iconic frontman and lead vocalist of the Rolling Stones. He co-founded the band in London in 1962 with Keith Richards. Jagger's stage presence and voice have been central to the band's enduring success.
Which Queen song begins with the lyrics "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?"?
Bohemian Rhapsody
Somebody to Love
We Will Rock You
Don't Stop Me Now
"Bohemian Rhapsody" opens with the iconic lyrics "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?". Written by Freddie Mercury, it appeared on Queen's 1975 album A Night at the Opera. The song's structure and operatic sections made it revolutionary for its time.
"Hotel California" is a classic song by which band?
Fleetwood Mac
Eagles
Chicago
The Doobie Brothers
"Hotel California" is one of the Eagles' signature songs, released in 1977 on the album of the same name. Its guitar solos and lyrics about the American Dream solidified its place in rock history. The track won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978.
Who is often referred to as the "Fifth Beatle" due to his extensive work with the band?
George Martin
Brian Epstein
Pete Best
Billy Preston
Producer George Martin worked closely with The Beatles on nearly all their recordings, earning him the nickname the "Fifth Beatle." His classical training and studio innovations significantly shaped the band's sound. Martin's contributions were critical to many of their innovative arrangements.
In what year did the original Woodstock music festival take place?
1969
1968
1970
1971
The Woodstock Music & Art Fair was held from August 15 - 18, 1969, in Bethel, New York. It became a defining moment of the counterculture movement. Over 400,000 people attended the festival, featuring performances by legendary artists.
Which band scored a hit with "Sweet Child o' Mine" in the late 1980s?
Motley Crue
Bon Jovi
Guns N' Roses
Def Leppard
"Sweet Child o' Mine" was released by Guns N' Roses in 1987 on their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The song became the band's first and only Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit. Slash's opening guitar riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history.
Which rock musician is famously nicknamed "The Boss"?
Bob Seger
Tom Petty
Bruce Springsteen
John Mellencamp
Bruce Springsteen earned the nickname "The Boss" early in his career for his commanding presence and work ethic. His performances are known for their energy and endurance. Springsteen has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
What is the title of Pink Floyd's 1973 album featuring a prism on the cover?
Wish You Were Here
Animals
The Dark Side of the Moon
The Wall
The Dark Side of the Moon was released in 1973 and features a prism dispersing light on its iconic cover. The album explores themes like conflict, greed, time, and mental illness. It has sold over 45 million copies worldwide.
Which Rolling Stones album includes the track "Sympathy for the Devil"?
Let It Bleed
Beggars Banquet
Sticky Fingers
Exile on Main St.
"Sympathy for the Devil" appears on the Rolling Stones' 1968 album Beggars Banquet. The song's samba-rock rhythm and provocative lyrics made it controversial on release. It remains one of their most celebrated tracks.
What is AC/DC's best-selling album to date?
Highway to Hell
For Those About to Rock
Back in Black
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Back in Black, released in 1980, is AC/DC's best-selling album and one of the best-selling albums of all time. It was the band's first album after the death of lead singer Bon Scott. The album has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
What nickname was given to Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham?
Ludwig
Joe
Bonzo
Hammer
John Bonham was affectionately nicknamed "Bonzo" by the rock journalist Alan Coren. The nickname later inspired the title of the Beatles' song "Dig It" reference. Bonham's powerful style is often cited as one of the greatest in rock history.
Which guitarist from The Doors wrote the song "Light My Fire"?
Jim Morrison
Ray Manzarek
John Densmore
Robby Krieger
Robby Krieger, the guitarist for The Doors, wrote "Light My Fire" in 1966. His blues and flamenco influences shaped the song's signature riff. The track became the band's breakthrough hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Which Beatles song features a lead guitar solo played by Eric Clapton?
Here Comes the Sun
Taxman
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Something
Eric Clapton played the lead guitar solo on the Beatles' track "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," written by George Harrison. Clapton's uncredited guest spot added emotional depth to the song. The collaboration remains one of rock's most famous guest appearances.
What is the birth name of shock-rock performer Alice Cooper?
Glen Buxton
Vincent Furnier
Michael Bruce
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper was born Vincent Damon Furnier in 1948. He adopted the band name Alice Cooper as his personal moniker in the early 1970s. Cooper is known for theatrical performances and dark stage imagery.
Which member of Pink Floyd wrote the title track "Wish You Were Here"?
David Gilmour
Richard Wright
Nick Mason
Roger Waters
Roger Waters, the bassist and primary lyricist of Pink Floyd, wrote "Wish You Were Here". The song reflects themes of absence and disillusionment with the music industry. It is the title track of their 1975 album.
Which Queen song was the opening number of their set at Live Aid in 1985?
Bohemian Rhapsody
Radio Ga Ga
Hammer to Fall
We Will Rock You
Queen opened their Live Aid set in 1985 with a shortened version of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Their performance is widely regarded as one of the greatest live shows in rock history. It helped revitalize Queen's popularity worldwide.
Which AC/DC song begins with the lyrics "For those about to rock, we salute you"?
Back in Black
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
Thunderstruck
Highway to Hell
"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" is the title track of AC/DC's 1981 album. The song features cannon fire effects and an anthem-like chorus. It became one of the band's signature tracks.
What unusual keyboard instrument did John Lennon play on "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"?
Synthesizer
Mellotron
Harpsichord
Organ
John Lennon played the Mellotron on "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," giving the song its distinctive flute-like intro. The Mellotron uses tape loops to mimic orchestral sounds. It became a hallmark of psychedelic-era recordings.
Which folk-rock duo released the hit song "Bridge Over Troubled Water"?
Peter & Gordon
The Everly Brothers
Hall & Oates
Simon & Garfunkel
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" was recorded by Simon & Garfunkel and released in 1970. Written by Paul Simon, it became one of the duo's most successful singles. The song won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year.
Who was the recording engineer for Pink Floyd's album "The Dark Side of the Moon"?
Brian Eno
George Martin
Alan Parsons
Phil Spector
Alan Parsons worked as the recording engineer on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon in 1973. His work on tape loops and sound effects helped define the album's sonic identity. Parsons later formed the Alan Parsons Project.
Which Supertramp album features the hit song "The Logical Song"?
Breakfast in America
Even in the Quietest Moments...
Crime of the Century
Crisis? What Crisis?
"The Logical Song" was released in 1979 on Supertramp's album Breakfast in America. The track reached the top 10 in multiple countries. Its catchy melody and introspective lyrics made it one of the band's biggest hits.
In what year did Doors frontman Jim Morrison pass away?
1971
1970
1972
1969
Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, died on July 3, 1971, in Paris at the age of 27. His death contributed to the legend of rock's "27 Club." Morrison's poetic lyrics and charismatic performances left a lasting legacy.
Who played the distinctive slide guitar part on Derek and the Dominos' "Layla"?
Jimmy Page
Peter Green
Eric Clapton
Duane Allman
Duane Allman recorded the memorable slide guitar parts on "Layla" during sessions at Criteria Studios in Miami. Eric Clapton invited Allman after hearing his work with the Allman Brothers Band. Their collaboration produced one of rock's most iconic duets.
On Pink Floyd's song "Money," how were the cash register sounds created?
Tape loops
Digital sampling
Drum machine
Synthesizer
The cash register sounds in "Money" were recorded using tape loops edited together by engineer Alan Parsons. The loops were assembled from various sources and played back on multiple tape machines. This technique contributed to the song's distinctive groove.
Which Beatles song features a prominent cello arrangement by George Martin?
Eleanor Rigby
Blackbird
Yesterday
Live and Let Die
"Eleanor Rigby" is unique among Beatles songs for featuring a string octet arranged by George Martin, including cellos. No traditional rock instruments are heard on the track. The arrangement underscored the song's somber themes.
Who served as bassist and keyboardist for Led Zeppelin during their entire career?
John Paul Jones
John Entwistle
John Lennon
Paul McCartney
John Paul Jones joined Led Zeppelin in 1968 and remained their bassist and keyboardist until the band's end in 1980. His multi-instrumental talents contributed to the band's musical depth. Jones also worked as an arranger on many tracks.
At which festival did The Who perform their rock opera "Tommy" in 1969?
Isle of Wight
Woodstock
Monterey Pop
Glastonbury
The Who performed selections from their rock opera Tommy at the Woodstock festival in August 1969. Their set included iconic songs like "Pinball Wizard" and introduced many to the album live. The performance helped cement their reputation as a premier live act.
Which song by Santana on the album Abraxas features a prominent organ riff?
Oye Como Va
Black Magic Woman
Samba Pa Ti
Evil Ways
"Oye Como Va" features a signature organ riff played by Gregg Rolie on the 1970 album Abraxas. The song is a cover of Tito Puente's original composition, given a Latin rock arrangement. It became one of Santana's most enduring hits.
Who sang lead vocals on Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water"?
Ian Gillan
David Coverdale
Rod Evans
Glenn Hughes
Ian Gillan was the lead vocalist on Deep Purple's 1972 classic "Smoke on the Water." His clear, powerful voice helped carry the song that features one of rock's most famous guitar riffs. Gillan's tenure marked the band's most commercially successful period.
Which Lynyrd Skynyrd song features the lyrics "In Birmingham they love the Gov'nor"?
Simple Man
Tuesday's Gone
Free Bird
Sweet Home Alabama
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd includes the line "In Birmingham they love the Gov'nor," referencing Alabama Governor George Wallace. Released in 1974, it became an anthem of Southern rock. The song remains the band's most famous hit.
Which guitarist replaced Brian Robertson in Thin Lizzy before recording "Bad Reputation"?
Scott Gorham
Phil Lynott
Gary Moore
Eric Bell
Gary Moore joined Thin Lizzy in 1974, replacing Brian Robertson for the recording of Bad Reputation. Moore's playing can be heard on songs like the title track and "Dancing in the Moonlight." He later rejoined the band for future tours.
Which guitarist joined Deep Purple in 1975, replacing Ritchie Blackmore?
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Tommy Bolin
Steve Morse
Tommy Bolin joined Deep Purple in 1975 after Ritchie Blackmore left the band. He played on the album Come Taste the Band before the group dissolved in 1976. Bolin's style brought a jazz-rock edge to the band's sound.
Which Beatles track was the first to use a Moog synthesizer in its recording?
Maxwell's Silver Hammer
Here Comes the Sun
Come Together
Because
"Here Comes the Sun," recorded in January 1969 for Abbey Road, was one of the first Beatles tracks to feature a Moog synthesizer. George Harrison used the instrument to add texture to the song's introduction. The Moog was still a new technology in popular music at the time.
Which The Who song includes the lyrics "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss"?
Baba O'Riley
Pinball Wizard
My Generation
Won't Get Fooled Again
"Won't Get Fooled Again," released on the 1971 album Who's Next, features the famous line "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." The song reflects Pete Townshend's themes of revolution and disillusionment. Its synthesizer intro and powerful vocals make it a classic.
Where was the initial demo of "Stairway to Heaven" recorded by Led Zeppelin?
Headley Grange
Abbey Road Studios
Olympic Studios
Sunset Sound Studios
The initial demo of "Stairway to Heaven" was recorded at the Victorian manor Headley Grange using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio in 1970. The informal setting allowed the band to experiment freely with arrangements. This site also hosted sessions for other classic rock albums.
Which Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd song was not officially released until the "Early Years 1965 - 1972" box set?
See Emily Play
Astronomy Domine
Vegetable Man
Scream Thy Last Scream
"Vegetable Man" was written and recorded by Pink Floyd in 1967 but remained unreleased until the 2016 Early Years compilation. Syd Barrett's experimental style is evident in the track's raw sound. The song offers insight into his unique songwriting.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Classic Rock Icons -

    Test your ability to recognize influential rock & roll artists, albums, and songs that shaped the genre.

  2. Recall Legendary Guitar Riffs and Lyrics -

    Sharpen your memory by recalling famous guitar riffs and iconic lyrics from classic rock anthems.

  3. Differentiate Rock & Roll Eras -

    Learn to distinguish between major periods in rock history, from the 1960s British Invasion to the 1980s arena rock scene.

  4. Analyze Band Lineups and Album Facts -

    Understand the evolution of renowned rock bands and important album trivia that defined their sound.

  5. Apply Strategic Trivia Techniques -

    Develop strategies to improve your speed and accuracy when tackling rock n roll trivia game questions.

  6. Evaluate Your Rock Trivia Mastery -

    Measure your classic rock knowledge and discover areas for further exploration in rock and roll trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Origins of Classic Rock -

    Classic rock emerged in the mid-1950s when African-American blues, gospel, and R&B fused with country elements to create the first rock and roll hits (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame). Key pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard set foundational rhythms that echo in every rock trivia game challenge. Try the mnemonic "B.R.G. Beats Rock" - Blues, Rhythm, Gospel - to recall these roots instantly.

  2. Defining Subgenres of Rock & Roll -

    Classic rock spans diverse styles from hard rock and psychedelic to progressive and southern rock, each with distinct instrumentation and lyrical themes (AllMusic). Knowing that hard rock often features power chords and aggressive vocals helps pinpoint questions about bands like Led Zeppelin or AC/DC. Use the "H.P.P.S." checklist - Hard, Psychedelic, Progressive, Southern - to categorize subgenres quickly in quiz rounds.

  3. Iconic Guitar Riffs and Their Legacy -

    Memorable riffs like Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" dominate classic rock trivia questions (Rolling Stone). Recognizing the opening four-note pattern of "Smoke" can earn instant bonus points in a rock n roll trivia game. Recall the "G.D.S." formula - Guitar, Distortion, Simplicity - to identify legendary riffs under pressure.

  4. Legendary Album Milestones -

    Albums such as Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" (741 weeks on the Billboard 200) and Led Zeppelin IV (over 37 million sold) are cornerstones of rock history (RIAA, Billboard). Spotting these record-breaking facts is crucial when tackling rock and roll trivia questions. Remember "D.Z.L." - Dark Side, Zeppelin, Longest chart run - to tag iconic milestones in your memory.

  5. Mnemonic Strategies for Mastering Rock & Roll Trivia -

    Grouping artists by era ('60s British Invasion, '70s arena rock) and using flashcards can boost recall speed in any rock trivia game or rock n roll trivia contest (University of California Music Dept.). Create acronyms like "BIRA" (Beatles, Invasion, Rolling Stones, Animals) to cover key British bands in one go. Pair audio clips with visuals for a multi-sensory study method that sticks when the timer's ticking.

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