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Quizzes > Music

Van Halen quiz: How well do you know the band?

Quick, free Van Halen trivia quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kodikos TesseraUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Van Halen trivia quiz on a golden yellow background

This quiz helps you test your Van Halen knowledge on hits, albums, and band members. Answer quick questions, see instant results, and pick up a few fun facts along the way. If you enjoy classic rock, try our AC/DC quiz and Metallica quiz next for more challenges.

Who was the original lead singer of Van Halen?
Michael Anthony
David Lee Roth
Sammy Hagar
Gary Cherone
David Lee Roth was the frontman and charismatic lead singer for Van Halen's classic lineup from the band's formation in 1974 until his first departure in 1985. His energetic stage presence and vocal style helped define the early Van Halen sound. Roth returned to the band for subsequent reunions in later years. .
What city did Van Halen originate from?
Pasadena, California
Seattle, Washington
San Francisco, California
Los Angeles, California
Although the Van Halen brothers were born in the Netherlands and raised in Pasadena, they formed their band in Pasadena, California. The city's music scene in the 1970s provided the backdrop where they honed their sound. Their early performances at local clubs led to their record deal in 1977. .
Which year was Van Halen's debut album released?
1980
1978
1976
1975
Van Halen's self-titled debut album was released on February 10, 1978, and featured hits like "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Eruption." The record quickly went platinum and helped establish the band as a major force in rock music. It was produced by Ted Templeman and recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood. .
What is the name of Van Halen's instrumental track on their first album?
Cathedral
316
Eruption
Spanish Fly
"Eruption" is the famous two-minute guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen that appears on the band's debut album. It showcased his innovative two-handed tapping technique and became one of the most influential guitar instrumentals in rock history. It remains a signature performance in his catalog. .
Which guitar technique is Eddie Van Halen famous for pioneering?
Sweep picking
Finger picking
Two-handed tapping
Palm muting
Eddie Van Halen popularized two-handed tapping, a technique where both hands tap notes on the fretboard to produce rapid arpeggios and melodic lines. This approach was prominently featured on tracks like "Eruption" and influenced countless guitarists worldwide. His technique expanded the sonic possibilities of the electric guitar. .
Which album introduced Sammy Hagar as the band's vocalist?
5150
OU812
Women and Children First
Diver Down
"5150" was released in 1986 as Van Halen's first album with Sammy Hagar on vocals after David Lee Roth's departure. The album topped the Billboard 200 and featured hits like "Why Can't This Be Love." The title refers to Eddie Van Halen's home studio and California's police code for a mentally disturbed person. .
What is the title of Van Halen's highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100?
Right Now
Why Can't This Be Love
Panama
Jump
"Jump," released in late 1983 from the album 1984, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Van Halen's highest-charting single. The song's iconic synth riff and catchy chorus set it apart as the band embraced a more synth-driven sound. It remains one of their most recognizable hits. .
Which album features the track "Hot for Teacher"?
Fair Warning
Women and Children First
1984
Diver Down
"Hot for Teacher" is the opening track on Van Halen's 1984 album. Known for its rapid-fire drumming intro by Alex Van Halen and Eddie Van Halen's guitar riffs, the song became a staple of rock radio. Its music video also became infamous for its high-energy performance and comedic narrative. .
What synthesizer brand was heavily used on the album 1984?
Yamaha DX7
Oberheim OB-Xa
Moog Minimoog
Roland Juno-60
Eddie Van Halen used the Oberheim OB-Xa synthesizer extensively on the album 1984, most notably on the track "Jump." Its rich analog tones defined the album's sound and marked a shift toward synthesizer-driven rock. Oberheim was a leading brand of polyphonic synths in the early 1980s. .
Which Van Halen tour was the first to feature Sammy Hagar?
Women and Children First Tour
5150 Tour
North American Tour '84
Diver Down Tour
The 5150 Tour in 1986 - 1987 was Van Halen's first tour with Sammy Hagar on vocals, supporting the album 5150. The tour covered arenas across North America and solidified the new era of the band with Hagar's addition. It was a commercial success and drew large crowds eager to hear hits both old and new. .
Which album contains the track "Mean Street"?
Fair Warning
Diver Down
Women and Children First
Van Halen II
"Mean Street" appears on Van Halen's third studio album, Women and Children First, released in 1980. The song is known for its hard-driving riff and gritty lyrics. It became a fan favorite in live performances. .
Who was the recording engineer on Van Halen's debut album?
Eddie Kramer
Bob Rock
Donn Landee
Andy Johns
Donn Landee was the recording engineer for Van Halen's debut and many subsequent albums. His partnership with producer Ted Templeman helped capture the band's raw energy and clarity in the studio. Landee's engineering work is credited with shaping the classic Van Halen sound. .
Which song from the album 1984 was released as the second single?
Panama
Jump
Drop Dead Legs
I'll Wait
"Panama" was released as the second single from 1984 in 1984, following the success of "Jump." The song was inspired by a car and features one of Eddie Van Halen's most memorable guitar riffs. It peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. .
Which Van Halen song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1992?
Why Can't This Be Love
Poundcake
Panama
Running with the Devil
"Poundcake," from the 1991 album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 1992 Grammy Awards. The track is notable for Eddie Van Halen's use of a power drill as a guitar effect. Although it didn't win, the nomination recognized the band's continued impact. .
Which album features the song "Feelin'"?
OU812
Fair Warning
5150
Balance
"Feelin'" is a deep cut from Van Halen's 1995 album Balance. The song showcases Sammy Hagar's soulful vocals and Eddie Van Halen's melodic soloing. Balance marked the first time Michael Anthony had a co-writing credit on every track. .
In what key signature is the instrumental "Eruption" primarily performed?
B minor
A minor
E minor
D minor
Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption" is primarily in the key of B minor, showcasing his virtuosic tapping technique and harmonic minor runs. The solo's tonal center around B minor gives it a darker edge that contrasts with the major-key riffs on other tracks. It remains a benchmark for guitarists studying advanced soloing. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Albums -

    Recall the release years and standout tracks of Van Halen's most influential albums, from their self-titled debut to later classics like "1984."

  2. Identify Key Band Members -

    Identify the original lineup and subsequent changes, including the roles of David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, and other members throughout the band's history.

  3. Analyze Major Tours -

    Analyze the significance and highlights of Van Halen's landmark tours, understanding how each tour shaped the band's legacy in rock music.

  4. Differentiate Hit Songs -

    Differentiate between Van Halen's chart-topping singles and fan favorites, linking each song to its album and chart performance.

  5. Assess Trivia Prowess -

    Assess your personal van halen trivia skills by measuring quiz performance and identifying areas for deeper exploration of the band's history.

  6. Compare to Classic Rock Insights -

    Compare your Van Halen knowledge to broader rock band trivia standards, situating their achievements within the classic rock genre.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Formation & Original Lineup -

    Van Halen formed in Pasadena, CA in 1974 (originally called Mammoth) and featured Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, Michael Anthony on bass, and David Lee Roth on vocals. A handy mnemonic for the order is "EAMD" (Eddie, Alex, Michael, David). (Source: Van Halen Official, Rolling Stone)

  2. Debut Album Breakthrough -

    The self-titled debut album "Van Halen" dropped in February 1978 and blasted up to No. 19 on the Billboard 200, powered by hits like "Runnin' with the Devil" and a cover of "You Really Got Me." Remember it with the simple equation 1978 + 19 = "197819," which looks like "VanHa." (Source: Billboard, AllMusic)

  3. Eddie's "Eruption" & Two-Handed Tapping -

    The one-minute instrumental "Eruption" revolutionized rock guitar with Eddie's two-handed tapping technique, using both hands on the fretboard for lightning-fast runs. To master the concept, practice tapping 5th fret with your right hand immediately after left-hand hammer-ons - aka the "tap-hammer" drill. (Source: Guitar World, Van Halen Interviews)

  4. Mainstream Success with 1984 & "Jump" -

    The 1984 album marked Van Halen's synth-rock pivot, with "Jump" soaring to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to its catchy Oberheim OB-Xa keyboard riff. A quick tip: think "Jump 1," since it's their only chart-topping single in the US. (Source: Billboard, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

  5. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction -

    Van Halen was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, enshrining all four original members for their influence on guitar technique and hard rock performance. Remember the rhyme "In '07, VH went to Heaven" to lock in the year. (Source: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

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