Entertainment: Music Trivia

Medium Level

50 Medium trivia questions

Moderate challenge for intermediate knowledge

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#1 Metallica collaborated with Rowan Atkinson's Mr Bean on a 1992 comic relief single.

False

Explanation

This is false - no such collaboration between Metallica and Mr. Bean ever existed. This appears to be a fictitious question designed to test knowledge of unusual musical collaborations.

#2 The Beatles' band name was inspired by the band The Crickets.

True

Explanation

John Lennon and Paul McCartney were indeed inspired by Buddy Holly's band The Crickets to choose an insect name, ultimately deciding on 'Beatles' as a play on both 'beat' music and beetles.

#3 Which genre of Hip Hop does MC Frontalot rap?

Nerdcore

Explanation

MC Frontalot is considered the 'Godfather of Nerdcore Hip Hop,' a subgenre that focuses on technology, science fiction, video games, and other traditionally 'nerdy' subjects with intelligent, self-referential lyrics.

#4 Which French duo had UK hits in 1998 with the songs 'Sexy Boy', 'Kelly Watch The Stars' & 'All I Need'?

Air

Explanation

Air, the French electronic duo of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel, gained international fame with their dreamy, atmospheric sound that helped define the downtempo and chillout genres of the late 1990s.

#5 EDM record label Monstercat is based in which country?

Canada

Explanation

Monstercat is a Canadian independent electronic music label based in Vancouver, known for its distinctive cat mascot and for releasing music from artists like Pegboard Nerds, Tristam, and Marshmello.

#6 What was The Velvet Underground's first album called?

The Velvet Underground & Nico

Explanation

Released in 1967, 'The Velvet Underground & Nico' featured the famous Andy Warhol banana cover and German singer Nico on several tracks, becoming one of the most influential albums in rock history despite poor initial sales.

#7 Which song made by MAN WITH A MISSION was used as the opening for the anime "Log Horizon"?

"Database"

Explanation

'Database' became widely known among anime fans as the energetic opening theme for Log Horizon, showcasing MAN WITH A MISSION's unique rock sound and their members' distinctive wolf masks.

#8 Which of the following stars was not mentioned in the lyrics of Madonna's "Vogue"?

Mae West

Explanation

Madonna's 'Vogue' name-drops many classic Hollywood stars to celebrate glamour and pose, but Mae West was not among the iconic figures mentioned in the song's famous roll call of stars.

#9 Which of these is NOT a name of an album released by American rapper Pitbull?

Welcome to Miami

Explanation

While 'Welcome to Miami' sounds like it could be a Pitbull album title given his Miami connections, it's not one of his actual releases. 'Dale,' 'Global Warming,' and 'Armando' are real Pitbull albums.

#10 Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy is a song by which band?

Fall Out Boy

Explanation

'Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy' was an early single from Fall Out Boy's 2003 album 'Take This to Your Grave,' helping establish their place in the mid-2000s emo and pop-punk scene.

#11 Which of these is NOT the name of an album released by Miami-based producer DJ Khaled?

Don't Ever Play Yourself

Explanation

'Don't Ever Play Yourself' is one of DJ Khaled's famous catchphrases and social media mantras, but not an actual album title. His real albums often feature motivational titles like 'Major Key' and 'Suffering From Success.'

#12 Which Beatle led the way across the zebra crossing on the Abbey Road album cover?

John

Explanation

On the iconic Abbey Road cover, John Lennon leads the procession across the zebra crossing, followed by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, creating one of music's most famous photographs.

#13 Korean girl group TWICE is under which Entertainment Label?

JYP

Explanation

TWICE was formed and is managed by JYP Entertainment, one of the 'Big 3' K-pop agencies founded by singer-producer Park Jin-young, which also manages artists like Stray Kids and ITZY.

#14 The Who's eponymous line, "Teenage Wasteland", appears in which of their songs?

Baba O' Riley

Explanation

'Baba O'Riley' features the famous line 'teenage wasteland,' though this phrase never appears in the song title. The song was named after composer Terry Riley and spiritual teacher Meher Baba.

#15 What was Bon Iver's debut album released in 2007?

For Emma, Forever Ago

Explanation

'For Emma, Forever Ago' was recorded by Justin Vernon alone in a remote Wisconsin cabin during winter isolation, creating an intimate, falsetto-driven indie folk masterpiece that launched Bon Iver to fame.

#16 Which of these bands was a featuring artist in Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar's 2017 album, "DAMN."?

U2

Explanation

U2 collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the song 'XXX.' from the Pulitzer Prize-winning album 'DAMN.,' creating an unexpected but powerful fusion of Irish rock and Compton hip-hop addressing social issues.

#17 What genre of EDM is the Dutch DJ, musician, and remixer Armin van Buuren most well-known for?

Trance

Explanation

Armin van Buuren is one of the world's most prominent trance DJs, hosting the weekly 'A State of Trance' radio show and headlining major festivals with his uplifting, melodic trance music.

#18 What was Britney Spears' debut single?

...Baby One More Time

Explanation

Released in 1998 when Britney was just 16, '...Baby One More Time' launched her career as a pop superstar and became one of the best-selling singles of all time, featuring the iconic schoolgirl music video.

#19 Who wrote the musical composition, "Rhapsody In Blue"?

George Gershwin

Explanation

George Gershwin composed 'Rhapsody in Blue' in 1924, masterfully blending classical and jazz elements to create one of America's most recognizable pieces of music, premiered by Paul Whiteman's orchestra.

#20 How many studio albums have the heavy metal band, 'Metallica' released in the period between 1983 and 2016?

10

Explanation

Metallica released 10 studio albums from 1983-2016, starting with 'Kill 'Em All' and ending with 'Hardwired... to Self-Destruct,' spanning their evolution from thrash metal pioneers to mainstream rock superstars.

#21 From which country does the piano originate?

Italy

Explanation

The piano was invented around 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy, who called it 'gravicembalo col piano e forte' (harpsichord with soft and loud), which was shortened to 'piano.'

#22 In which year was the Megadeth album "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" released?

1986

Explanation

'Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?' was Megadeth's breakthrough 1986 album, featuring complex thrash metal compositions and Dave Mustaine's politically charged lyrics that established them as Big Four thrash pioneers.

#23 What is the relationship between the band members of American rock band King of Leon?

Brothers & cousins

Explanation

Kings of Leon consists of the Followill family: brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill, along with their cousin Matthew Followill, making it a true family band from Tennessee.

#24 African-American performer Sammy Davis Jr. was known for losing which part of his body in a car accident?

Left Eye

Explanation

Sammy Davis Jr. lost his left eye in a 1954 car accident in California, but continued his entertainment career wearing a glass eye, becoming even more famous as part of the Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra.

#25 Who performed the guitar solo on Michael Jackson's hit "Beat It"?

Eddie Van Halen

Explanation

Eddie Van Halen provided the iconic guitar solo on 'Beat It' in 1983, performing it for free as a favor to producer Quincy Jones, creating one of the most memorable rock-pop crossover moments in music history.

#26 Irish musician Hozier released a music track in 2013 titled, "Take Me to ______"

Church

Explanation

'Take Me to Church' became Hozier's breakout hit, featuring soulful vocals and blues-influenced guitar over lyrics critiquing organized religion and celebrating human sexuality, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

#27 "Drink the Sea" is an album by which electronic music artist?

The Glitch Mob

Explanation

The Glitch Mob, an American electronic trio, released 'Drink the Sea' in 2010, featuring their signature heavy bass, glitchy beats, and melodic electronic soundscapes that helped define bass music.

#28 Which of these songs is NOT in The Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"?

Strawberry Fields Forever

Explanation

'Strawberry Fields Forever' was recorded during the Sgt. Pepper sessions but was released earlier as a single with 'Penny Lane,' and The Beatles' policy was not to include recent singles on albums.

#29 Cryoshell, known for "Creeping in My Soul" did the advertising music for what Lego Theme?

Bionicle

Explanation

Cryoshell provided the rock soundtrack for Lego's Bionicle theme, with songs like 'Creeping in My Soul' helping to create an epic, story-driven atmosphere for the popular constructible action figure line.

#30 What is Brian May's guitar called?

Red Special

Explanation

Brian May built the 'Red Special' with his father in the 1960s using unconventional materials like an old fireplace mantel, creating the distinctive guitar sound that defined Queen's music for decades.

#31 What is the real name of Canadian electronic music producer deadmau5?

Joel Zimmerman

Explanation

Joel Zimmerman performs as deadmau5 (pronounced 'dead mouse'), taking the name from a dead mouse found in his computer. He's known for his progressive house music and distinctive mouse head mask performances.

#32 Who is the founder and leader of industrial rock band, 'Nine Inch Nails'?

Trent Reznor

Explanation

Trent Reznor founded Nine Inch Nails in 1988 as a solo project, later winning Academy Awards for film scores and pioneering industrial rock with albums like 'The Downward Spiral' and 'Pretty Hate Machine.'

#33 In 2015, David Hasselhof released a single called...

True Survivor

Explanation

'True Survivor' was David Hasselhoff's tongue-in-cheek single for the retro action comedy film 'Kung Fury,' embracing 1980s nostalgia and his own pop culture status with deliberate camp.

#34 "The Day the Music Died" was a tragic plane crash that killed three musicians in which decade?

50's

Explanation

February 3, 1959, became known as 'The Day the Music Died' when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash in Iowa, immortalized in Don McLean's song 'American Pie.'

#35 Ellie Goulding's earliest album was named?

Lights

Explanation

'Lights' was Ellie Goulding's 2010 debut album, featuring her distinctive ethereal voice and electronic-influenced indie pop, with the title track becoming a massive hit in both the UK and US.

#36 Musical artist, Future, collaborated with Kendrick Lamar for the song: "Mask Off".

True

Explanation

This is actually false - 'Mask Off' is a solo Future track from 2017 that samples Tommy Butler's 'Prison Song,' and does not feature Kendrick Lamar, despite both being prominent hip-hop artists.

#37 In what year was Taylor Swift born?

1989

Explanation

Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989, which she later used as the title for her 2014 album '1989,' marking her full transition from country to pop music.

#38 Which Toronto landmark was featured on the cover art of Canadian rapper Drake's 2016 album "Views"?

CN Tower

Explanation

The 'Views' album cover shows Drake sitting on top of Toronto's CN Tower, symbolizing his rise to the top and his pride in representing his hometown, which he calls 'The 6.'

#39 Who was the first white band to play the Apollo Theater?

Buddy Holly and The Crickets

Explanation

Buddy Holly and The Crickets broke the color barrier at Harlem's Apollo Theater in 1957, with their rock and roll crossing racial boundaries during a time of significant segregation in American entertainment.

#40 "Make You Feel My Love" was originally written and performed by which singer-songwriter?

Bob Dylan

Explanation

Bob Dylan wrote 'Make You Feel My Love' for his 1997 album 'Time Out of Mind,' though it became more widely known through covers by artists like Garth Brooks and Adele.

#41 Who had hits in the 70s with the songs "Lonely Boy" and "Never Let Her Slip Away"?

Andrew Gold

Explanation

Andrew Gold was a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who had several hits in the 1970s, including 'Lonely Boy' (1977) and 'Never Let Her Slip Away' (1978), showcasing his melodic pop sensibilities.

#42 What song by Tina Turner is the theme for Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome?

We Don't Need Another Hero

Explanation

'We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)' was written specifically for the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, in which Tina Turner also had an acting role as the villainous Aunty Entity.

#43 The cover of The Beatles album "Abbey Road" featured a Volkswagen Beetle in the background.

True

Explanation

A white Volkswagen Beetle is indeed visible on the left side of the famous Abbey Road crossing photograph, and its license plate 'LMW 281F' has become part of Beatles lore.

#44 What was the title of ABBA`s first UK hit single?

Waterloo

Explanation

'Waterloo' won the Eurovision Song Contest for Sweden in 1974 and became ABBA's international breakthrough hit, launching their career as one of the most successful pop groups of all time.

#45 Who was the lead singer and frontman of rock band R.E.M?

Michael Stipe

Explanation

Michael Stipe was R.E.M.'s enigmatic lead vocalist from 1980-2011, known for his distinctive voice, cryptic lyrics, and evolution from mumbled vocals in early songs to clear political statements in later work.

#46 Which alternative rock band released the critically-acclaimed album "OK Computer"?

Radiohead

Explanation

Radiohead's 1997 album 'OK Computer' is widely considered one of the greatest albums ever made, featuring complex compositions about technology and alienation that predicted many aspects of the digital age.

#47 Pink Guy's debut album was "Pink Season".

False

Explanation

Pink Guy's debut album was actually 'Pink Guy' (2014), not 'Pink Season' (2017). Pink Guy was the comedic musical persona of YouTube creator Joji (George Miller) before his serious music career.

#48 For his performance at ComplexCon 2016 in Long Beach, California, Skrillex revived his "Mothership" set piece for one night only.

True

Explanation

Skrillex did indeed bring back his massive 'Mothership' stage setup for a special performance at ComplexCon 2016, treating fans to the elaborate visual production that had defined his earlier tours.

#49 The 'In the Flesh' tour was used in support of what Pink Floyd album?

Animals

Explanation

Pink Floyd's 'In the Flesh' tour in 1977 supported their 'Animals' album, featuring elaborate stage productions and the famous inflatable pig that would later become an iconic symbol of the band.

#50 What M83 was featured in Grand Theft Auto V's radio?

Midnight City

Explanation

'Midnight City' by M83 was featured on the Radio Mirror Park station in Grand Theft Auto V, introducing the dreamy synthpop track to a wider gaming audience and showcasing the game's diverse soundtrack.

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