Hair Bands of the 80s and 90s Trivia Quiz

Answer: Night Songs

The song appeared on the band's 1986 debut album. The song was the second single released from the album. Although "Shake Me," failed to hit the charts as a single, the album itself did peak at number three in the United States. The album would launch the group into superstardom. "Night Songs" was certified as a platinum record in February of 1987.


Cinderella was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The original line-up was Tom Keifer, Eric Brittingham, Fred Coury, and Jeff LaBar. The band blended many styles of music from Heavy Metal to Southern Rock to the Blues. The first time I listened to their full album, I was hooked. Cinderella would start as an opening act for Bon Jovi while on tour. They would eventually headline their own tour. I saw them many times in my youth. I recall vividly they did a cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," and it blew me away. Cinderella, to this day, is still one of my all-time favorite bands.

Answer: Dokken

"Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3:Dream Warriors" was released in 1987. The film was the third installment of the franchise. Robert Englund reprised his role as the antagonist, Freddy Krueger. The film was an enormous hit earning well over its budget of four million dollars.

The song was written by George Lynch and Jeff Pilson of the band. The song was released to coincide with the release of the film. It was a featured track on the band's fourth album, "Back for the Attack." Don Dokken would sing lead vocals on the song. The video for the song included scenes from the film as well as actor Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger. Freddy was attacking the band members during the video. Mick Brown would round out the group as the drummer.

Answer: Jason McMasters

Jason McMasters has been the lead singer for the group since they formed in 1987. Jason had a powerful voice, and his range was outstanding. Jason was recruited by Tim Trembley in Austin, Texas, to come join his band. The band was not known initially as Dangerous Toys. The group would release two more albums. As of May of 2020, they are still actively touring the hard rock circuit.

I saw them when they were opening for The Cult in the late 1980s. They put on an excellent performance that was full of energy. They performed their two biggest hits at the time, "Sportin A Woody" and "Teasin Pleasin." The mascot for the band was a deranged looking clown.

Answer: Metal Church

"Badlands" was released on the album, "Blessing in Disguise". The group had changed lead vocals on this album. Mike Howe had taken over the lead vocal responsibilities and success had finally come. The song was so powerful and well done. The single actually was the first song I heard from the group and made me an instant fan. The music and lyrics were penned by Howe and Kurdt Vanderhoof, the lead guitarist. The album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 75 on the charts in the United States.

Answer: Motley Crue

Motley Crue was formed by Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee in 1981. They would later add bass guitarist, Mick Mars, and lead vocalist, Vince Neil. The band was one of, if not the, most prolific bands of the 80s and 90s. The original lineup had mostly remained intact with a few separations along the way. The group, as of 2019, has had nine albums released. In my opinion, Motley Crue hit their height with the records, "Girls, Girls, Girls" and my personal favorite, "Dr. Feelgood." "Girls, Girls, Girls" would peak at number two on the record charts while "Dr. Feelgood" went all the way to number one.

The band was also known for putting on a great concert. Motley Crue would have a camera to go into the audience that would show the interaction of the fans. Tommy Lee had a drumkit that would rotate him upside down, and he would continue to play the drums. Tommy and Vince had great prominent personalities while it always seemed Nikki and Mick were more reserved. I am sure this is not the case, though.

Answer: Great White

Great White was formed in 1977 by lead vocalist Jack Russell, and lead guitarist Mark Kendall. The songs appeared on the band's third studio album, "Once Bitten." "Rock Me" was also a track on the 1987 album. The album was a big success for the band; it would be certified platinum in 1988. The band's fourth album, "...Twice Shy" was released in 1989. These two albums were at the height of the band's popularity. The group would open for White Snake in support of their "Once Bitten" album.

I saw the White Snake and Great White concert in my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. It was a great show and quickly made Great White one of my top bands. The show was excellent as the band kept their energy high while performing.

Answer: Elektra

Once the band had signed with Elektra Records, their 1987 self-titled debut was released. The band at the time consisted of Taime Downe, Greg Steele, Brent Muscat, Mark Michals, and Eric Stacy. The self-titled album included the track, "Bathroom Wall". Their follow-up album released in 1989 was in my opinion the height of the band's popularity. It featured the tracks, "Poison Ivy" and "House of Pain". Their second album was, "Wake Me When It's Over". In total the band would release three albums with Elektra Records.

I never got the opportunity to see Faster Pussycat play live. They were the opening act for Alice Cooper and Motorhead during those respected bands' tours. It would have been an excellent show I am sure. The band was heavily featured in the 1988 documentary, "The Decline of Western Civilization Part 2: The Metal Years".

Answer: David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth was quite the entertainer. He was not only a great singer but an extremely entertaining frontman. I had the privilege of seeing him perform for "Skyscraper Tour". The man put on a fun-filled, very energetic, and entertaining show.

David, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Mark Anthony were the first line-up for this highly successful band. The band was at the height of their popularity when David Lee Roth was released. There have been made rumors over the years as to why David was fired. David did lead vocals on the band's first number one hit, "Jump". He would often perform jumping splits and other high energy moves while on tour. David was replaced by Sammy Hagar who brought an entirely different sound to the band. Sammy was also released as the frontman for the band. Both Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth have toured together without their former band.

Answer: Steelheart

The band formed in 1989 under the name Red Alert. It released the debut album, "Steelheart" which would be their biggest success, in 1990. The self-titled debut featured the power ballad, "I'll Never Let You Go". The song would peak at number 23 on the charts.

When lead singer, Miljenko Matijevic belts out those powerful vocals it still gives me goosebumps. The band members for the original line-up included lead guitarist Chris Risola, rhythm guitarist Frank DiCostanzo, bassist James Ward and drummer John Fowler.

Answer: Queensryche

The song was a massive hit for the band. It reached number nine on the charts in the United States. It was a feature track on the band's second album, "Empire." Queensryche was always one of my favorite bands. The vocal stylings of lead singer, Geoff Tate were also so unique. Geoff, along with Tom Keifer of Cinderella along with Miljenko Matijevic of Steelheart, were my top three vocalists of all time. Their vocalizations were not like anyone else during their tenures.

"Empire" was a great album, but not my favorite by the band. The concept album. "Operation: Mindcrime." The story that the record told along with Geoff's vocals were unlike anything I had ever heard. The videos that accompanied the songs were just as impressive. Truly a stellar accomplishment for an excellent band.