The Band Previously Known As... Quiz

Answer: White Heart

Nancy Wilson joined the band in 1974, and the name was shortened to "Heart".

While I'm sure someone, somewhere, has had a garage band with the name Black Heart, Red Heart or Heartache, I haven't heard of them (sorry!). I just made the names up...

Answer: Quicksilver Messenger Service

Formed in 1965, the band's lineup changed radically and the band finally disintegrated around 1972.

Once again, I made up the other names.

Answer: Chicago Transit Authority

The name of the band was shortened when the real Chicago Transit Authority (the ones with the trains) threatened legal action over their name.

Yup, did it again - made them up, all the wrong answers. At least, in terms of bands that I've known. The city of Chicago does exist, it has city limits and a south side, but none of them (to the best of my knowledge) have ever cut a track on an album.

Answer: Blondie

In 1974, Chris Stein, Debbie Harry, Clem Burke, Jimmy Destri and Gary Valentine started the group now known as "Blondie".

"The Beach Boys" were a superb band in the 60s, singing about the surf and sand and waves... and good vibrations and rooms...

"Black Sabbath" is a heavy metal band, with Ozzy Osbourne singing lead vocals.

"The Damned" is a punk rock band out of London, and are regarded as the founders of gothic rock. Their first gig was as a supporting act for the "Sex Pistols". If you haven't listened to their early recordings, I highly recommend them.

Answer: The Animals

"The Animals'" first major hit was "The House of the Rising Sun" - and I bet we all know that song by heart! The name of the group changed shortly after Eric Burdon, lead singer, joined.

Eric Burdon later went on to sing lead for "War", formed in 1969 and which incorporated a wide range of influences in its music.

"The Hullaballoos" were a minor British Invasion band, named for their home city of Hull.

"The Blues Project", one of my favourite bands, formed in 1965 in Greenwich Village, New York City. They were one of the first proponents of psychedelic rock, and one of the first jam bands. The members were Danny Kalb and Steve Katz (guitar), Andy Kulberg on bass and flute, Roy Blumenthal on drums, and Tommy Flanders on vocals. Al Kooper (later a founder of Blood, Sweat and Tears) soon joined them on organ. While they did not last long as a band, parting after only two years, their music was some of the best blues (IMHO) to be heard anywhere. I particularly recommend the anthology of their work, recently released on CD.

Answer: The Who

The first rock opera, Tommy, was recorded by "The Who" in 1969. Only two of the original members are still alive as of December 2006, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry. Founding members Keith Moon and John Entwhistle died in 1978 and 2002, respectively.

Is there anything about "The Rolling Stones" you don't already know? Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood still rock. Original members Brian Jones nad Ian Stewart died in 1969 and 1985 respectively; prior members Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor are still alive.

"Pink Floyd" currently is David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Former members are Roger Waters, Bob Klose (both still alive) and Syd Barrett, who died in July 2006. Formed in 1965, the band was famous for its psychedelic rock. Their name was a homage to two blues musicians, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council.

"Love" was a seminal band from Los Angeles in the '60s. Formed by Arthur Lee (who died in August 2006), Bryan Maclean (died 1998), Johnny Echols (still alive), Ken Forssi (died 1998) and Michael Stuart (on whom I cannot find much information), probably the band's most important album was "Forever Changes". Arthur Lee began touring with a later incarnation of the group, "Love with Arthur Lee", after being released from prison in 2001.

Answer: Roxy

Ferry taught pottery in London before starting "Roxy" in 1971. Brian Eno left the band in 1973, Eddie Jobson was a member from 1973 to 1976, and Phil Manzanera and Paul Thompson now join Brian Ferry and Andy Mackay as the current band members.

Answer: Simon and Garfunkel

"Tom and Jerry" was formed in 1957 but fame eluded them until, as "Simon and Garfunkel", they released "The Sound of Silence" in 1965. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel later split and pursued solo careers, but have recently healed the breach and are occasionally performing as a duo again.

Peter and Gordon (Peter Asher and Gordon Waller) were famous a year earlier, with their release of "A World Without Love".

Jan and Dean started singing together in the '50s. Big success came in the early '60s with songs including "Surf City" and "Little Old Lady from Pasadena". Jan Berry was partly paralysed in a car crash in 1966 and died in 2004; Dean Torrence is still alive as of December 2006.

Sonny Bono and Cher (Cheryl Sarkisian LaPiere) were famous for their hits including "I Got You Babe" and "The Beat Goes On", following a lack of hits while called "Caesar and Cleo". After their television series and divorce, Sonny went on to be mayor of Palm Springs, California. He died in 1998 in a skiing accident. Cher pursued a solo career as well as acting in films and apparently attempting the world record for longest farewell tour (2002-2005).

Answer: Mott the Hoople

"Mott the Hoople", formed in the late '60s, is most famous for its song "All the Young Dudes". Singer Ian Hunter got his start in a skiffle band at a Butlins Holiday Camp, and gave "Hoople" its boogie woogie piano riffs.

"The Moody Blues" formed in 1964; original members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge are still part of the group. Former members include Ray Thomas and Michael Pinder. Their dreamy music and Hayward's vocals created classics such as "Nights in White Satin". (Hayward wasn't part of the band when they had their first hit, "Go Now".)

"Electric Light Orchestra" formed in 1970 by former members of "The Move" Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood and Bev Bevan, who introduced a classical sound by their use of orchestral instruments such as the violin and cello. Wood soon left the band to form "Wizzard", and much later Bevan joined "Black Sabbath" as their drummer.

"Fleetwood Mac" formed in 1967 with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. The current lineup also includes Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Their most famous album, "Rumours", was released in 1977.

Answer: Pink Floyd

Their first real hit was Syd Barrett's "See Emily Play". One has to wonder if a tea set inspired the song! Needless to say, they changed their name for the better, but only because they ended up on a billing with another group sharing the same name. End result: "Pink Floyd" is internationally famous, the group which remained "The Tea Set" is an unknown.