The Bangles: General Trivia Game | Music

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In their addictive hit single, "Walk Like An Egyptian", which band member's voice was not given lead vocals? (Three verses, four Bangles)

Answer: Debbi Peterson

"Walk Like An Egyptian" only had three verses, and all four of the Bangles were able vocalists. Their producer at the time, David Kahne, had them "audition" for the verses, and although Debbi Peterson was originally supposed to sing the entire song, she was cut from lead vocals entirely, and sang backup throughout the song.

In addition, she wasn't allowed to drum for the song, and instead stood at a microphone next to the other three and shook a tambourine.

2. What hit single did the Bangles record for the film, "Less Than Zero"?

Answer: Hazy Shade of Winter

Although the band had played their adaption of Simon and Garfunkel's song, "Hazy Shade of Winter" many times before in concerts, it wasn't released as a single until late in their career (1987).

3. After their breakup in 1989, which Bangle went on to release two albums in a moderately successful solo career?

Answer: Susanna Hoffs

In the years that the Bangles were apart, Susanna Hoffs was the only one to pursue a solo career. Vicki Peterson played as a guitarist and vocalist in Continental Drift, Debbi Peterson drummed in a group called Kindred Spirit, and Michael Steele played bass in the short-lived group, Crash Wisdom.

4. The Bangles were not always the Bangles. In their early years, their band name changed many times. Which of the following was NOT a past name?

Answer: The Anklets

As a garage band, the Bangles' original name was The Colors, which was then changed to the Supersonic Bangs, and shortened to The Bangs. When they signed with a record company, another band known as The Bangs threatened to sue if they didn't change their name.

After thinking it over, the band decided instead of completely changing it, they would just add three letters, and dropped "The", and therefor, became Bangles.

5. In the early years of their popularity, Annette Zilinskas dropped out to join her boyfriend's band, and was soon replaced. Who was not in the original Bangles lineup?

Answer: Michael Steele

When Annette Zilinskas left the band, the Bangles needed a bass player, and they had to get one fast so the record company didn't walk out. Luckily, the band soon discovered Michael Steele, who was experienced in all-girl bands, as she had been in the original lineup of the Runaways. Steele proved to be the perfect addition, and performed with the band through the 80s, and joined again when the band reunited, until she quit the band in 2005.

6. One of their biggest hits, "Manic Monday", was not written by the Bangles. Who wrote the song for them?

Answer: Prince

"Manic Monday" was the first smash hit for the Bangles. It was penned by the 80's megastar Prince, under the pseudonym of Christopher. He had listened to the band's earlier album, "All Over The Place", and liked it so much he wrote a song for them.

7. As their fame grew in the mid 80s, one Bangle's popularity was so high, managers and producers were practically waiting for the band to disband so she could be, "set free". This is evident in their later work, as she sings lead on almost all of their hits.

Answer: Susanna Hoffs

Although the other band members were certainly not without fan clubs, Susanna Hoffs had by far the most exposure to the public, and before long, it wasn't so much, the Bangles, as it was Susanna Hoffs and the Bangles. Hoffs had lead vocals most often, on hits such as "Eternal Flame", "Manic Monday", and "Walking Down Your Street".

When the band disbanded, she was the only one to follow up with a solo career, and ironically, was far less popular on her own than when she was with the Bangles.

8. The Bangles were good at doing covers. Which popular song of theirs was NOT a cover?

Answer: Hero Takes A Fall

"Hero Takes A Fall" was penned Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs, lead guitarist and rhythm guitarist, respectively. "Hazy Shade of Winter" was written by Simon and Garfunkel, "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution)" by Elvis Costello, and "September Gurls" by Big Star.

9. The Bangles had some pretty cool music videos, considering how much ridicule the 80s music videos normally receive. This was partly because of who appeared in them alongside the band. Which well known individual never appeared in a Bangles music video?

Answer: Prince

Although Prince penned "Manic Monday", he did not appear in the music video, or any others by the Bangles. Leonard Nimoy had a cameo in "Going Down To Liverpool", and Little Richard and Randy Quaid both appeared in the music video for "Walking Down Your Street".

10. Singer and rhythm guitarist Susanna Hoffs trained to be a dancer for many years of her life, and took the skills with her to the concerts, where she would sometimes amaze crowds by doing what?

Answer: Sliding into a split while playing guitar

Susanna Hoffs had grown up wanting to be a dancer, but ended up going into music. She didn't forget what she could do though, and would often slide into a split onstage while playing guitar. She has recently acknowledged that they are one of the things from the 80s that won't be coming back.

Source: Author VickiPeterson

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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The Bangles: General Trivia Quiz

This quiz is on some of the better known information concerning the popular 80s all-girl band, The Bangles.

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