How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Wham!, Billy Joel, Eartha Kitt, Bon Jovi, Kim Wilde, Big Country, Prince, Eurythmics, Duran Duran, Foreigner, Tina Turner, Bonnie Raitt
They are the ’80s Throwback’ artists selected among the 309 Posts we publish this week.
1. What was the inspiration behind the title of Wham!’s hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”?
- A A phrase George Michael dreamt
- B A note left by Andrew Ridgeley
- C A 1950s movie line
2. Which television program is mentioned in Billy Joel’s song “Pressure”?
- A *Saturday Night Live*
- B *Sesame Street*
- C *The Tonight Show*
3. “Cha Cha Heels” by Eartha Kitt was originally meant to be a tribute to which performer?
- A Divine
- B RuPaul
- C David Bowie
4. Which signature effect is prominently used in Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer”?
- A Talk box
- B Wah-wah pedal
- C Reverb
5. What is the main theme of Kim Wilde’s song “Cambodia”?
- A Love story
- B Historical events
- C A travelogue
6. Which live performance by Big Country was recorded and broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour?
- A Madison Square Garden, 1984
- B Wembley Stadium, 1987
- C Barrowland Ballroom, 1983
7. The concert tour for which album featured Prince’s theatrical motorized Venetian blind backdrop?
- A Purple Rain
- B 1999
- C Parade
8. Where was Eurythmics’ “Here Comes the Rain Again” music video filmed?
- A New York City
- B Paris
- C Scotland
9. During which televised event did Duran Duran perform “Girls on Film” live in 1982?
- A American Bandstand
- B MTV New Year’s Eve
- C Top of the Pops
10. Who provided backing vocals on Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is”?
- A The New Jersey Mass Choir
- B The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
- C The Vienna Boys’ Choir
11. Which iconic cover song did Tina Turner perform during the 1985 Tokyo concert closing her Private Dancer Tour?
- A Proud Mary
- B Rolling in the Deep
- C Respect
12. Which special guest joined the Grateful Dead on stage for their 1989 New Year’s Eve concert?
- A Bob Dylan
- B Bonnie Raitt
- C Bruce Springsteen
Tracklist
1 . Wham! . Wake Me up Before You Go-Go |
2 . Billy Joel . Pressure |
3 . Eartha Kitt . Cha Cha Heels |
4 . Bon Jovi . Livin’ On A Prayer |
5 . Kim Wilde . CambodiaOn TV today . Kim Wilde at ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ (1986) |
6 . Big Country . Fields Of Fire |
7 . Prince . 1999 |
8 . Eurythmics . Here Comes the Rain Again |
9 . Duran Duran . Girls on Film |
10 . Foreigner . I Want to Know What Love IsAs we wish Mick Jones . Happy Birthday, the day is perfect for . ‘Foreigner At their Bests’ post |
11 . Tina Turner . Proud Mary |
12 . Bonnie Raitt . Cry On My ShoulderBonnie Raitt ends the year in Oakland (1989) |
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. The title of the song emerged from a playful note left by Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley. The phrase’s spontaneity and catchy rhythm appealed to George Michael, leading to its transformation into a pop hit.
2. Billy Joel referenced *Sesame Street* to highlight media’s influence on expectations. The song connects Joel’s personal pressure to societal norms transmitted through familiar educational shows.
3. “Cha Cha Heels” was a tribute to Divine, a performer celebrated for his bold presence. Eartha Kitt’s rendition nods to Divine’s unique style, merging vibrancy with legacy.
4. Bon Jovi’s use of the talk box in “Livin’ On A Prayer” created a distinct, voice-like guitar sound. It’s an integral part of the song, enhancing its legendary status.
5. “Cambodia” by Kim Wilde is rooted in the tragic history of a pilot’s disappearance. The song contrasts personal loss against broader socio-political themes in Southeast Asia.
6. Big Country’s Barrowland show in 1983 featured on the King Biscuit Flower Hour. Known for its intensely local vibe, it highlighted “Fields of Fire” in its Scottish homecoming.
7. Prince’s *1999* Tour included his inventive use of a motorized Venetian blind backdrop. This tour showcased his theatrical flair and enduring hit tracks.
8. The misty, picturesque landscapes of Scotland were used for Eurythmics’ “Here Comes the Rain Again” video. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart crafted an ethereal atmosphere befitting the song’s moody soundscape.
9. Duran Duran performed “Girls on Film” during MTV’s New Year’s Eve event, showcasing their new wave chops live, as their video pushed TV borders in the early ’80s.
10. The New Jersey Mass Choir’s powerful backing vocals lent a gospel depth to Foreigner’s hit. Their contribution elevated the song’s emotive appeal to audiences.
11. During her Tokyo show, Tina Turner brought the house down with “Proud Mary.” Her rendition has been a staple since her days performing with Ike & Tina Turner.
12. Bonnie Raitt was a notable guest at the Grateful Dead’s 1989 New Year show. Her appearance added a bluesy touch, further enriching the concert’s eclectic atmosphere.
For THE FULL 80s THROWBACKS COLLECTION click here
