1980s New Wave quiz

More questions about 1980s New Wave

These visible examples show the question style. LearnClash turns the full topic into ranked duels and spaced repetition.

1. 1 Easy

   Which band was fronted by David Byrne?

   Answer: Talking Heads

   Why: The band formed in New York after David Byrne met his rhythm section while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design.

2. 2 Medium

   Which band did former Human League members form in 1980?

   Answer: Heaven 17

   Why: The duo borrowed the moniker from a fictional pop group mentioned in Anthony Burgess's novel A Clockwork Orange.

3. 3 Hard

   Why did Gary Numan first wear pale white makeup on TV?

   Answer: Severe acne

   Why: Numan developed a sudden breakout before his 1979 Top of the Pops appearance, so makeup staff caked on pale foundation to hide it.

4. 4 Easy

   What TV channel fueled the 1980s New Wave boom?

   Answer: MTV

   Why: MTV relied heavily on British New Wave bands at launch because few American acts had promotional music videos ready.

5. 5 Medium

   Which 1985 film featured Simple Minds' Don't You (Forget About Me)?

   Answer: The Breakfast Club

   Why: Simple Minds initially turned down the song, but relented after encouragement from their label and director John Hughes.

6. 6 Hard

   Who first recorded Tainted Love in 1964?

   Answer: Gloria Jones

   Why: Gloria Jones originally recorded the song as a fast soul B-side 17 years before Soft Cell reworked it.