[For Beginners] Van Halen Trivia Quiz

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Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Van Halen, the legendary band behind massive hits like “Jump” and “Panama.”

Formed around the Van Halen brothers as their name suggests, the band became hugely popular in Japan as well, powered by Edward Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar playing and unforgettable, catchy melodies.

Although the band’s history sadly came to an end in 2020 with Eddie’s passing, we’ll introduce trivia and fun facts about this beloved group—across generations—in a quiz format.

It’s beginner-friendly, but includes a few slightly deep-cut questions too, so fans, be sure to check it out!

[For Beginners] Van Halen Trivia Quiz (1–10)

What type of vehicle does David Lee Roth hold a pilot’s license for?

automobile
airplane
helicopter

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helicopter

David holds a helicopter pilot’s license. In addition to his music career, he is known for having a wide range of talents and hobbies that make use of his special skills.

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What instrument did drummer Alex Van Halen play before the drums?

Guitar
base
piano

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Guitar

There’s an interesting anecdote that originally Alex played the guitar and his younger brother Eddie played the drums. It’s fascinating that the instruments the brothers played were the opposite at first, isn’t it?

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What are the two Van Halen albums that achieved diamond status: Van Halen and what?

1984
Van Halen II
5150

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1984

The two Van Halen albums that achieved diamond certification are their debut album, Van Halen, and 1984, released in 1984. 1984 includes hit songs such as “Jump” and marked the band’s greatest commercial success.

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[For Beginners] Van Halen Trivia Quiz (11–20)

Van Halen is known as an American band, but where were the Van Halen brothers born?

America
United Kingdom
Netherlands

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Netherlands

Eddie and Alex Van Halen were born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Their family immigrated to the United States in 1962.

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Where is the film set in which David Lee Roth starred and conceived the original idea in 2013?

Tokyo
New York
London

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Tokyo

In 2013, David Lee Roth starred in and conceived the short film Gaijin Yakuza: Tokyo Rendezvous, set in Tokyo. The work portrays an American artist who embarks on adventures while immersing himself in Japanese culture and tradition.

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What was the name of the band that Michael Anthony formed with Sammy Hagar in 2008?

Chicken foot
Velvet Revolver
Audioslave

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Chicken foot

Chickenfoot is a supergroup formed in 2008, featuring an all-star lineup of Michael Anthony, Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, and Chad Smith.

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Who served as Van Halen’s third lead vocalist?

Gary Cherone
Sammy Hagar
Mitch Malloy

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Gary Cherone

The third lead vocalist for Van Halen was Gary Cherone. He was already well-known as the singer of Extreme, and he performed with Van Halen from 1996 to 1999. During that time, they released the album “Van Halen III.” Although his tenure was relatively short, he played an important role in the band’s history.

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