The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an institution that honors the legends and history of rock music. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it contains exhibits, archives and memorabilia that chronicle the evolution and impact of rock and its artists. The hall of fame also holds an annual induction ceremony to celebrate new members. With its vast collection and rock music significance, the Rock Hall is the perfect subject for some challenging and fun riddles. Below are 63 riddles about various inductees, songs, history and more. Test your knowledge of rock trivia by seeing if you can solve them all!
Riddles
1. I was inducted as a solo artist and as a member of a band. I played guitar left handed and was known for my wild dance moves and outfits. Who am I?
Jimi Hendrix
2. I was the frontman of an English rock band known for songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” My birth name was Farrokh Bulsara. Who am I?
Freddie Mercury
3. I am a band with the initials E.L.O. Known for hits like “Evil Woman” and “Mr. Blue Sky,” my elaborate arrangements featured violins and orchestration not common in rock music. Who am I?
Electric Light Orchestra
4. I am a rock duo made up of Darlene Love and Phil Spector. I sang popular Christmas songs like “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” What is my group’s name?
The Crystals
5. I am a British band with hits like “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Baba O’Riley.” Known for our rock operas and energetic live shows, who are we?
The Who
6. I am a rock group that started in the 1960s with Jim Morrison as my lead singer. I broke new ground in rock with psychedelic songs like “Light My Fire.” Who am I?
The Doors
7. I am a soul and funk musician who was inducted into the Rock Hall three different times – as a solo artist, with my family group and with my legendary backing band. Who am I?
George Clinton
8. I am known as the “Killer” and pioneered rockabilly music in the 1950s. I played stand-up bass in my Tennessee Three backing band. Who am I?
Jerry Lee Lewis
9. I was the lead guitarist and co-founder of the influential rock band the Velvet Underground. I was called the “Godfather of Punk.” Who am I?
Lou Reed
10. I was the frontman for the Crickets and pioneered the rockabilly sound on hits like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue.” Who am I?
Buddy Holly
11. I was known for my rapid fire lyrics and rebellious attitude as the lead singer of the Ramones. My real name was Jeffrey Hyman. Who am I?
Joey Ramone
12. I am a British rock band with hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Satisfaction.” Our logo is a mouth with a long tongue. Who are we?
The Rolling Stones
13. I was the leader of the funk rock group Parliament-Funkadelic and was known for my outlandish costumes and stomping live shows. What’s my name?
George Clinton
14. I was the drummer and backing vocalist for the legendary rock group The Police. My drumming skills were key to hits like “Roxanne.” Who am I?
Stewart Copeland
15. I was known for my raspy singing voice and wild stage antics as the front man of Guns N’ Roses. What’s my name?
Axl Rose
16. I was the lead guitarist for the rock band Van Halen and am known for my incredible guitar tapping skills. What’s my name?
Eddie Van Halen
17. I was the singer and frontman for the hard rock band Bon Jovi during their 1980s heyday with hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Who am I?
Jon Bon Jovi
18. I played bass for the legendary rock band Pink Floyd and wrote many of their hit songs like “Money” and “Another Brick in the Wall.” Who am I?
Roger Waters
19. I was the lead singer and harmonica player for the rock and blues band Canned Heat. I sang their classic song “Going Up the Country.” What’s my name?
Alan Wilson
20. I was the bearded frontman and lead singer of the influential grunge rock band Soundgarden. My powerful vocal range was a signature of the band. Who am I?
Chris Cornell
21. I sang lead vocals for the band Blondie and we had hits like “Heart of Glass” and “Call Me.” What’s my name?
Debbie Harry
22. I was a singer-songwriter and activist who had hits like “Respect” and “Think.” I am known as the Queen of Soul. Who am I?
Aretha Franklin
23. I was a singer and frontman for The Zombies who had 1960s hits like “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season.” What’s my name?
Colin Blunstone
24. I was the singer for the alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction. My side project bands included Porno for Pyros. What’s my name?
Perry Farrell
25. I was the lead guitarist for the rock band Aerosmith. Known as the “Toxic Twins” with Steven Tyler, we had hits like “Walk This Way.” Who am I?
Joe Perry
26. I fronted the pioneering funk band Chic and produced hit albums for Sister Sledge, David Bowie and others. I’m considered an influential disco artist. Who am I?
Nile Rodgers
27. I was the bassist and co-lead singer for the popular 2000s rock band Linkin Park. We fused rap and rock on songs like “In the End.” Who am I?
Chester Bennington
28. I was the drummer for the rock band The Police. Known for my innovative and complex rhythms, I also scored films like Wall Street. Who am I?
Stewart Copeland
29. I was the lead singer of the rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. We had hits like “American Girl” and “Free Fallin’.” Who am I?
Tom Petty
30. I was the lead singer and songwriter for The Pretenders and had hits like “Brass in Pocket” and “Back on the Chain Gang.” Who am I?
Chrissie Hynde
31. I was the guitarist and frontman of the hard rock band Van Halen. Known for my tapping skills, I have hits like “Panama.” Who am I?
Eddie Van Halen
32. I am a singer-songwriter who was part of the country rock group the Eagles. I sang lead on hits like “Hotel California.” Who am I?
Don Henley
33. I was the lead singer for the heavy metal band Judas Priest. Known for my powerful vocal range, I sang “Breaking the Law.” Who am I?
Rob Halford
34. I was a singer and pianist who was crowned the King of Rock and Roll. I had huge hits with songs like “Jailhouse Rock.” Who am I?
Elvis Presley
35. I was the lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses who went on to front Velvet Revolver. I’m known for bluesy solos and wearing top hats. Who am I?
Slash
36. I formed the rock band Van Halen with my brother Alex on drums. Considered one of rock’s greatest guitarist, I have hits like “Eruption.” Who am I?
Eddie Van Halen
37. I was the lead singer of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath who helped pioneer the genre. Called the Prince of Darkness, who am I?
Ozzy Osbourne
38. I was the bassist and co-lead singer of influential punk band The Clash. We had hits like “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” Who am I?
Joe Strummer
39. I was the guitarist and frontman of grunge rock pioneers Nirvana. I wrote hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” before my untimely death. Who am I?
Kurt Cobain
40. I was singer and frontman of the rock band Journey in the 1970s and 80s. My tenor vocals were featured on hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Who am I?
Steve Perry
41. I was the lead singer of punk rock pioneers the New York Dolls. I wore androgynous clothing and makeup on stage. Who am I?
David Johansen
42. I was lead singer and co-founder of influential proto-punk band the Stooges. Known for my wild stage presence, I had hits like “I Wanna Be Your Dog.” Who am I?
Iggy Pop
43. I was the drummer for legendary rock band The Beatles from 1962 until their breakup. I was known as the “funny one” in the group. Who am I?
Ringo Starr
44. I was lead guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallica. Known for my fast solos, I wrote hits like “Enter Sandman.” Who am I?
James Hetfield
45. I was the lead singer for the rock band Alice in Chains during the 1990s. My baritone vocals were featured on songs like “Man in the Box.” Who am I?
Layne Staley
46. I was the lead singer for punk pioneers The Ramones. Known for my rapid-fire delivery, I sang on hits like “Blitzkrieg Bop.” Who am I?
Joey Ramone
47. I was lead singer and songwriter for alternative rock band R.E.M. I penned hits like “Losing My Religion” and “Everybody Hurts.” Who am I?
Michael Stipe
48. I was the singer and co-founder for the influential proto-punk band the Velvet Underground. I sang on “Sweet Jane” and “Walk on the Wild Side.” Who am I?
Lou Reed
49. I was the guitarist for funk-rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers known for wearing socks on stage. I played on hits like “Under the Bridge.” Who am I?
John Frusciante
50. I was lead guitarist for rock band Aerosmith and am known as the “Demon of Screamin’.” I play riffs on hits like “Walk This Way.” Who am I?
Joe Perry
51. I was the frontman for rock group The Cars who had 1970s and 80s hits like “Just What I Needed.” My stage style included oversized glasses. Who am I?
Ric Ocasek
52. I was singer and keyboardist for British synth pop pioneers Depeche Mode. I sang hits like “Enjoy the Silence.” Who am I?
Martin Gore
53. I was lead singer for rock band T. Rex and glam rock pioneer. Known for flamboyant outfits, I had hits like “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” Who am I?
Marc Bolan
54. I was lead guitarist for rock band Van Halen after replacing Eddie Van Halen in 1985. I played the famous solo on “Eruption.” Who am I?
Sammy Hagar
55. I was lead singer for the progressive rock band Yes who were known for songs like “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” My vocal range is over 4 octaves. Who am I?
Jon Anderson
56. I was singer and frontman for punk rock band the Dead Boys. Known for outrageous stage antics, we had hits like “Sonic Reducer.” Who am I?
Stiv Bators
57. I was lead singer and co-founder of rock band Guns N’ Roses. My wild on and off stage antics gave me the nickname “W. Axl Rose.” Who am I?
Axl Rose
58. I was lead guitarist for rock band Queen. Known for complex songwriting and solos, I wrote hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Who am I?
Brian May
59. I was lead vocalist and pianist for rock band Queen. Known for my vocal range, I wrote hits like “We Will Rock You.” Who am I?
Freddie Mercury
60. I was lead guitarist for heavy metal band Pantera. Known for lightning fast solos, I was killed on stage by a crazed fan. Who am I?
Dimebag Darrell
61. I was lead singer for the rock band Stone Temple Pilots who fused grunge and classic rock. I sang hits like “Plush” and “Interstate Love Song.” Who am I?
Scott Weiland
62. I was lead singer for grunge rock pioneers Pearl Jam and am known for my earnest vocals. I sang hits like “Alive” and “Black.” Who am I?
Eddie Vedder
63. I was guitarist and singer for punk band the Germs. Though our career was short, we influenced later punk bands. Who am I?
Pat Smear
Conclusion
How did you do on the riddles? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame covers a diverse range of artists and eras in rock history. Testing your knowledge with challenging riddles is a fun way to engage with rock music’s stories and trivia. Whether you solved them all or just some, hopefully these riddles shed light on many pioneering rock icons and their lasting legacy. The Rock Hall honors the roots of rock and its continuing evolution. Now go and appreciate by listening to some classic tunes from these Hall of Fame inductees!
