The Lead Singer Rock Version Game is a simple music trivia game that can be part of a regular rotation.
Before you begin, follow the guidelines for playing games in the Game Strategy section here.
Then, choose the best method to play this game based on your show and how you’ll use the game.
The Lead Singer Rock Version
The game is exactly as it sounds. Ask listeners questions about the name of the lead singer in a band! But there are some variations to make it fit your show:
Here are two ways to ask the questions:
- Give them the name of a band. The contestant must provide the lead singer’s name to earn a point.
- Announce the lead singer. The contestant must identify the band.
For the best results, provide some information and details about the band or the singer. This works especially well if you use this as part of a music feature like Throwback Thursday.
Examples
Here are some starter questions and answers, with details about the lead singer and band, to turn this into a Behind The Music feature.
Ronnie James Dio: Heaven and Hell (also Black Sabbath). He was the lead singer for what band that was active between 2006 and 2010, and was a collaboration between Black Sabbath founding members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler along with former Black Sabbath singer Dio and Vinny Appice. Heaven and Hell**
Grace Slick: Jefferson Airplane. Grace Slick sang lead vocals for Jefferson Airplane, which came out with songs such as “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.” Other band members included Marty Balin, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, and Spencer Dryden.
Billy Gibbons: ZZ Top. In 1969, ZZ Top was formed by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard in Houston, Texas. They started out creating blues-inspired rock but, later in their career, incorporated elements of new wave, punk rock, and dance rock with the use of synthesizers.
Glenn Frey: The Eagles. Glenn Frey, along with Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, formed the Eagles in 1971. They are considered one of the greatest rock bands in history with everlasting hits like “Take It Easy,” Hotel California,” and “Witchy Woman.”
Mark Knopfler: Dire Straits. Mark Knopfler was the lead vocalist and guitarist of Dire Straits. They are known for their hits like “Sultans of Swing,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Private Investigations,” “Twisting by the Pool,” “Money for Nothing,” and “Walk of Life.”
Michael Hutchence: INXS. Michael Hutchence sang the lead vocals for the Australian rock band INXS. Hutchence was the main singer for 20 years. On November 12th, 2012, INXS announced its retirement.
Ann Wilson: Heart. Ann Wilson was the lead singer for Heart, a band she formed with her sister Nancy in 1973. They were influenced by hard rock, heavy metal, and folk and known for hits like “Even It Up,” “Who Will You Run To,” and “Magic Man.”
Peter Gabriel: Genesis. Peter Gabriel was the original lead singer of the band Genesis, but the role was later taken over by Phil Collins after Gabriel left the band. Formed in 1967, Genesis is known for hits like “Carpet Crawlers” and “Land of Confusion.”
Steve Perry: Journey. Steve Perry was the lead singer for the band Journey. They were at the peak of their success from 1978 to 1987 when Perry was still the lead vocalist with hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.”
Thom Yorke: Radiohead. Not only was Thom Yorke a singer in Radiohead, but he also played guitar, piano, and keyboards. Brothers Colin and Jonny Greenwood and Ed O’Brien joined forces with Yorke.
Belinda Carlisle: The Go Gos. Belinda Carlisle was the lead singer of the Go-Gos. The all-female band originally came together in 1978 as a punk rock band. Carlisle later had a successful solo career.
Billie Joe Armstrong: Green Day. Billie Joe Armstrong joined Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool to form Green Day. The band was long considered a trio, although Armstrong performed lead vocals for most songs.
Chris Cornell: Soundgarden. Add the band Soundgarden to the long list of bands originating out of Seattle. Chris Cornell played the rare dual role of lead vocalist and drummer of the band.
Dave Grohl: Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl founded the Foo Fighters after leaving another successful Seattle-based band, Nirvana. Grohl first burst onto the rock music scene as Nirvana’s drummer, with Kurt Cobain singing vocals.
David Byrne: The Talking Heads. Talking Heads were considered an American band despite Scotsman David Byrne singing the group’s lead vocals. The group’s cross-over into punk, rock, and funk gave critical acclaim for them.
Billy Corgan: Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan sang lead vocals as well as played guitar for Smashing Pumpkins. Formed in 1988, the Chicago-based band broke up in 2000 before reuniting in 2006.
Michael Stipe: REM. It is an understatement to say that Michael Stipe of R.E.M. had a different sound to his vocals. “Shiny Happy People” was one of the group’s most successful songs.
Christine McVie (also Stevie Nicks): Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood Mac was led by singers Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks. The predominantly male band was formed in 1967 and founded by Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and Jeremy Spencer.
Brian Wilson: Beach Boys. Surf, sand, sun, and women were what the Beach Boys were all about. Look no further than their name and titles of tracks like “Good Vibrations” for their inspiration.
Chris Martin: Coldplay. Formed in 1996, the British rock band Coldplay is led by vocalist Chris Martin. Funk, R&B, and Jazz are a few areas the group combined with their original sound.
Eddie Vedder: Pearl Jam. Seattle band Pearl Jam featured the vocals and guitar stylings of Eddie Vedder. Pearl Jam recorded 11 albums, went 13x platinum, and is considered one of rock’s greatest ever.
Robert Smith: The Cure. The Cure was founded by lead singer Robert Smith, who also wrote and played guitar. The Cure was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Bruce Dickinson: Iron Maiden. Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden physically, but his heart always remained with the group. This is why Dickinson, the longest-running singer, returned after leaving to pursue his solo career.
Peter Cetera: Chicago. Peter Cetera was the lead singer for Chicago before he went solo. The band was named after its city of origin and soared up the charts in the ’70s.
Dee Snider: Twisted Sister. Twisted Sister was led by singer Dee Snider whose recognizable makeup and hair became the band’s signature. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” was the band’s most successful single release.
Annie Lennox: The Eurythmics. Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics was instantly recognized by her short hair, which changed colors frequently. Lennox and her short locks had audiences rocking with hits like “Sweet Dreams.”
Ric Ocasek: The Cars. Ric Ocasek is The Cars’s lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter. Along with Benjamin Orr, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson, they formed the new wave band in the late ’70s and are known for hits like “Drive” and “You Might Think.”
Donald Fagen: Steely Dan. Donald Fagen was Steely Dan’s lead singer and keyboardist. Walter Becker played guitar and bass and sang backup vocals. He was another core member. They were known for blending rock, jazz, pop, and R&B.
Jerry Garcia: In 1965, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann formed the Grateful Dead. They became known for their music style, which fused rock, psychedelic rock, blues, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, and gospel.
Roger McGuinn: The Byrds. Forming in 1964, although the band underwent numerous lineup changes, frontman Roger McGuinn remained the only consistent member. Although the group didn’t meet the same level of fame as their contemporaries, such as The Beatles, they’re considered equally influential.
Ronnie Van Zant: Lynrd Skynrd. Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in 1964 with Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allin Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns. Sadly, Van Zant and several other band members died in a plane crash in 1977.
Sting: The Police. Sting was the lead singer and bassist for the British new-wave band, The Police, formed in 1977. They became popular for hits like “Message in a Bottle” and “Don’t Stand So Close to Me.”
Jack Bruce: Cream. Jack Bruce was Cream’s lead singer formed in 1966. Considered one of rock’s most successful supergroups, Cream also consisted of Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker. Their traditional blues hits included “Crossroads” and “Spoonful.”
Mick Jones: The Clash. Mick Jones was the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Clash, a role he shared with Joe Strummer. The band included bassist Paul Simonon and drummer Nicky “Topper” Headon.
Ray Davies: The Kinks. Ray Davies and his brother Dave started The Kinks in 1964. With hits like “You Really Got Me,” the Kinks are known for their rowdy style of garage band music.
John Fogerty: Creedence Clearwater Revival. Often referred to as CCR, their music is often described as a combination of roots, blues, and swamp rock. Although they were from San Francisco, California, they played with a Southern style, making them beloved by a niche group at first.
Mick Jagger: The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger founded the Rolling Stones with his childhood friend Keith Richards in 1962. The band became an icon of the rebellious 1960s counterculture with their blues-influenced rock and roll.
Syd Barrett: Pink Floyd. Forming in London in 1965, Pink Floyd is known for their heavy psychedelic influence and progressive style of music. Syd Barrett was the original guitarist and vocalist. However, he dropped out later due to his deteriorating mental health.
Iggy Pop: The Stooges. The Stooges, also known as Iggy and the Stooges, came together in Ann Arbor, Michigan 1967. The band was known for their extremely confrontational shows, which included pop mutilating himself on numerous occasions.
Robert Plant: Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin had a consistent group of members since they first formed in 1968 of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. Both during their time and today, they are considered one of the most influential groups of all time.
Jim Morrison: The Doors. Regarded as the most controversial yet influential group of the 1960s, The Doors are best known for Morrison’s lyrics and his on-stage behavior. The band was also considered to be a symbol of the counterculture of the time.
Freddie Mercury: Queen. Before Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor were involved in a band named Smile, which Mercury liked. After some suggestions, Mercury joined the band in 1970 and suggested they change their name to Queen.
Ian Anderson: Jethro Tull. Forming in 1967 and led by flutist/guitarist/vocalist Ian Anderson, the band succeeded with its album *Stand Up,* which reached No.1 in the United Kingdom. Not long after, they became popular in the US.
Jon Anderson: Yes. Jon Anderson sang for Yes, alongside guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. The progressive rock band’s best albums include *The Yes Album*, *Fragile*, and *Close to the Edge*.
Gene Simmons: KISS. Known for their face paint and over-the-top stage outfits, KISS rose to prominence during the 1970s. On top of their style and music, they were also known for their performances, which included pyrotechnics, fake blood, and more.
Robin Zander: Cheap Trick. Robin Zander was the lead singer for Cheap Trick, which was formed in 1973 with guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson, and drummer Bun E. Carlos. They are known for their chart-topping hits from the ’70s and ’80s, like “I Want You to Want Me” and “The Flame.”
Joe Elliott: Def Leppard. Joe Elliott was the lead singer for Def Leppard, which formed in 1977 with Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell. They are known for their songs such as “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak,” “Photograph,” and “Rock of Ages.”
Ozzy Osbourne- Black Sabbath. Formed in Birmingham in 1968, the band was composed of Tommy Iommi, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne. Due to their unique style of music, they are considered the pioneers of heavy metal music.
Axl Rose: Guns & Roses. Also known as GNR, Guns N’ Roses, after forming in 1985, the group signed with Geffen Records. Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, reached No.1 the year after its release and three Top Ten singles.
James Hetfield: Metallica. James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich formed Metallica in 1981. They started out as a thrash metal band and evolved into hard rock later in their career. 1986’s *Master of Puppets* is considered to be their most influential work.
Bono: U2. Since coming together in 1976, U2’s sound has evolved over the years, yet still relies heavily on Bono’s unique voice and The Edge’s effects-based guitar work. They’re also known for their live performances and extravagant tours.
Geddy Lee: Rush. Founded in Canada in 1968, Rush is known for its impressive musical compositions, as well as their knack for themes such as science fiction, philosophy, and fantasy. Over the years, their music has changed depending on the decade.
Kurt Cobain: Nirvana. Founded by Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington. They became a well-known act in the Seattle grunge scene, becoming mainstream after the release of their song “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
David Lee Roth: Van Halen. They had audiences at their concerts jumping around long before House of Pain. “Jump” was their biggest hit, elevating them to legendary status.
Anthony Kiedis: Red Hot Chili Peppers. Known as a rock and roll band but hailed for their integration of funk into their music, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the best-selling bands of all time, selling over 80 million records worldwide.
Roger Daltrey: The Who. Described as one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide. They are known for stacking their speakers, using synthesizers, and incorporating feedback into their music.
Brian Johnson: AC/DC. Formed in Sydney in 1973, AC/DC was originally formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. After the death of original lead singer Bon Scott in 1980, Johnson took over until 2016.
Conclusion
The Lead Singer Game complements Who’s In The Band and similar music trivia games. Don’t play this every day or even weekly, but bring it out on occasion as a fun, interactive game and make it a part of your regular rotation.
