Test Your Gentle Giant Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 |
Which of the following was a musical influence on Gentle Giant?
Disco | |
Romantic classical music only | |
Medieval and baroque music | |
Purely blues | |
Reggae |
Question 1 Explanation:
Gentle Giant drew on a wide range of musical influences, including medieval, baroque, and modernist chamber music, making their sound unique even among progressive rock bands.
Question 2 |
Gentle Giant’s music is often described as:
Simple and straightforward | |
Commercial and mainstream | |
Complex and sophisticated | |
Rooted in blues | |
Electronic and ambient |
Question 2 Explanation:
Gentle Giant’s music was characterized by its complexity and sophistication, drawing from various musical traditions and styles.
Question 3 |
Which award did Gentle Giant receive in 2015?
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | |
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction | |
Progressive Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award | |
Brit Award for Best Band | |
MTV Lifetime Achievement Award |
Question 3 Explanation:
In 2015, Gentle Giant was recognized with the lifetime achievement award at the Progressive Music Awards.
Question 4 |
Who debunked the rumor that Simon Dupree and the Big Sound were the Beatles recording under a different name?
John Lennon | |
George Harrison | |
Ringo Starr | |
Syd Barrett | |
Paul McCartney |
Question 4 Explanation:
Pink Floyd leader Syd Barrett debunked the rumor that Simon Dupree and the Big Sound were actually the Beatles recording under a different name.
Question 5 |
Where were Phil and Derek Shulman born?
London, England | |
Portsmouth, England | |
Glasgow, Scotland | |
Edinburgh, Scotland | |
Dublin, Ireland |
Question 5 Explanation:
Phil and Derek Shulman were born in the Gorbals, a slum area of Glasgow, Scotland.
Question 6 |
What was a key feature of Gentle Giant’s albums regarding instrumentation?
All songs were acoustic | |
They used only traditional rock instruments | |
They played over forty different instruments | |
All songs featured an orchestra | |
They avoided electronic instruments |
Question 6 Explanation:
Gentle Giant's albums featured a wide range of instruments, with one album listing a total of forty-six different instruments played by band members.
Question 7 |
What was the inspiration behind the title of Gentle Giant's album "Octopus"?
A reference to an octopus | |
A pun on "octo opus" meaning eight musical works | |
The album's eight tracks representing the band members | |
A famous painting titled "Octopus" | |
A nickname for the band's style |
Question 7 Explanation:
The album was titled "Octopus" as a pun on "octo opus," reflecting the album's eight tracks.
Question 8 |
During the "Octopus" tour, which band's fans reacted negatively to Gentle Giant as a supporting act?
Led Zeppelin | |
Black Sabbath | |
Pink Floyd | |
Yes | |
Deep Purple |
Question 8 Explanation:
Gentle Giant supported Black Sabbath during the "Octopus" tour, but their style did not resonate with Sabbath's fans, leading to a negative reaction.
Question 9 |
What was Phil Shulman's main reason for leaving Gentle Giant?
Creative differences with the band | |
A desire to pursue a solo career | |
Family commitments | |
Health issues | |
Financial disputes |
Question 9 Explanation:
Phil Shulman left the band to focus on his family, feeling that the touring lifestyle was damaging his family life.
Question 10 |
Where did Gentle Giant play their first gig as a five-piece after Phil Shulman left the band?
The Royal Albert Hall, London | |
King Alfred's College, Winchester | |
The Fillmore East, New York | |
The Palladium, Los Angeles | |
The Cavern Club, Liverpool |
Question 10 Explanation:
Gentle Giant's first gig as a five-piece was at King Alfred's College, Winchester.
Question 11 |
Which album marked the beginning of Gentle Giant's partnership with Chrysalis Records?
Acquiring the Taste | |
Free Hand | |
Interview | |
The Missing Piece | |
Octopus |
Question 11 Explanation:
"Free Hand" marked the beginning of Gentle Giant's partnership with Chrysalis Records and became one of their most successful albums.
There are 11 questions to complete.
