Are you a true R.E.M. fan? Put your knowledge of the iconic alternative rock band to the test with this fun and challenging quiz! From their early years in the 80s to their post-breakup releases, this quiz covers everything about the band’s history, music, members, and key milestones.
Test Your R.E.M. Knowledge Quiz
Question 1 |
Who produced most of R.E.M.’s albums during their peak success?
Scott Litt | |
Jacknife Lee | |
Pat McCarthy | |
Rick Rubin | |
Quincy Jones |
Question 1 Explanation:
Scott Litt was R.E.M.'s producer during their peak success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to the polished sound of albums like Green and Out of Time.
Question 2 |
Which R.E.M. album is described as a “conscious return to their classic sound”?
Up | |
Reveal | |
Around the Sun | |
Accelerate | |
Collapse into Now |
Question 2 Explanation:
The album Reveal (2001) marked a return to the classic sound for which R.E.M. was known.
Question 3 |
What was the location of R.E.M.’s first concert?
A university campus | |
St. Mary's Episcopal Church | |
A local club in Athens | |
A record store | |
A high school gym |
Question 3 Explanation:
Their first performance was on April 5, 1980, during Kathleen O'Brien's birthday party at this church.
Question 4 |
What inspired the band's name "R.E.M."?
Rapid Eye Movement sleep phase | |
A reference to a dream | |
A song lyric | |
An abbreviation from science | |
Random selection from a dictionary |
Question 4 Explanation:
Michael Stipe chose the name at random from a dictionary; it wasn't directly connected to the sleep phase.
Question 5 |
How many Grammy Awards did R.E.M. win for the Out of Time album in 1992?
1 | |
2 | |
3 | |
4 | |
5 |
Question 5 Explanation:
R.E.M. won three Grammy Awards for Out of Time: Best Alternative Music Album and two for "Losing My Religion."
Question 6 |
What health issue did drummer Bill Berry face during the Monster tour?
Hernia | |
Brain aneurysm | |
Abdominal surgery | |
Broken arm | |
Vocal cord strain |
Question 6 Explanation:
Bill Berry collapsed on stage due to a brain aneurysm during the Monster tour, requiring immediate surgery.
Question 7 |
Which album marked R.E.M.'s first release as a trio?
Monster | |
Up | |
Reveal | |
Out of Time | |
Automatic for the People |
Question 7 Explanation:
"Up," released in 1998, was R.E.M.'s first album after Bill Berry's departure, showcasing their reinvention as a trio.
Question 8 |
Which John Lennon song did R.E.M. cover for the Instant Karma tribute album?
Imagine | |
#9 Dream | |
Instant Karma | |
Woman | |
Mind Games |
Question 8 Explanation:
R.E.M. recorded a cover of John Lennon's "#9 Dream" for the Instant Karma tribute album. This was the first studio recording with Bill Berry since his departure.
Question 9 |
What was the name of R.E.M.’s final studio album?
Accelerate | |
Around the Sun | |
Collapse into Now | |
Reveal | |
Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage |
Question 9 Explanation:
Collapse into Now was R.E.M.’s final studio album, released in 2011, before they disbanded.
Question 10 |
What did Mike Mills humorously state would be needed for R.E.M. to reform in 2024?
A new drummer | |
A comet | |
Superglue | |
A better label | |
More inspiration |
Question 10 Explanation:
In a 2024 interview, Mike Mills humorously replied "A comet" when asked what it would take for R.E.M. to reform.
Question 11 |
Which organization did R.E.M. join after leaving Broadcast Music, Inc. in 2017?
Universal Music Publishing Group | |
Concord Bicycle Music | |
Warner Chappell Music | |
SESAC | |
ASCAP |
Question 11 Explanation:
R.E.M. joined SESAC for performance rights after parting ways with BMI in 2017.
Question 12 |
For which achievement was R.E.M. inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024?
Their live performance legacy | |
Their unique instrumentation | |
Their innovation in alternative rock | |
Their lyrical contributions | |
Their dedication to charity work |
Question 12 Explanation:
The band was recognized for their impact on songwriting, including their lyrical depth and creativity.
There are 12 questions to complete.
