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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Music

How Well Do You Know David Bowie? Take the Trivia Quiz!

Ready for the Bowie trivia challenge? Dive in and test your knowledge of Starman's hits!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art portrait of David Bowie on teal background with trivia quiz title, music notes, vinyl record, lightning bolt

Ready to dive into the glam and grit of one of rock's greatest icons? This ultimate david bowie trivia is the perfect rock music quiz to challenge everything you know about Ziggy Stardust, Major Tom, and Bowie's fearless reinventions. Whether you're testing skills with a bowie trivia quiz, mastering space oddity trivia, or proving you're a true david bowie fan quiz champion, you'll flex your Starman smarts and iconic style know-how. Want more? Explore our free David Bowie quiz hub for bonus rounds. Ready to show your rock legend IQ? Take the quiz now and shine brighter than the Thin White Duke!

What was David Bowie's birth name?
David Robert Jones
David Michael Clark
David John White
David James Turner
David Bowie was born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London. He changed his professional surname to Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees. The choice of "Bowie" was inspired by the Bowie knife. Source
In which year was David Bowie born?
1952
1947
1950
1945
David Bowie was born on January 8, 1947. This date is well documented in his biographies and official records. His birth in 1947 places his teenage years in the early 1960s. Source
Which album features Ziggy Stardust as a character?
Aladdin Sane
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Hunky Dory
Station to Station
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) introduced Bowie's famous alien rock star persona Ziggy Stardust. It is his fifth studio album and is considered a landmark in glam rock. The character Ziggy Stardust appears throughout its narrative. Source
What was David Bowie's first UK number one single?
Changes
Rebel Rebel
Heroes
Space Oddity
"Space Oddity" reached number five on its original 1969 release and later hit number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1975. It was his first single to top the UK charts. The song introduced Major Tom, an astronaut character Bowie revisited in later works. Source
Which instrument did David Bowie famously play on many recordings?
Violin
Trumpet
Saxophone
Guitar
David Bowie played guitar on many of his recordings and performances, particularly in his early and glam-rock years. While he occasionally played other instruments, guitar was his primary instrument on stage. He also collaborated with many guitarists. Source
Which song begins with the lyrics "Ground control to Major Tom"?
Life on Mars?
Space Oddity
Starman
Ashes to Ashes
"Space Oddity" opens with the line "Ground control to Major Tom," establishing the song's space-travel narrative. Released in 1969, it became one of Bowie's signature tracks. The character Major Tom recurs in later songs like "Ashes to Ashes." Source
What was Ziggy Stardust's full persona name?
Ziggy Stardust
Major Tom
Thin White Duke
Aladdin Sane
Ziggy Stardust is the titular character on Bowie's 1972 album. This persona was an androgynous alien rock star, central to Bowie's rise to fame. It contrasted with later personas like Aladdin Sane and the Thin White Duke. Source
Which band did Bowie front before his solo career took off?
The Rolling Stones
The Beatles
The Konrads
Pink Floyd
In the early 1960s Bowie was lead singer of The Konrads. He also had stints with The King Bees and The Lower Third before his solo breakthrough. His solo single "Space Oddity" in 1969 marked the start of his fame. Source
In what year did David Bowie pass away?
2016
2014
2018
2012
David Bowie died on January 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his album Blackstar. His death was due to liver cancer, kept private until his passing. Tributes poured in worldwide. Source
Which album cover features Bowie with a lightning bolt across his face?
Aladdin Sane
Diamond Dogs
Heroes
Hunky Dory
The Aladdin Sane album (1973) shows Bowie with the iconic red and blue lightning bolt painted across his face. Photographed by Brian Duffy, it became one of rock's most famous images. The lightning bolt symbolizes his dual persona concept. Source
In which 1986 fantasy film did Bowie play the Goblin King?
Legend
The NeverEnding Story
Labyrinth
Willow
David Bowie starred as Jareth the Goblin King in Jim Henson's Labyrinth (1986). His performance featured original songs like "Magic Dance." The film has since become a cult classic. Source
Who produced the album 'Let's Dance'?
Tony Visconti
Nile Rodgers
Mick Ronson
Brian Eno
Nile Rodgers of Chic produced David Bowie's 1983 album Let's Dance, giving it a dance-rock sheen. The title track became one of Bowie's biggest hits. Rodgers co-wrote several songs on the album. Source
Which label released Bowie's debut single 'Love You till Tuesday'?
EMI
Island Records
RCA
Deram Records
David Bowie released 'Love You till Tuesday' in 1967 on Deram Records. The single did not chart, and the label dropped him shortly after. He later signed with Mercury and then RCA for his major breakthroughs. Source
What character did Bowie portray in 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' (1976)?
Starman
Jareth
Thomas Jerome Newton
George Underwood
In Nicolas Roeg's The Man Who Fell to Earth, Bowie played Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who comes to Earth seeking water for his dying planet. His performance is noted for its otherworldly detachment. The role remains one of Bowie's most acclaimed film parts. Source
Which song's lyrics include the line "I'm an alligator, I'm a mama-papa coming for you"?
Rebel Rebel
The Jean Genie
Diamond Dogs
The Jean Genie
"The Jean Genie" opens with "I'm an alligator, I'm a mama-papa coming for you." Released in 1972, it became one of Bowie's rock hits. The song's riff was inspired by Chuck Berry. Source
Which collaboration album did Bowie record with Brian Eno in 1977?
Stage
Low
Scary Monsters
Tonight
Low (1977) was the first of Bowie's "Berlin Trilogy" albums, co-produced with Brian Eno. It marked a shift to more experimental, electronic sounds. The album's instrumental side and ambient textures influenced many artists. Source
Which single reached the UK top 10 in 1975 and references the word 'Rebel'?
Fame
Young Americans
Rebel Rebel
Golden Years
"Rebel Rebel" reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974. Its iconic guitar riff and reference to rebellion made it a glam rock anthem. Bowie wrote and performed all instruments on the recording. Source
Which city's name is the title of Bowie's 1977 album 'Low' featuring Berlin influences?
Berlin
Berlin
Paris
Vienna
Low doesn't have the city name in its title, but it's the first album of Bowie's 'Berlin Trilogy,' recorded largely in Berlin. The city's atmosphere influenced its mood and style. 'Low' refers to the album's downbeat, experimental tone. Source
Who collaborated with Bowie on the hit "Under Pressure"?
U2
Queen
The Rolling Stones
Pink Floyd
"Under Pressure" was recorded by Queen and David Bowie in 1981. It reached number one in the UK and became one of rock's most enduring collaborations. The song's bassline and vocal interplay are highly celebrated. Source
In which 2013 biopic did Bowie have a cameo as Pontius Pilate?
The Life of Brian
The Passion of the Christ
The Traitor
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
David Bowie did not cameo in any of these; he never played Pontius Pilate in a 2013 biopic. This question tests knowledge of Bowie's limited acting roles. His main film roles were in Labyrinth and The Man Who Fell to Earth. Source
What was the real name of the Aladdin Sane persona Bowie portrayed?
The character had no other name
Rock 'n' Roll Prophet
Aladdin Khan
Mick Avalon
Aladdin Sane is a play on the phrase "A Lad Insane" and was never given a separate 'real' name by Bowie. It represents a twisted American visitor persona of Ziggy Stardust. The album cover and title track explore this concept. Source
Which album is often cited as Bowie's most underrated, featuring a stark black-and-white cover?
The Lodger
Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
Blackstar
Never Let Me Down
The Lodger (1979) is often overlooked but admired by fans for its concise song structures and New Wave influences. Its cover features Bowie in black and white stripes. Many critics later praised its innovation. Source
Who played saxophone on Bowie's album 'Young Americans'?
Mick Ronson
Reeves Gabrels
David Sanborn
Lou Reed
Renowned session musician David Sanborn played saxophone on Bowie's 1975 album Young Americans. His solos appear on tracks like "Young Americans" and "Fame." Sanborn's R&B style shaped the album's sound. Source
Who co-wrote 'Rebel Rebel' with David Bowie?
Gerry Leonard
Mick Ronson
Iggy Pop
David Bowie alone
David Bowie wrote 'Rebel Rebel' by himself in 1974. Despite common misconceptions, no co-writers are credited. The track's riff and lyrics are entirely Bowie's creation. Source
Which color-themed album did Bowie release in 1976?
David Live
Black Tie White Noise
Station to Station
Blackstar
Station to Station (1976) isn't explicitly color-themed, but its cover features Bowie in stark black and white contrast. The album introduced the Thin White Duke persona. It blends funk, soul, and Krautrock influences. Source
What was the name of David Bowie's half-brother, with whom he had a complex relationship?
John Jones
Stuart Jones
Peter Edwards
Terry Burns
Terry Burns was Bowie's older half-brother. Terry's struggle with mental illness and his suicide in 1985 profoundly affected Bowie. He inspired songs like "All the Madmen." Their relationship influenced Bowie's artistic themes. Source
What is the title of Bowie's final studio album released during his lifetime?
The Next Day
Blackstar
Reality
Heathen
Blackstar was released on January 8, 2016, Bowie's 69th birthday, just two days before his death. The album's themes and title track are widely interpreted as Bowie's farewell. It received critical acclaim and won multiple Grammy Awards. Source
Which song's riff was inspired by Chuck Berry's style?
China Girl
Ashes to Ashes
The Jean Genie
Space Oddity
David Bowie said the riff for 'The Jean Genie' was inspired by Chuck Berry's boogie-woogie style and his song 'Little Queenie.' The track became a top-10 UK hit in 1973. Its raw rock sound contrasted with Bowie's glam image. Source
Where was 'Heroes' primarily recorded?
Hansa Studios in Berlin
Electric Lady Studios in New York
Abbey Road Studios in London
Trident Studios in London
'Heroes' was mostly recorded at Hansa Studios near the Berlin Wall in 1977. Bowie and Brian Eno exploited the building's echo chambers for unique sonic effects. The location contributed to the song's Cold War resonance. Source
Who designed Bowie's costumes during the 'Station to Station' era?
Yves Saint Laurent
Kansai Yamamoto
Caledon Kinder
Freddie Burretti
Costume designer Caledon Kinder created Bowie's sleek, tailored looks for the Station to Station tour and album art. These designs reflected the Thin White Duke persona's minimalist aesthetic. Kansai Yamamoto was responsible for Ziggy Stardust era costumes. Source
Before becoming David Bowie, he briefly performed under which band name with his friend George Underwood?
Davy Jones and the Shadows
Davy Jones and the Drifters
Davy Jones and the Lower Third
Davy Jones and the King Bees
David Bowie (then Davy Jones) performed with The King Bees in 1964 before going solo. George Underwood was an early collaborator and friend who later became an artist for Bowie's album covers. The name later changed to the Lower Third for his backing band. Source
In the song 'Blackstar', what literary reference appears in the lyrics?
Shakespearean quotes
Greek mythology
Biblical allusions
Beat Generation
'Blackstar' contains biblical and apocalyptic imagery, including references to Messiah and Lazarus. The lyrics are rich with religious symbolism that Bowie explored in his final days. Critics interpret it as commentary on mortality and legacy. Source
Which artist wrote a tribute song called 'Life on Mars (Reprise)' referencing Bowie?
Arcade Fire
Mick Jagger
Peter Gabriel
Radiohead
Radiohead's instrumental 'Life on Mars (Reprise)' appearing on their single 'Pyramid Song' (2001) nods to Bowie's 'Life on Mars?' though it's not an official tribute. Thom Yorke has cited Bowie as an influence. Radiohead's ethereal style parallels Bowie's experimental work. Source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Career Milestones -

    Summarize important events and album releases that defined David Bowie's evolution from Space Oddity to his final works, reinforcing your understanding of his musical journey.

  2. Identify Bowie's Personas -

    Distinguish between iconic characters like Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, and explain how each persona influenced his visual and musical style.

  3. Analyze Iconic Song Themes -

    Explore the lyrical content and concepts behind classics such as "Space Oddity" and "Heroes" to grasp the recurring motifs in Bowie's work.

  4. Evaluate Collaborations and Side Projects -

    Examine Bowie's partnerships with artists across genres and his side projects to understand how these ventures expanded his creative reach.

  5. Apply Trivia Knowledge -

    Leverage your insights into Bowie's discography, personas, and career highlights to tackle challenging quiz questions confidently.

  6. Assess Your Fan Level -

    Gauge your proficiency in David Bowie trivia to determine if you're a casual listener or a true aficionado ready to claim Rock Legend IQ status.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Ziggy Stardust Persona -

    First unveiled in 1972 on "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," Bowie's alien rock star persona blended androgynous fashion with a sci-fi storyline (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame). This ziggy stardust quiz often asks about key costume elements and narrative arcs. Use the mnemonic "ZIGGY": Zany Imagery, Glam, Galactic Yarn, Yearning to recall the core traits.

  2. Space Oddity's Breakthrough -

    Released in July 1969 to coincide with Apollo 11, "Space Oddity" became Bowie's first UK Top 5 hit (Official Charts Company). Space Oddity trivia sections frequently highlight Major Tom's storyline and how the BBC tied the single to the moon landing broadcast. Memorize "SPACE": Single, Protagonist, Apollo link, Chart success, Enduring classic.

  3. Major Hit Timeline -

    From "Changes" (1971) through "Heroes" (1977) to "Let's Dance" (1983), Bowie's evolving styles show his versatility (Billboard archives). Mastering his chart milestones is crucial for any david bowie trivia challenge. Chunk the years into "71-77-83" to anchor era-specific hits in your memory.

  4. Iconic Collaborations -

    Collaborations like "Under Pressure" with Queen (1981), "China Girl" co-written with Iggy Pop, "Fame" with John Lennon, and Nile Rodgers' production on "Let's Dance" shaped Bowie's sound (Official Discography). Fans tackling the david bowie fan quiz should remember the acronym "QUIN" (Queen, Iggy, Lennon, Nile) to name these four pillars. Each partnership reflects a unique genre fusion to spot on quiz questions.

  5. Visual Artistry & Fashion -

    Bowie's album covers (shot by Mick Rock) and stage costumes (designed by Freddie Burretti) are celebrated by the V&A museum for redefining pop aesthetics. Visuals questions in a bowie trivia quiz can focus on signature makeup looks and iconic outfits. Use "COVER": Composition, Outfits, Visuals, Era, Relevance to map his design evolution.

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