Q 01/05

Which blockbuster, after seven weeks at number one, did the film Purple Rain knock off the top of the US box office?

A) Gremlins

B) Ghostbusters

C) Footloose

D) Police Academy

Answer · why

B) Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters took the top spot straight back a week later, in its ninth weekend on release. Purple Rain still earned almost ten times its $7.2 million...

Q 02/05

Which singer was sent a ten-minute instrumental of Purple Rain to write lyrics for, but felt too overwhelmed?

A) Stevie Nicks

B) Joni Mitchell

C) Kate Bush

D) Chaka Khan

Answer · why

A) Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks listened to the tape and told Prince it was too much for her. He then worked the song up with his band in a single six-hour rehearsal.

Q 03/05

At which 2007 event in Florida did Prince close his set with Purple Rain just as a real downpour began?

A) The Grammy Awards

B) Live Earth

C) The Super Bowl

D) The Orange Bowl

Answer · why

C) The Super Bowl

The Super Bowl had never had rain during a halftime show before. Prince is said to have asked the producers whether they could make it rain harder.

Q 04/05

Which political spouse co-founded a music watchdog group in 1985 after hearing her daughter play a Purple Rain track?

A) Nancy Reagan

B) Barbara Bush

C) Elizabeth Dole

D) Tipper Gore

Answer · why

D) Tipper Gore

Tipper Gore's group, the PMRC, put that track first on its list of fifteen objectionable songs. Her husband, then a senator, later became vice preside...

Q 05/05

Which company built the customized motorcycle that Prince rides in the film Purple Rain and on the album cover?

A) Triumph

B) Honda

C) Yamaha

D) Ducati

Answer · why

B) Honda

Honda built the bike, a modest CM400A Hondamatic that was customized for the film. The riding scenes were shot on a road along the Minnesota River.