Question 1

True or false: The dance routine in 'Beat It' was choreographed by Michael Peters, who also worked on 'Thriller.'

Accepted Answer

True. Michael Peters co-choreographed both 'Beat It' and 'Thriller' with Jackson. The iconic knife-fight dance sequence was his idea, blending street moves with theatrical flair.

Question 2

True or false: Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo on 'Beat It' for free as a favor to Michael Jackson.

Accepted Answer

True. Van Halen recorded the solo in one take without pay, calling it a 'favor.' He later said he didn't want any credit or royalties, just to help out.

Question 3

True or false: 'Beat It' won a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, a category typically dominated by white artists.

Accepted Answer

True. At the 1984 Grammys, 'Beat It' won Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, a category historically won by white artists. Michael Jackson's win was a notable exception.

Question 4

True or false: The music video for 'Beat It' was directed by Steven Spielberg.

Accepted Answer

False. The video was directed by Bob Giraldi, a commercial director known for his work with Michael Jackson. Spielberg had no involvement, though they later collaborated on 'Captain EO.'

Question 5

True or false: The guitar solo in Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' was performed by Eddie Van Halen.

Accepted Answer

True. Eddie Van Halen recorded the famous two-minute guitar solo for 'Beat It' in 1983, enhancing its cross-genre appeal.

Question 6

True or false: The guitar solo on Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' was performed by rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen.

Accepted Answer

True. Eddie Van Halen recorded the solo for free as a favor to producer Quincy Jones, adding a hard rock edge to the pop track.

Question 7

True or false: 'Beat It' was banned from MTV for being too violent, until the video was re-edited.

Accepted Answer

False. This is a myth. MTV played the video heavily from its 1983 release. The rumor likely stems from earlier resistance to playing Black artists, but Jackson's Thriller broke that barrier.

Question 8

True or false: The recording of 'Beat It' includes a guitar solo performed by Eddie Van Halen.

Accepted Answer

True. Eddie Van Halen famously played the iconic guitar solo on 'Beat It,' a collaboration that boosted the song's rock crossover appeal.

Beat It Trivia Questions