Special Sub-Topic: Cryptic Crossword Clues of Classic Rock Click Here To Play: Cryptic Crossword Clues of Classic Rock

Do others get confused at cryptics as well? (3,5)

The Doors. For this question, the indicator word is "confused," indicating an anagram. "Do others" is an anagram of "The Doors." Fronted by lead singer Jim Morrison, The Doors were a highly popular band in the late 60s and early 70s until Morrison's tragic death in 1971. Their hit songs include "Break on Through" and "Light My Fire."

Initiate Al Capone's deadly crime (4)

AC/DC&ACDC&AC DC&AC / DC. Here the indicator word is "initiate," telling the player that the answer lies in the initials to words in the clue. "Al Capone's deadly crime" can be initialized A.C.D.C., revealing the answer of the band AC/DC. Initially led by singer Bon Scott and guitarist Angus Young, AC/DC were rock and roll pioneers with hits such as "TNT" and "Highway to Hell". After Bon Scott died in 1980, the band had continued success with singer Brian Johnson with hits "Back in Black" and "Thunderstruck."

Ellen Zipped up her jacket in preparation for a flurry of snow (3,8)

Led Zeppelin. This clue's indicator word is "flurry," indicating an anagram clue. "Ellen Zipped" is an anagram of "Led Zeppelin." Considered by many to be the greatest hard rock band of all time, Led Zeppelin consisted of singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. For one show in 1970, they called themselves "The Nobs" in order to avoid legal action from Eva von Zeppelin, relative of the airship creator, because of her anger against an album cover showing a crashing zeppelin.

Does Mayberry TV barber get red and white barber pole mixed? (4,5)

Pink Floyd. This is a double definition clue, indicated by the question mark at the end. "Mayberry TV barber" refers to Floyd the Barber, a character on "The Andy Griffith Show," played by Howard McNear. Red and white when mixed results in pink. Pink Floyd was an English rock band originally led by Syd Barrett, as well as Nick Mason and Roger Waters. Legend has it that if their album "Dark Side of the Moon" is played in concert with the film "The Wizard of Oz," the music lyrics match the events of the movie.

Because he did not mix with a bad crowd, the elf graduated college (3,8,4)

The Grateful Dead. The indicator word here is "mix," indicating an anagram clue. For this clue, "The elf graduated" is an anagram of "The Grateful Dead." Led by singer Bob Weir and guitarist Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead developed a large underground following of fans who refer to themselves as "Deadheads." Garcia, who passed in 1995, is the namesake of Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor "Cherry Garcia."

Diminutive English regent loses weight? (4,5)

Thin Lizzy. The question mark is an indication of a cryptic definition clue. Here, "Diminutive English Regent" refers to either Queen Elizabeth I or II, and the diminutive form of Elizabeth, Lizzy. "Loses weight" is in the clue to define thin. Led by singer Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy came to fame with their 1976 hit song "The Boys are Back in Town."

The landlord had mixed evidence, but still wanted to evict Drew, a clearance reveler, for spending all his money on clothing sales instead of rent. (9,10,7)

Creedence Clearwater Revival. Here "mixed" indicates an anagram clue. "Evict Drew, a clearance reveler" is an anagram of "Creedence Clearwater Revival." Creedence consisted of singer John Fogerty, his brother and guitarist Tom Fogerty, bass player Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford. Creedence had several southern rock hits such as "Fortunate Son," "Bad Moon Rising," and "Proud Mary" to name a few.

Matthew houses the answer to this clue. (3,3)

The Who. This is a hidden word clue, indicated by "housed." The last four letters of Matthew combined with the first two letters of housed can be put together to form "The Who." Known for their explosive stage presence - literally once when drummer Keith Moon was injured on stage by pyrotechnics - The Who had several hits including the first rock opera, "Tommy."

If sleeping, do not stir the obese swine? (6)

Foghat. This is a combined double definition and anagram clue, indicated by the question mark and the word "stir." "Obese swine" can be a double definition of "fat hog," which in turn is an anagram of "Foghat." Foghat gained fame with their biggest hit, "Slow Ride."

Can Rachel eventually accept my initial proposal? (5)

Cream. The indicator word "initial" points toward an initialism. In this clue, the first letters of "Can Rachel eventually accept my" spell out Cream. Cream was an English blues-rock band, consisting of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce. They had several hit songs including "White Room," "Crossroads," and "Sunshine of Your Love." Hope you enjoyed my quiz! To give credit where credit is due, I had some assistance with this Internet anagram server: http://wordsmith.org/anagram/index.html