The Old Grey Whistle Test

The Old Grey Whistle Test (1971-1973)

EndedVariety showMusic

The Old Grey Whistle Test is a variety music show that aired on BBC 2.

The show's focus on "serious" rock music, rather than chart hits covered on BBC1 by Top of the Pops, was emphasised by a lack of showbiz glitter: bands would often perform their songs in front of either the bare studio walls or plain wooden boards (actually the backs of set walls from other programmes filmed in the same studio).

The programme hosted many seminal acts of the era, including the first British TV performance of Bob Marley and the Wailers as well as then little-known acts of whom any early footage is now considered precious, such as Billy Joel, Judas Priest (with a long haired Rob Halford), Wishbone Ash, Judee Sill, Heart, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Whistle Test was also the British television debut of the American glam punk band New York Dolls. Although host Bob Harris derided the group as "mock rock," comparing them unfavourably to The Rolling Stones, their performance influenced the following punk rock scene such as the Sex Pistols and The Clash as well as alternative bands like R.E.M. and The Smiths and the glam metal scene of the 1980s.

Streaming

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Networks
Scheduleevery Tuesday (45 min)

Last Episode

Golden Earring, Loudon Wainwright III
Season 2Episode 3845 min

Golden Earring, Loudon Wainwright III

May 29, 1973

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S02E38Golden Earring, Loudon Wainwright IIIMay 29, 1973
S02E36Roy Buchanan, Jan Akkerman, Lean Russell, B. B. KingMay 15, 1973
S02E35AlaquinMay 8, 1973
S02E34The Wailers, Pete AtkinMay 1, 1973
S02E33Birtha, John David SoutherApr 24, 1973
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When was the premiere of The Old Grey Whistle Test?

The Old Grey Whistle Test premiered on September 21, 1971.

What was the show's concept?

The show's concept was to feature live performances by rock bands and solo artists in a studio setting, as well as interviews with musicians.

Who were the hosts of The Old Grey Whistle Test?

The show had a rotating cast of hosts that included Richard Williams, Bob Harris, Annie Nightingale, and David Hepworth, among others.

What was the significance of the show's name?

The name "The Old Grey Whistle Test" was a reference to a Tin Pan Alley tradition in which a song's demo would be played to an executive who would then hum the tune and, if they could remember it, it passed the "old grey whistle test."

How long were the performances on the show?

Most performances on the show were between 15 and 20 minutes long.

What was the show's target audience?

The show's target audience was primarily young adults and music enthusiasts.

What was Ian Anderson's memorable performance on the show?

Ian Anderson's memorable performance on the show was in 1972 when he performed "My God" with Jethro Tull, complete with a theatrical performance that included a black cape and an introduction with a church bell.

Which Led Zeppelin album did the band preview on the show?

Led Zeppelin previewed their album "IV" on the show in 1971, performing "Black Dog" and "Stairway to Heaven" among others.

What was a unique aspect of the show's set design?

The show's set design featured a railway station clock and a railway car-style backdrop, which conveyed the sense that the show was a "journey through rock."

Which famous song did Bob Marley perform on the show in 1973?

Bob Marley performed his hit song "I Shot the Sheriff" on the show in 1973.

Also known as

  • Whistle Test

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