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

Watch Now

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
S02E35Episode 35May 8, 1973
S02E34The Wailers, Pete Atkin, Yes, Bob MarleyMay 1, 1973
S02E33Birtha, John David Souther, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin GayeApr 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

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Tracker
Running

Tracker

Tracker features lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw, who roams the country as a "reward seeker," using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement to solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.

GenreDrama, Action, Crime
The Terror
Running

The Terror

The Terror is an American anthology television series exploring historical speculative fiction based on true events.

The series is named after Dan Simmons's 2007 novel, which serves as the basis for the first season and is a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to the Arctic in 1845–1848.

The second season, subtitled Infamy, bears no relation to the book or first season and is mostly set in an American-run Japanese internment camp during World War II.

GenreDrama, Horror, Thriller
Fallout
Running

Fallout

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout is the story of haves and have nots in a world in which there's almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, a peaceful denizen from a cozy fallout shelter is forced to return to the surface and is shocked to discover the wasteland waiting for her.

GenreDrama, Action, Science-Fiction
Elsbeth
Running

Elsbeth

Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner, a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke, a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth's insightful and offbeat ways.

GenreDrama, Comedy, Crime
The Rookie
Running

The Rookie

The Rookie is inspired by a true story. John Nolan is the oldest rookie in the LAPD. At an age where most are at the peak of their career, Nolan cast aside his comfortable, small town life and moved to L.A. to pursue his dream of being a cop. Now, surrounded by rookies twenty years his junior, Nolan must navigate the dangerous, humorous and unpredictable world of a "young" cop, determined to make his second shot at life count.

GenreDrama, Comedy, Crime
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!