The Old Grey Whistle Test poster

The Old Grey Whistle Test

1971–1987

The Old Grey Whistle Test is an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years before. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys—doormen in grey suits. The songs they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.

First aired
21 Sep 1971
Episode length
60 min
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Elsewhere
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Seasons · 558 episodes

  • 1971/2

    Season 1 · 1971

    The first series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on 21st September 1971 and concluded on 11th July 1972 for a total of 43 episodes.

  • 1972/3

    Season 2 · 1972

    The second series of The Old Grey Whistle Test started on 12th September 1972, concluding on 31st July 1973 with a total of 49 Episodes

  • 1973/4

    Season 3 · 1973

    The third series of The Old Grey Whistle Test started on 25th September 1973, concluding on 9th July 1974 for a total of 43 episodes.

  • 1974/5

    Season 4 · 1974

    The forth series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on 24th September 1974, finishing on 26ht Jul 1975 for a total of 42 episodes.

  • 1975/6

    Season 5 · 1975

  • 1976/7

    Season 6 · 1976

  • 1977/8

    Season 7 · 1977

    The seventh series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on the 20th September 1977, concluding on 20th Jun 1987 and containing 39 episodes.

  • 1978/9

    Season 8 · 1978