The Old Grey Whistle Test

tv show

poster for The Old Grey Whistle Test

558 total episodes

-

16 seasons

First Aired September 21, 1971

Overview

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.

1981/2 poster unavailable

1981/2

29 episodes

Air Date

October 01, 1981

Overview

The eleventh series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on the 1st October 1981, concluding after 29 episodes on 10th June 1982.

Cast