The Old Grey Whistle Test
TV ShowEnded

The Old Grey Whistle Test

7.5 / 10
1971
16 seasons
558 episodes

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.

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Cast

Seasons

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.

  • Ep 1

    1.Season 1, Episode 1

    21-09-197160m
  • Ep 2

    2.Season 1, Episode 2

    28-09-197160m
  • Ep 3

    3.Season 1, Episode 3

    05-10-197160m
  • Ep 4

    4.Season 1, Episode 4

    12-10-197160m
  • Ep 5

    5.Season 1, Episode 5

    19-10-197160m
  • Ep 6

    6.Season 1, Episode 6

    26-10-197160m
  • Ep 7

    7.Season 1, Episode 7

    02-11-197160m
  • Ep 8

    8.Season 1, Episode 8

    09-11-197160m
  • Ep 9

    9.Season 1, Episode 9

    16-11-197160m
  • Ep 10

    10.0Season 1, Episode 10

    23-11-197160m
  • Ep 11

    11.The Move

    30-11-197160m

    The Move performed two songs, Ella James and The Words of Aaron

  • Ep 12

    12.Series 1, Episode 12

    07-12-197160m
  • Ep 13

    13.Series 1, Episode 13

    14-12-197160m
  • Ep 14

    14.Series 1, Episode 14

    28-12-197160m
  • Ep 15

    15.Series 1, Episode 15

    04-01-197260m
  • Ep 16

    16.Series 1, Episode 16

    11-01-197260m
  • Ep 17

    17.Series 1, Episode 17

    18-01-197260m
  • Ep 18

    18.Series 1, Episode 18

    25-01-197260m
  • Ep 19

    19.Poco

    01-02-197260m
  • Ep 20

    20.Bowie

    08-02-197260m
  • Ep 21

    21.Series 1, Episode 21

    15-02-197260m
  • Ep 22

    22.Series 1, Episode 22

    22-02-197260m
  • Ep 23

    23.Series 1, Episode 23

    29-02-197260m
  • Ep 24

    24.Series 1, Episode 24

    07-03-197260m
  • Ep 25

    25.Series 1, Episode 25

    14-03-197260m
  • Ep 26

    26.Series 1, Episode 26

    21-03-197260m
  • Ep 27

    27.Series 1, Episode 27

    28-03-197260m
  • Ep 28

    28.Kevin Ayers

    04-04-197260m
  • Ep 29

    29.Series 1, Episode 29

    11-04-197260m
  • Ep 30

    30.Series 1, Episode 30

    18-04-197260m
  • Ep 31

    31.Jerry Lee Lewis

    25-04-197260m
  • Ep 32

    32.Series 1, Episode 32

    02-05-197260m
  • Ep 33

    33.Series 1, Episode 33

    09-05-197260m
  • Ep 34

    34.The Beach Boys

    16-05-197260m

    "You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone"

  • Ep 35

    35.Series 1, Episode 35

    23-05-197260m
  • Ep 36

    36.Series 1, Episode 36

    30-05-197260m
  • Ep 37

    37.Series 1, Episode 37

    06-06-197260m
  • Ep 38

    38.Series 1, Episode 38

    13-06-197260m
  • Ep 39

    39.Series 1, Episode 39

    20-06-197260m
  • Ep 40

    40.Series 1, Episode 40

    27-06-197260m
  • Ep 41

    41.Series 1, Episode 41

    04-07-197260m
  • Ep 42

    42.Rolling Stones

    11-07-197260m

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