Fun Boy Three special

Episode 2

Level 42

Tom Robinson & The Crew

The Smiths

Aztec Camera

Pick of the Year

Paul Young and the Royal Family

Episode 9

Red Guitars / Gary Moore

Episode 11

Episode 12

Episode 13

Icicle Works in concert

Episode 15

Episode 16

Episode 17

Episode 18

Episode 19

Episode 20

1983/4

That Was The Whistle Test That Was

The Old Grey Whistle Test

BBC Two

1971/2

1972/3

1973/4

1974/5

1975/6

1976/7

1977/8

1978/9

1979/80

1980/81

1981/2

1982/3

1984/5

1985/6

1986/7

Specials

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.