‘Rolling Stones’ in Concert

Episode 2

Joan Armatrading / Harry Chaplin

Episode 4

Dr. Hook

The Runaways

James Taylor & Carly Simon

Episode 8

Cher & Greg Allman

‘Southside Johnny & The Ashury Dukes’ in Concert

Tyla Gang / Don McLean / Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers / Warsaw Pakt / Steve Hillage

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 14

The Kinks’ Christmas Concert

Ramones

Picks of Last Years Bunch

‘John Martyn’ Special

Episode 19

Episode 20

Talking Heads / Fabulous Poodles

Adverts / Jim Capaldi / Styx / Dusty Springfield

XTV / Radio Stars English

‘Dickie Betts & Great Southern’ in Concert

Episode 25

Episode 26

Billy Joel

‘Graham Parker & The Rumour’ in Concert

Cheap Trick

Episode 30

Episode 31

Episode 32

Episode 33

Dire Straits

The Jam

Episode 36

‘Randy Newman’ in Concert

Episode 38

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in concert

1977/8

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

1978/9

1979/80

1980/81

1981/2

1982/3

1983/4

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.