The Old Grey Whistle Test 1971
★ TMDB users: 8.3/10 from 3 votes 16 seasons · 558 eps Ended
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Quick answer
What is The Old Grey Whistle Test?
The Old Grey Whistle Test is a BBC2 television music show that took over the late night slot from a previous program. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers and ran on BBC2 from 1971 to 1987.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1971
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 558
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- First aired
- Sep 21, 1971
- Last aired
- Apr 22, 1987
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC Two
- Updated
Series guide
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 8.3/10 from 3 votes
- Format
- 16 seasons · 558 episodes
- Episode runtime
- ~60 minutes
- Status
- Ended
- Network
- BBC Two
Planning tool
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
The Old Grey Whistle Test is a BBC2 television music show that took over the late night slot from a previous program. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers and ran on BBC2 from 1971 to 1987. The show's name is derived from a Tin Pan Alley phrase referring to doormen in grey suits who could remember and whistle songs after hearing them only once or twice. The Old Grey Whistle Test was known for featuring non-chart music, and it was described as the most resolutely serious music program ever broadcast on television. The show was launched from a tiny studio at BBC Television Centre and became a UK institution, offering a more sensible and older alternative to other music programs.
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Should you watch it?
“Discover the influential BBC2 music show that became a television institution from 1971 to 1987.”
Reasons to watch
- Features non-chart music
- Devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers
Keep in mind
- Resolutely serious tone may not suit all viewers
Watch it if you want to explore an influential late-night music show from the BBC2 archives.
The show is described as a resolutely serious music program.
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Cast
Comprehensive Directory
Episode guide
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Season 1 · 42 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →- E1 Season 1, Episode 1 Mytharc Sep 21, 1971
- E2 Season 1, Episode 2 Core Sep 28, 1971
- E3 Season 1, Episode 3 Core Oct 5, 1971
- E4 Season 1, Episode 4 Core Oct 12, 1971
- E5 Season 1, Episode 5 Core Oct 19, 1971
- E6 Season 1, Episode 6 Core Oct 26, 1971
- E7 Season 1, Episode 7 Core Nov 2, 1971
- E8 Season 1, Episode 8 Core Nov 9, 1971
- E9 Season 1, Episode 9 Core Nov 16, 1971
- E10 0Season 1, Episode 10 Core Nov 23, 1971
- E11 The Move Core Nov 30, 1971
- E12 Series 1, Episode 12 Core Dec 7, 1971
- E13 Series 1, Episode 13 Core Dec 14, 1971
- E14 Series 1, Episode 14 Core Dec 28, 1971
- E15 Series 1, Episode 15 Core Jan 4, 1972
- E16 Series 1, Episode 16 Core Jan 11, 1972
- E17 Series 1, Episode 17 Core Jan 18, 1972
- E18 Series 1, Episode 18 Core Jan 25, 1972
- E19 Poco Core Feb 1, 1972
- E20 Bowie Core Feb 8, 1972
- E21 Series 1, Episode 21 Core Feb 15, 1972
- E22 Series 1, Episode 22 Core Feb 22, 1972
- E23 Series 1, Episode 23 Core Feb 29, 1972
- E24 Series 1, Episode 24 Core Mar 7, 1972
- E25 Series 1, Episode 25 Core Mar 14, 1972
- E26 Series 1, Episode 26 Core Mar 21, 1972
- E27 Series 1, Episode 27 Core Mar 28, 1972
- E28 Kevin Ayers Core Apr 4, 1972
- E29 Series 1, Episode 29 Core Apr 11, 1972
- E30 Series 1, Episode 30 Core Apr 18, 1972
- E31 Jerry Lee Lewis Core Apr 25, 1972
- E32 Series 1, Episode 32 Core May 2, 1972
- E33 Series 1, Episode 33 Core May 9, 1972
- E34 The Beach Boys Core May 16, 1972
- E35 Series 1, Episode 35 Core May 23, 1972
- E36 Series 1, Episode 36 Core May 30, 1972
- E37 Series 1, Episode 37 Core Jun 6, 1972
- E38 Series 1, Episode 38 Core Jun 13, 1972
- E39 Series 1, Episode 39 Core Jun 20, 1972
- E40 Series 1, Episode 40 Core Jun 27, 1972
- E41 Series 1, Episode 41 Mytharc Jul 4, 1972
- E42 Rolling Stones Mytharc Jul 11, 1972
Season 2 · 49 episodes
Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →- E1 Series 2, Episode 1 Mytharc Sep 12, 1972
- E2 Series 2, Episode 2 Core Sep 19, 1972
- E3 Series 2, Episode 3 Core Sep 26, 1972
- E4 Series 2, Episode 4 Core Oct 3, 1972
- E5 Series 2, Episode 5 Core Oct 10, 1972
- E6 Series 2, Episode 6 Core Oct 17, 1972
- E7 Birtha / Mike Hugg / Rick Wakeman Core Oct 24, 1972
- E8 Series 2, Episode 8 Core Oct 31, 1972
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 7, 1972
- E10 Series 2, Episode 10 Core Nov 15, 1972
- E11 Series 2, Episode 11 Core Nov 21, 1972
- E12 Series 2, Episode 12 Core Nov 28, 1972
- E13 Series 2, Episode 13 Core Dec 5, 1972
- E14 Focus Core Dec 12, 1972
- E15 Series 2, Episode 15 Core Dec 19, 1972
- E16 Boxing Day Compilation Core Dec 26, 1972
- E17 Genesis Core Jan 2, 1973
- E18 J Geils Band / Joan Armatrading / David Geffen / Captain Beefheart / Barclay James Harvest / Exuma Core Jan 9, 1973
- E19 Series 2, Episode 19 Core Mar 16, 1973
- E20 Roberta Flack / Mike Absalom / The Rolling Stones / Frank Zappa Core Jan 23, 1973
- E21 The Who / Claire Hammill / Shawn Phillips / Status Quo Core Jan 30, 1973
- E22 Sharks Core Feb 6, 1973
- E23 Rory Gallagher / Duncan Browne / Bette Midler / Loggins & Messina Core Feb 13, 1973
- E24 Strawbs / Judee Sill Core Feb 20, 1973
- E25 Tony McPhee / Tassavallan / Donovan / Mickie Most / Country Joe MacDonald Core Feb 27, 1973
- E26 Argent / Shawn Phillips / Sha Na Na / Roy Buchanan Core Mar 6, 1973
- E27 Roger Daltrey / John Martyn / John Lennon & Yoko Ono / Edgar Winter Band Core Mar 13, 1973
- E28 Humble Pie / Ry Cooder / Led Zeppelin / Deliverance Core Mar 20, 1973
- E29 Episode 29 Core Mar 27, 1973
- E30 Roxy Music Core Apr 3, 1973
- E31 Episode 31 Core Apr 10, 1973
- E32 Episode 32 Core Apr 17, 1973
- E33 Birtha / John David Southern Core Apr 24, 1973
- E34 The Wailers Core May 1, 1973
- E35 Yes: Live in Concert Core May 1, 1973
- E36 Alaquin Core May 8, 1973
- E37 American Blues Legends Live in Concert Core May 8, 1973
- E38 Roy Bucchanan Core May 15, 1973
- E39 Leon Russell / BB King Core May 15, 1973
- E40 Nazareth / Harvey Andrews / Camel / The Eagles / Del Shannon Core May 22, 1973
- E41 Cream Core May 29, 1973
- E42 Episode 42 Core Jun 5, 1973
- E43 Focus: Live in Concert Core Jun 5, 1973
- E44 John Entwistle - Kevin Ayers - Slick & Kanter - Seals & Crofts Core Jun 12, 1973
- E45 Terry Reid - Del Shannon - Strider - Mike Oldfield - Pete Sinfield Core Jun 19, 1973
- E46 Episode 46 Core Jul 10, 1973
- E47 Edgar Winter Group / Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee / Alan Hull Core Jul 17, 1973
- E48 Johnny Rivers / Drifters / Pete Sinfield Mytharc Jul 24, 1973
- E49 Freddie King / Dr John / Doobie Brothers / Blue Mytharc Jul 31, 1973
Season 3 · 43 episodes
Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →- E1 Blue / Jim Croce Mytharc Sep 25, 1973
- E2 Reggae in Edinburgh special Core Sep 25, 1973
- E3 Rolling Stones / Country Gazette / Leo Kottke Core Oct 2, 1973
- E4 Leo Sayer / Don McLean Core Oct 9, 1973
- E5 Bloodstone / John Martyn Core Oct 16, 1973
- E6 Episode 6 Core Oct 23, 1973
- E7 Episode 7 Core Oct 30, 1973
- E8 Brinsley Schwarz / Gallagher & Lyle / Golden Earring Core Nov 6, 1973
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 13, 1973
- E10 Clifford T Ward / Greenslade / Stealers Wheel / Man / Bees Make Honey Core Nov 20, 1973
- E11 New York Dolls / Michael Chapman / B.B. King Core Nov 27, 1973
- E12 Hudson Ford / Gordon Giltrap / Mickey Dolenz Core Dec 4, 1973
- E13 Richie Havens Core Dec 11, 1973
- E14 Sensational Alex Harvey Band / Rita Coolige / Kris Kristofferson / Linda Lewis / Jackson Browne / Billy Preston Core Dec 20, 1973
- E15 Emerson, Lake & Palmer Core Dec 26, 1973
- E16 Episode 16 Core Jan 1, 1974
- E17 Dave Mason Core Jan 13, 1974
- E18 Sutherland Bros and Quiver / Ralph McTell / Ducks Deluxe Core Jan 20, 1974
- E19 Episode 19 Core Jan 27, 1974
- E20 Stevie Wonder / Doobie Brothers / Neil Sedaka Core Feb 3, 1974
- E21 Pete Berryman / Cockney Rebel / Marshall Tucker Band Core Feb 10, 1974
- E22 Horslips / Roy Harper / Joe Walsh / Maggie Bell Core Feb 17, 1974
- E23 Babe Ruth / Argent / Loggins and Messina / Cheech and Chong / Steve Howe / Rick Wakeman / Cousin Joe / Bonnie Raitt Core Feb 24, 1974
- E24 Canned Heat / Van Morrison / Bill Haley / Alquin Core Feb 26, 1974
- E25 Episode 25 Core Mar 10, 1974
- E26 Rab Noakes / Chic Corea / Stefan Grossman Core Mar 12, 1974
- E27 Saffrons / Stefan Grossman Core Mar 19, 1974
- E28 Lindisfarne / Isotope / Sharks / Alice Cooper Core Mar 26, 1974
- E29 Cashman & West / Argent / Cat Stevens Core Apr 3, 1974
- E30 Strawbs / Judi Pulver / Jobraith Core Apr 10, 1974
- E31 Jesse Colin Young / Robin Trower Core Apr 17, 1974
- E32 Episode 32 Core Apr 24, 1974
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 1, 1974
- E34 Beckett / Graham Nash / Bill Wyman Core May 8, 1974
- E35 Nazareth / James Griffin / Lesley Duncan / Tangerine Dream Core May 14, 1974
- E36 Montrose / Tim Buckley / James Gang / Black Oak Arkansas Core May 21, 1974
- E37 Van Morrison in concert Core May 28, 1974
- E38 Episode 38 Core Jun 4, 1974
- E39 The Butts Band / Bridget St. John / Groundhogs / Pink Floyd Core Jun 11, 1974
- E40 Captain Beefheart / Dory Previn / Paul Simon Core Jun 18, 1974
- E41 Heavy Metal Kids / Pete Atkin / Ian Hunter / Loudon Wainwright III / JSD Band Core Jun 25, 1974
- E42 Elton John / Dobie Gray / Adam Faith / Stevie Wonder Mytharc Jul 9, 1974
- E43 Rolling Stones, 1965 US tour film Mytharc Jul 9, 1974
Season 4 · 42 episodes
Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →- E1 Arlo Guthrie / Loudon Wainwright III / Richard Digance / Planxty Mytharc Sep 24, 1974
- E2 Wally / The Rolling Stones Core Oct 1, 1974
- E3 Episode 3 Core Oct 8, 1974
- E4 Episode 4 Core Oct 15, 1974
- E5 Episode 5 Core Oct 22, 1974
- E6 Episode 6 Core Oct 29, 1974
- E7 Episode 7 Core Nov 5, 1974
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 12, 1974
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 19, 1974
- E10 Episode 10 Core Nov 26, 1974
- E11 Episode 11 Core Dec 3, 1974
- E12 Elton John Christmas Concert Core Dec 24, 1974
- E13 Ace / Leo Sayer / Doobie Brothers / Van Morrison Core Dec 31, 1974
- E14 Episode 14 Core Jan 10, 1975
- E15 Episode 15 Core Jan 17, 1975
- E16 Episode 16 Core Jan 24, 1975
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 31, 1975
- E18 Episode 18 Core Feb 7, 1975
- E19 Episode 19 Core Feb 13, 1975
- E20 Episode 20 Core Feb 21, 1975
- E21 Episode 21 Core Feb 28, 1975
- E22 Episode 22 Core Mar 7, 1975
- E23 Dr. Feelgood Core Mar 14, 1975
- E24 Nutz Core Mar 21, 1975
- E25 Billy Cobham Core Mar 28, 1975
- E26 Episode 26 Core Apr 4, 1975
- E27 Episode 27 Core Apr 11, 1975
- E28 Episode 28 Core Apr 18, 1975
- E29 Judas Priest Core Apr 25, 1975
- E30 Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show Core May 2, 1975
- E31 David Gates / Seals & Croft Core May 9, 1975
- E32 Episode 32 Core May 16, 1975
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 23, 1975
- E34 Episode 34 Core May 30, 1975
- E35 ‘Jack Bruce Band’ Special Core Jun 3, 1975
- E36 Episode 36 Core Jun 14, 1975
- E37 Episode 37 Core Jun 21, 1975
- E38 Episode 38 Core Jun 28, 1975
- E39 Episode 39 Core Jul 5, 1975
- E40 Moonrider / John Dawson Band Core Jul 12, 1975
- E41 Episode 41 Mytharc Jul 19, 1975
- E42 ‘Yes’ in Concert Mytharc Jul 22, 1975
Season 5 · 35 episodes
Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →- E1 John Lennon interview in New York Mytharc Sep 30, 1975
- E2 Episode 2 Core Oct 7, 1975
- E3 Episode 3 Core Oct 14, 1975
- E4 John Mayall Core Oct 21, 1975
- E5 Freddie King / Jack the Lad Core Oct 28, 1975
- E6 Episode 6 Core Nov 4, 1975
- E7 Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert Core Nov 11, 1975
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 18, 1975
- E9 Dr. Hook special Core Nov 25, 1975
- E10 Episode 10 Core Dec 2, 1975
- E11 Episode 11 Core Dec 9, 1975
- E12 Ace / Strawbs Core Dec 16, 1975
- E13 Queen in concert Core Dec 24, 1975
- E14 Pick of the Year Core Dec 31, 1975
- E15 Episode 15 Core Jan 6, 1976
- E16 Episode 16 Core Jan 13, 1976
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 20, 1976
- E18 Supertramp in Concert Core Jan 27, 1976
- E19 Episode 19 Core Feb 3, 1976
- E20 Episode 20 Core Feb 10, 1976
- E21 Episode 21 Core Feb 17, 1976
- E22 Episode 22 Core Feb 24, 1976
- E23 Rory Gallagher Core Mar 2, 1976
- E24 Episode 24 Core Mar 9, 1976
- E25 Return to Forever Core Mar 16, 1976
- E26 Bonnie Raitt Core Mar 23, 1976
- E27 Jim Capaldi & The Space Cadets Core Mar 30, 1976
- E28 Episode 28 Core Apr 6, 1976
- E29 Episode 29 Core Apr 13, 1976
- E30 Ozark Mountain Daredevils Core Apr 20, 1976
- E31 Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble Core Apr 27, 1976
- E32 Episode 32 Core May 4, 1976
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 11, 1976
- E34 Daryl Hall & John Oates Mytharc May 18, 1976
- E35 Nils Lofgren & Band Mytharc May 25, 1976
Season 6 · 36 episodes
Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →- E1 Bob Dylan Mytharc Sep 28, 1976
- E2 Episode 2 Core Oct 5, 1976
- E3 Janis Ian Core Oct 12, 1976
- E4 Episode 4 Core Oct 19, 1976
- E5 Peter Frampton Core Oct 26, 1976
- E6 Episode 6 Core Nov 2, 1976
- E7 Ralph McTell Core Nov 9, 1976
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 16, 1976
- E9 Linda Ronstadt Core Nov 23, 1976
- E10 Episode 10 Core Nov 30, 1976
- E11 Jackson Browne Core Dec 7, 1976
- E12 Heart / Racing Cars Core Dec 14, 1976
- E13 Macon Whoppee (Capricorn Summer Picnic) Core Dec 21, 1976
- E14 Rod Stewart in concert Core Dec 24, 1976
- E15 Pick of the Year Core Dec 31, 1976
- E16 Episode 16 Core Jan 4, 1977
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 11, 1977
- E18 The Eleventh House Core Jan 18, 1977
- E19 Ry Cooder & The Chicken Skin Band Core Feb 1, 1977
- E20 Average White Band Core Feb 8, 1977
- E21 Episode 21 Core Feb 15, 1977
- E22 Manhattan Transfer Core Feb 22, 1977
- E23 Episode 23 Core Mar 1, 1977
- E24 Episode 24 Core Mar 8, 1977
- E25 Andrew Gold Core Mar 15, 1977
- E26 The Kinks Core Mar 29, 1977
- E27 Bandit Core Apr 5, 1977
- E28 Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band Core Apr 12, 1977
- E29 Episode 29 Core Apr 19, 1977
- E30 The Kinks Core Apr 26, 1977
- E31 Episode 31 Core May 3, 1977
- E32 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Core May 10, 1977
- E33 Dory Previn in concert Core May 17, 1977
- E34 George Benson / Udio Lindberg Core May 24, 1977
- E35 Episode 35 Mytharc May 31, 1977
- E36 Eric Clapton Mytharc Jun 7, 1977
Season 7 · 39 episodes
Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →- E1 ‘Rolling Stones’ in Concert Mytharc Sep 20, 1977
- E2 Episode 2 Core Sep 27, 1977
- E3 Joan Armatrading / Harry Chaplin Core Oct 4, 1977
- E4 Episode 4 Core Oct 11, 1977
- E5 Dr. Hook Core Oct 18, 1977
- E6 The Runaways Core Oct 25, 1977
- E7 James Taylor & Carly Simon Core Nov 1, 1977
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 8, 1977
- E9 Cher & Greg Allman Core Nov 15, 1977
- E10 ‘Southside Johnny & The Ashury Dukes’ in Concert Core Nov 22, 1977
- E11 Tyla Gang / Don McLean / Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers / Warsaw Pakt / Steve Hillage Core Nov 29, 1977
- E12 Episode 12 Core Dec 6, 1977
- E13 Episode 13 Core Dec 13, 1977
- E14 Episode 14 Core Dec 20, 1977
- E15 The Kinks’ Christmas Concert Core Dec 24, 1977
- E16 Ramones Core Jan 3, 1978
- E17 Picks of Last Years Bunch Core Jan 5, 1978
- E18 ‘John Martyn’ Special Core Jan 10, 1978
- E19 Episode 19 Core Jan 17, 1978
- E20 Episode 20 Core Jan 24, 1978
- E21 Talking Heads / Fabulous Poodles Core Jan 31, 1978
- E22 Adverts / Jim Capaldi / Styx / Dusty Springfield Core Feb 7, 1978
- E23 XTV / Radio Stars English Core Feb 14, 1978
- E24 ‘Dickie Betts & Great Southern’ in Concert Core Feb 21, 1978
- E25 Episode 25 Core Feb 28, 1978
- E26 Episode 26 Core Mar 7, 1978
- E27 Billy Joel Core Mar 14, 1978
- E28 ‘Graham Parker & The Rumour’ in Concert Core Mar 21, 1978
- E29 Cheap Trick Core Mar 28, 1978
- E30 Episode 30 Core Apr 4, 1978
- E31 Episode 31 Core Apr 11, 1978
- E32 Episode 32 Core May 2, 1978
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 9, 1978
- E34 Dire Straits Core May 16, 1978
- E35 The Jam Core May 23, 1978
- E36 Episode 36 Core May 30, 1978
- E37 ‘Randy Newman’ in Concert Core Jun 6, 1978
- E38 Episode 38 Mytharc Jun 13, 1978
- E39 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in concert Mytharc Jun 20, 1978
Season 8 · 37 episodes
Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →- E1 Ramones Mytharc Sep 19, 1978
- E2 Rezillos / Steven Bishop Core Sep 26, 1978
- E3 The Police Core Oct 3, 1978
- E4 Jethro Tull in concert Core Oct 9, 1978
- E5 Episode 5 Core Oct 17, 1978
- E6 Siouxsie and the Banshees / The Cars / John Cooper Clarke / Steely Dan / Peter Tosh with Mick Jagger Core Oct 24, 1978
- E7 Episode 7 Core Oct 31, 1978
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 7, 1978
- E9 Buzzcocks Core Nov 14, 1978
- E10 Devo Core Nov 28, 1978
- E11 X-Ray Spex Core Dec 5, 1978
- E12 Muddy Waters / Devo Core Dec 12, 1978
- E13 Episode 13 Core Dec 19, 1978
- E14 Rod Stewart in concert Core Dec 24, 1978
- E15 Pick of the Year, Part 1 Mytharc Dec 30, 1978
- E16 Pick of the Year, Part 2 Mytharc Dec 31, 1978
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 2, 1979
- E18 Episode 18 Core Jan 9, 1979
- E19 Episode 19 Core Jan 16, 1979
- E20 Emerson, Lake & Palmer special Core Jan 23, 1979
- E21 Episode 21 Core Jan 30, 1979
- E22 Episode 22 Core Feb 13, 1979
- E23 Episode 23 Core Feb 20, 1979
- E24 Episode 24 Core Feb 27, 1979
- E25 Episode 25 Core Mar 6, 1979
- E26 Episode 26 Core Mar 13, 1979
- E27 Episode 27 Core Mar 20, 1979
- E28 Episode 28 Core Mar 27, 1979
- E29 Episode 29 Core Apr 3, 1979
- E30 Iggy Pop / Tom Waits Core Apr 10, 1979
- E31 Johnny Winter in concert Core Apr 17, 1979
- E32 Episode 32 Core May 8, 1979
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 15, 1979
- E34 Episode 34 Core May 22, 1979
- E35 Episode 35 Core May 29, 1979
- E36 Episode 36 Mytharc Jun 5, 1979
- E37 Thin Lizzy in concerts Mytharc Jun 12, 1979
Season 9 · 34 episodes
Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →- E1 Nils Lofgren in concert Mytharc Sep 18, 1979
- E2 Rickie Lee Jones concert highlights Core Sep 25, 1979
- E3 Episode 3 Core Oct 2, 1979
- E4 Episode 4 Core Oct 9, 1979
- E5 Episode 5 Core Oct 16, 1979
- E6 Episode 6 Core Oct 30, 1979
- E7 Episode 7 Core Nov 6, 1979
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 13, 1979
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 20, 1979
- E10 Episode 10 Core Nov 27, 1979
- E11 Episode 11 Core Dec 4, 1979
- E12 Madness Core Dec 11, 1979
- E13 Mike Oldfield Core Dec 20, 1979
- E14 Blondie in concert Core Dec 31, 1979
- E15 Episode 15 Core Jan 8, 1980
- E16 Pick of the Year Core Jan 11, 1980
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 15, 1980
- E18 Episode 18 Core Jan 22, 1980
- E19 Episode 19 Core Jan 29, 1980
- E20 Episode 20 Core Feb 12, 1980
- E21 Episode 21 Core Feb 19, 1980
- E22 The Knack in concert Core Feb 26, 1980
- E23 Episode 23 Core Mar 4, 1980
- E24 Fabulous Thunderbirds Core Mar 11, 1980
- E25 Episode 25 Core Mar 18, 1980
- E26 Episode 26 Core Mar 25, 1980
- E27 Rory Gallagher concert highlights Core Apr 1, 1980
- E28 Girl Core Apr 8, 1980
- E29 ZZ Top Core Apr 15, 1980
- E30 Episode 30 Core May 6, 1980
- E31 Episode 31 Core May 13, 1980
- E32 Episode 32 Core May 27, 1980
- E33 Episode 33 Mytharc Jun 6, 1980
- E34 Genesis in concert Mytharc Jun 17, 1980
Season 10 · 41 episodes
Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →- E1 Kate Bush in concert Mytharc Oct 7, 1980
- E2 The Police in the East Core Oct 10, 1980
- E3 The Story So Far - 350th Edition Core Oct 11, 1980
- E4 Police in concert Core Oct 18, 1980
- E5 Paul Simon Core Nov 1, 1980
- E6 Episode 6 Core Nov 8, 1980
- E7 Episode 7 Core Nov 15, 1980
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 22, 1980
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 29, 1980
- E10 Episode 10 Core Dec 6, 1980
- E11 Episode 11 Core Dec 9, 1980
- E12 Episode 12 Core Dec 13, 1980
- E13 Episode 13 Core Dec 20, 1980
- E14 Ian Dury & The Blockheads in concert Core May 2, 1981
- E15 Review of the Year Core Dec 31, 1980
- E16 Episode 16 Core Jan 10, 1981
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 17, 1981
- E18 Rockpop, Part 1 Mytharc Jan 24, 1981
- E19 Rockpop, Part 2 Mytharc Jan 31, 1981
- E20 Episode 20 Core Feb 7, 1981
- E21 Episode 21 Core Feb 14, 1981
- E22 Episode 22 Core Feb 21, 1981
- E23 Episode 23 Core Feb 28, 1981
- E24 Episode 24 Core Mar 7, 1981
- E25 Episode 25 Core Mar 14, 1981
- E26 Joni Mitchell in concert Core Mar 21, 1981
- E27 Rockplast, Part 1 Mytharc Mar 28, 1981
- E28 Rockplast, Part 2 Mytharc Mar 28, 1981
- E29 Episode 29 Core Apr 4, 1981
- E30 Episode 30 Core Apr 11, 1981
- E31 Episode 31 Core Apr 18, 1981
- E32 Episode 32 Core Apr 25, 1981
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 5, 1981
- E34 Episode 34 Core May 12, 1981
- E35 Episode 35 Core May 19, 1981
- E36 Clark/Duke Project Core May 26, 1981
- E37 Eurythmics Core Jun 2, 1981
- E38 Jack Bruce & His Friends Core Jun 9, 1981
- E39 Episode 39 Core Jun 16, 1981
- E40 Duran Duran Mytharc Jul 7, 1981
- E41 Episode 41 Mytharc Jul 14, 1981
Season 11 · 29 episodes
Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →- E1 Episode 1 Mytharc Oct 1, 1981
- E2 Episode 2 Core Oct 8, 1981
- E3 Episode 3 Core Oct 15, 1981
- E4 Episode 4 Core Nov 5, 1981
- E5 Altered Images Core Nov 26, 1981
- E6 Episode 6 Core Dec 3, 1981
- E7 Toyah in concert Core Dec 17, 1981
- E8 Pick of the Year Core Dec 31, 1981
- E9 No One Gets Out Alive: Doors documentary Core Jan 7, 1982
- E10 Episode 10 Core Jan 21, 1982
- E11 Rockpop in concert, Part 1 Mytharc Jan 28, 1982
- E12 Soft Cell Core Feb 4, 1982
- E13 XTC Core Feb 11, 1982
- E14 Rockpop in concert, Part 2 Mytharc Feb 18, 1982
- E15 Episode 15 Core Feb 25, 1982
- E16 Episode 16 Core Mar 4, 1982
- E17 Episode 17 Core Mar 11, 1982
- E18 Episode 18 Core Mar 18, 1982
- E19 Teardrop Explodes Core Apr 1, 1982
- E20 Van Morrison & Rick James in concert Core Apr 3, 1982
- E21 Episode 21 Core Apr 4, 1982
- E22 Episode 22 Core Apr 15, 1982
- E23 Episode 23 Core Apr 22, 1982
- E24 Episode 24 Core Apr 29, 1982
- E25 Episode 25 Core May 6, 1982
- E26 Ry Cooder Core May 20, 1982
- E27 Episode 27 Core May 27, 1982
- E28 Todd Rundgren Mytharc Jun 3, 1982
- E29 Episode 29 Mytharc Jun 10, 1982
Season 12 · 22 episodes
Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →- E1 Simple Minds / Hot Club Mytharc Sep 17, 1982
- E2 Episode 2 Core Sep 24, 1982
- E3 Episode 3 Core Oct 1, 1982
- E4 Episode 4 Core Oct 8, 1982
- E5 Episode 5 Core Oct 15, 1982
- E6 Episode 6 Core Oct 22, 1982
- E7 Episode 7 Core Oct 30, 1982
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 5, 1982
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 12, 1982
- E10 Episode 10 Core Nov 19, 1982
- E11 Elton John in concert Core Dec 24, 1982
- E12 Pick of the Year Core Dec 31, 1982
- E13 Episode 13 Core Apr 8, 1983
- E14 Episode 14 Core Apr 15, 1983
- E15 Episode 15 Core Apr 22, 1983
- E16 Spandau Ballet Core Apr 29, 1983
- E17 Episode 17 Core May 6, 1983
- E18 Episode 18 Core May 13, 1983
- E19 Episode 19 Core May 20, 1983
- E20 Waterboys / Eurythmics Core May 27, 1983
- E21 Roman Holliday Mytharc Jun 3, 1983
- E22 Joni Mitchell Mytharc Jun 19, 1983
Season 13 · 20 episodes
Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →- E1 Fun Boy Three special Mytharc Sep 18, 1983
- E2 Episode 2 Core Nov 18, 1983
- E3 Level 42 Core Nov 25, 1983
- E4 Tom Robinson & The Crew Core Dec 2, 1983
- E5 The Smiths Core Dec 9, 1983
- E6 Aztec Camera Core Dec 16, 1983
- E7 Pick of the Year Core Dec 23, 1983
- E8 Paul Young and the Royal Family Core Dec 24, 1983
- E9 Episode 9 Core Jan 13, 1984
- E10 Red Guitars / Gary Moore Core Jan 20, 1984
- E11 Episode 11 Core Jan 27, 1984
- E12 Episode 12 Core Feb 3, 1984
- E13 Episode 13 Core Feb 10, 1984
- E14 Icicle Works in concert Core Feb 17, 1984
- E15 Episode 15 Core Feb 24, 1984
- E16 Episode 16 Core Mar 2, 1984
- E17 Episode 17 Core Mar 9, 1984
- E18 Episode 18 Core Mar 16, 1984
- E19 Episode 19 Mytharc Mar 23, 1984
- E20 Episode 20 Mytharc Mar 30, 1984
Season 14 · 38 episodes
Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →- E1 Violent Femmes Mytharc Oct 23, 1984
- E2 Episode 2 Core Oct 30, 1984
- E3 Episode 3 Core Nov 6, 1984
- E4 Episode 4 Core Nov 13, 1984
- E5 Episode 5 Core Nov 20, 1984
- E6 Episode 6 Core Nov 27, 1984
- E7 Episode 7 Core Dec 4, 1984
- E8 Episode 8 Core Dec 11, 1984
- E9 Lou Reed Core Dec 18, 1984
- E10 Bruce Springsteen in concert Core Dec 18, 1984
- E11 Big Country in concert Core Dec 31, 1984
- E12 Nik Kershaw in concert Core Dec 31, 1984
- E13 Old Grey Pick of the Year Core Jan 1, 1985
- E14 Episode 14 Core Jan 8, 1985
- E15 Episode 15 Core Jan 15, 1985
- E16 Episode 16 Core Jan 22, 1985
- E17 Episode 17 Core Jan 29, 1985
- E18 Episode 18 Core Feb 5, 1985
- E19 Episode 19 Core Feb 12, 1985
- E20 Episode 20 Core Feb 19, 1985
- E21 Episode 21 Core Feb 26, 1985
- E22 Episode 22 Core Mar 5, 1985
- E23 Episode 23 Core Mar 12, 1985
- E24 Episode 24 Core Mar 19, 1985
- E25 Episode 25 Core Mar 26, 1985
- E26 Prince in concert Core Mar 31, 1985
- E27 Episode 27 Core Apr 2, 1985
- E28 Mick Jagger extended special Core Apr 9, 1985
- E29 Episode 29 Core Apr 16, 1985
- E30 Episode 30 Core Apr 23, 1985
- E31 Episode 31 Core Apr 30, 1985
- E32 Episode 32 Core May 7, 1985
- E33 Episode 33 Core May 14, 1985
- E34 Episode 34 Core May 21, 1985
- E35 Episode 35 Core May 28, 1985
- E36 Episode 36 Core Jun 4, 1985
- E37 Episode 37 Mytharc Jun 11, 1985
- E38 Episode 38 Mytharc Jun 18, 1985
Season 15 · 31 episodes
Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →- E1 Long Ryders Mytharc Oct 1, 1985
- E2 Episode 2 Core Oct 8, 1985
- E3 Episode 3 Core Oct 15, 1985
- E4 Episode 4 Core Oct 22, 1985
- E5 Episode 5 Core Oct 29, 1985
- E6 Episode 6 Core Nov 5, 1985
- E7 Episode 7 Core Nov 12, 1985
- E8 Episode 8 Core Nov 19, 1985
- E9 Episode 9 Core Nov 26, 1985
- E10 Episode 10 Core Dec 3, 1985
- E11 Episode 11 Core Dec 10, 1985
- E12 Episode 12 Core Dec 17, 1985
- E13 85 Whistle Test 86 Core Dec 31, 1985
- E14 Meatloaf in concert Core Feb 5, 1986
- E15 Joni Mitchell in concert Core Apr 1, 1986
- E16 Bryan Ferry special Core Apr 8, 1986
- E17 Episode 17 Core Apr 29, 1986
- E18 Episode 18 Core May 6, 1986
- E19 Episode 19 Core May 13, 1986
- E20 Episode 20 Core May 20, 1986
- E21 Stevie Wonder special Core May 23, 1986
- E22 Episode 22 Core May 27, 1986
- E23 Episode 23 Core Jun 3, 1986
- E24 Episode 24 Core Jun 10, 1986
- E25 Episode 25 Core Jun 17, 1986
- E26 Episode 26 Core Jun 24, 1986
- E27 Episode 27 Core Jul 1, 1986
- E28 Episode 28 Core Jul 8, 1986
- E29 Episode 29 Core Jul 15, 1986
- E30 Big Country in concert Mytharc Jul 22, 1986
- E31 Rolling Stones Mytharc Aug 23, 1986
Season 16 · 20 episodes
Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Damned / Echo & the Bunnymen / Hang Wangford / Billy Bragg / Brendan Croker Mytharc Sep 20, 1986
- E2 Paul Simon special Core Dec 23, 1986
- E3 End of the Year Core Dec 31, 1986
- E4 Run DMC Core Jan 7, 1987
- E5 Episode 5 Core Jan 13, 1987
- E6 Michelle Shocked Core Jan 14, 1987
- E7 The Comfy Area Core Jan 21, 1987
- E8 The Cult Core Jan 28, 1987
- E9 Run DMC Core Feb 4, 1987
- E10 World Party Core Feb 11, 1987
- E11 Episode 11 Core Feb 18, 1987
- E12 Episode 12 Core Feb 25, 1987
- E13 Deep Purple / The Mission Core Mar 4, 1987
- E14 U2 / Sinéad O’Connor Core Mar 11, 1987
- E15 Episode 15 Core Mar 18, 1987
- E16 Wet Wet Wet Core Mar 25, 1987
- E17 Paul Simon Core Apr 1, 1987
- E18 Level 42 in concert Core Apr 20, 1987
- E19 Big in Japan special Mytharc Apr 21, 1987
- E20 That Was The Whistle Test That Was Mytharc Apr 22, 1987
Verified insights
Frequently asked questions
When did The Old Grey Whistle Test broadcast?
The show ran from 1971 to 1987 on BBC2.
Who devised the programme?
It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers.
What show did it replace?
It took over the BBC2 late night slot from Disco Two.
Where does the title come from?
According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase.
What kind of music did it feature?
It continued to feature non-chart music.
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