The Old Grey Whistle Test
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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Season 3
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1
E1
Blue / Jim Croce
Sep 25, 1973 -
2
E2
Reggae in Edinburgh special
Sep 25, 1973 -
3
E3
Rolling Stones / Country Gazette / Leo Kottke
Country Gazette: Keep On Pushing / Tried So Hard / Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Down The Road Leo Kottke: The Driving Of The Year/ Nail Stealing Mick Jagger interview The Rolling Stones: Silver Train / Dancing With Mr. D (promos)
Oct 2, 1973 -
4
E4
Leo Sayer / Don McLean
Oct 9, 1973 -
5
E5
Bloodstone / John Martyn
Oct 16, 1973 -
6
E6
Episode 6
Oct 23, 1973 -
7
E7
Episode 7
Oct 30, 1973 -
8
E8
Brinsley Schwarz / Gallagher & Lyle / Golden Earring
Brinsley Schwarz: Hooked on Love / Surrender to the Rhythm Gallagher & Lyle: Shine a Light / I Believe in You Golden Earring: Radar Love (film)
Nov 6, 1973 -
9
E9
Episode 9
Nov 13, 1973 -
10
E10
Clifford T Ward / Greenslade / Stealers Wheel / Man / Bees Make Honey
Nov 20, 1973 -
11
E11
New York Dolls / Michael Chapman / B.B. King
Nov 27, 1973 -
12
E12
Hudson Ford / Gordon Giltrap / Mickey Dolenz
Dec 4, 1973 -
13
E13
Episode 13
Dec 11, 1973 -
14
E14
Sensational Alex Harvey Band / Rita Coolige / Kris Kristofferson / Linda Lewis / Jackson Browne / Billy Preston
Dec 20, 1973 -
15
E15
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Dec 26, 1973 -
16
E16
Episode 16
Unbroadcast
Jan 1, 1974 -
17
E17
Dave Mason
Jan 13, 1974 -
18
E18
Sutherland Bros and Quiver / Ralph McTell / Ducks Deluxe
Jan 20, 1974 -
19
E19
Episode 19
Jan 27, 1974 -
20
E20
Stevie Wonder / Doobie Brothers / Neil Sedaka
Feb 3, 1974 -
21
E21
Pete Berryman / Cockney Rebel / Marshall Tucker Band
Feb 10, 1974 -
22
E22
Horslips / Roy Harper / Joe Walsh / Maggie Bell
Feb 17, 1974 -
23
E23
Babe Ruth / Argent / Loggins and Messina / Cheech and Chong / Steve Howe / Rick Wakeman / Cousin Joe / Bonnie Raitt
Feb 24, 1974 -
24
E24
Canned Heat / Van Morrison / Bill Haley / Alquin
Feb 26, 1974 -
25
E25
Episode 25
Mar 10, 1974 -
26
E26
Rab Noakes / Chic Corea / Stefan Grossman
Mar 12, 1974 -
27
E27
Saffrons / Stefan Grossman
Mar 19, 1974 -
28
E28
Lindisfarne / Isotope / Sharks / Alice Cooper
Mar 26, 1974 -
29
E29
Cashman & West / Argent / Cat Stevens
Apr 3, 1974 -
30
E30
Strawbs / Judi Pulver / Jobraith
Apr 10, 1974 -
31
E31
Jesse Colin Young / Robin Trower
Apr 17, 1974 -
32
E32
Episode 32
Apr 24, 1974 -
33
E33
Episode 33
May 1, 1974 -
34
E34
Beckett / Graham Nash / Bill Wyman
May 8, 1974 -
35
E35
Nazareth / James Griffin / Lesley Duncan / Tangerine Dream
May 14, 1974 -
36
E36
Montrose / Tim Buckley / James Gang / Black Oak Arkansas
May 21, 1974 -
37
E37
Van Morrison in concert
May 28, 1974 -
38
E38
Episode 38
Jun 4, 1974 -
39
E39
The Butts Band / Bridget St. John / Groundhogs / Pink Floyd
Jun 11, 1974 -
40
E40
Captain Beefheart / Dory Previn / Paul Simon
Jun 18, 1974 -
41
E41
Heavy Metal Kids / Pete Atkin / Ian Hunter / Loudon Wainwright III / JSD Band
Jun 25, 1974 -
42
E42
Elton John / Dobie Gray / Adam Faith / Stevie Wonder
Jul 9, 1974 -
43
E43
Rolling Stones, 1965 US tour film
Jul 9, 1974