The Old Grey Whistle Test poster

Web series

The Old Grey Whistle Test

8.3(3)197116 seasons · 558 episodes60m / ep

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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Status
Ended
Type
Scripted
Last aired
1987-04-22
Language
English
  • BBC Two
  • live performance
  • live music
  • live musical performance

Seasons

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Director

Stuart Orme

Produced in

United Kingdom

Videos

No extra videos are listed for this title yet.

Air dates

First aired
1971-09-21
Latest episode
1987-04-22
Status
Ended
Next release
Completed
  • 1971/221 Sept 1971
  • 1972/312 Sept 1972
  • 1973/425 Sept 1973
  • 1974/524 Sept 1974
  • 1975/630 Sept 1975
  • 1976/728 Sept 1976
  • 1977/820 Sept 1977
  • 1978/919 Sept 1978
  • 1979/8018 Sept 1979
  • 1980/817 Oct 1980
  • 1981/21 Oct 1981
  • 1982/317 Sept 1982
  • 1983/418 Sept 1983
  • 1984/523 Oct 1984
  • 1985/61 Oct 1985
  • 1986/720 Sept 1986

Frequently asked questions

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