About this season
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.
Episodes (20)
1. Fun Boy Three special
Aired 18 September 1983 • 60 min
2. Episode 2
Aired 18 November 1983 • 60 min
3. Level 42
Aired 25 November 1983 • 60 min
4. Tom Robinson & The Crew
Aired 2 December 1983 • 60 min
5. The Smiths
Aired 9 December 1983 • 60 min
6. Aztec Camera
Aired 16 December 1983 • 60 min
7. Pick of the Year
Aired 23 December 1983 • 60 min
8. Paul Young and the Royal Family
Aired 24 December 1983 • 60 min
9. Episode 9
Aired 13 January 1984 • 60 min
10. Red Guitars / Gary Moore
Aired 20 January 1984 • 60 min
11. Episode 11
Aired 27 January 1984 • 60 min
12. Episode 12
Aired 3 February 1984 • 60 min
13. Episode 13
Aired 10 February 1984 • 60 min
14. Icicle Works in concert
Aired 17 February 1984 • 60 min
15. Episode 15
Aired 24 February 1984 • 60 min
16. Episode 16
Aired 2 March 1984 • 60 min
17. Episode 17
Aired 9 March 1984 • 60 min
18. Episode 18
Aired 16 March 1984 • 60 min
19. Episode 19
Aired 23 March 1984 • 60 min
20. Episode 20
Aired 30 March 1984 • 60 min