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 (38)
1. Violent Femmes
Aired 23 October 1984 • 60 min
2. Episode 2
Aired 30 October 1984 • 60 min
3. Episode 3
Aired 6 November 1984 • 60 min
4. Episode 4
Aired 13 November 1984 • 60 min
5. Episode 5
Aired 20 November 1984 • 60 min
6. Episode 6
Aired 27 November 1984 • 60 min
7. Episode 7
Aired 4 December 1984 • 60 min
8. Episode 8
Aired 11 December 1984 • 60 min
9. Lou Reed
Aired 18 December 1984 • 60 min
10. Bruce Springsteen in concert
Aired 18 December 1984 • 60 min
11. Big Country in concert
Aired 31 December 1984 • 60 min
12. Nik Kershaw in concert
Aired 31 December 1984 • 60 min
13. Old Grey Pick of the Year
Aired 1 January 1985 • 60 min
14. Episode 14
Aired 8 January 1985 • 60 min
15. Episode 15
Aired 15 January 1985 • 60 min
16. Episode 16
Aired 22 January 1985 • 60 min
17. Episode 17
Aired 29 January 1985 • 60 min
18. Episode 18
Aired 5 February 1985 • 60 min
19. Episode 19
Aired 12 February 1985 • 60 min
20. Episode 20
Aired 19 February 1985 • 60 min
21. Episode 21
Aired 26 February 1985 • 60 min
22. Episode 22
Aired 5 March 1985 • 60 min
23. Episode 23
Aired 12 March 1985 • 60 min
24. Episode 24
Aired 19 March 1985 • 60 min
25. Episode 25
Aired 26 March 1985 • 60 min
26. Prince in concert
Aired 31 March 1985 • 60 min
27. Episode 27
Aired 2 April 1985 • 60 min
28. Mick Jagger extended special
Aired 9 April 1985 • 60 min
29. Episode 29
Aired 16 April 1985 • 60 min
30. Episode 30
Aired 23 April 1985 • 60 min
31. Episode 31
Aired 30 April 1985 • 60 min
32. Episode 32
Aired 7 May 1985 • 60 min
33. Episode 33
Aired 14 May 1985 • 60 min
34. Episode 34
Aired 21 May 1985 • 60 min
35. Episode 35
Aired 28 May 1985 • 60 min
36. Episode 36
Aired 4 June 1985 • 60 min
37. Episode 37
Aired 11 June 1985 • 60 min
38. Episode 38
Aired 18 June 1985 • 60 min