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 (35)
1. John Lennon interview in New York
Aired 30 September 1975 • 60 min
2. Episode 2
Aired 7 October 1975 • 60 min
3. Episode 3
Aired 14 October 1975 • 60 min
4. John Mayall
Aired 21 October 1975 • 60 min
5. Freddie King / Jack the Lad
Aired 28 October 1975 • 60 min
6. Episode 6
Aired 4 November 1975 • 60 min
7. Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert
Aired 11 November 1975 • 60 min
8. Episode 8
Aired 18 November 1975 • 60 min
9. Dr. Hook special
Aired 25 November 1975 • 60 min
10. Episode 10
Aired 2 December 1975 • 60 min
11. Episode 11
Aired 9 December 1975 • 60 min
12. Ace / Strawbs
Aired 16 December 1975 • 60 min
13. Queen in concert
Aired 24 December 1975 • 60 min
14. Pick of the Year
Aired 31 December 1975 • 60 min
15. Episode 15
Aired 6 January 1976 • 60 min
16. Episode 16
Aired 13 January 1976 • 60 min
17. Episode 17
Aired 20 January 1976 • 60 min
18. Supertramp in Concert
Aired 27 January 1976 • 60 min
19. Episode 19
Aired 3 February 1976 • 60 min
20. Episode 20
Aired 10 February 1976 • 60 min
21. Episode 21
Aired 17 February 1976 • 60 min
22. Episode 22
Aired 24 February 1976 • 60 min
23. Rory Gallagher
Aired 2 March 1976 • 60 min
24. Episode 24
Aired 9 March 1976 • 60 min
25. Return to Forever
Aired 16 March 1976 • 60 min
26. Bonnie Raitt
Aired 23 March 1976 • 60 min
Bob Harris introduces Bonnie Raitt in a special concert performance for the Old Grey Whistle Test from 1976.
27. Jim Capaldi & The Space Cadets
Aired 30 March 1976 • 60 min
28. Episode 28
Aired 6 April 1976 • 60 min
29. Episode 29
Aired 13 April 1976 • 60 min
30. Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Aired 20 April 1976 • 60 min
31. Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble
Aired 27 April 1976 • 60 min
32. Episode 32
Aired 4 May 1976 • 60 min
33. Episode 33
Aired 11 May 1976 • 60 min
34. Daryl Hall & John Oates
Aired 18 May 1976 • 60 min
35. Nils Lofgren & Band
Aired 25 May 1976 • 60 min