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 (34)
1. Nils Lofgren in concert
Aired 18 September 1979 • 60 min
2. Rickie Lee Jones concert highlights
Aired 25 September 1979 • 60 min
3. Episode 3
Aired 2 October 1979 • 60 min
4. Episode 4
Aired 9 October 1979 • 60 min
5. Episode 5
Aired 16 October 1979 • 60 min
6. Episode 6
Aired 30 October 1979 • 60 min
7. Episode 7
Aired 6 November 1979 • 60 min
8. Episode 8
Aired 13 November 1979 • 60 min
9. Episode 9
Aired 20 November 1979 • 60 min
10. Episode 10
Aired 27 November 1979 • 60 min
11. Episode 11
Aired 4 December 1979 • 60 min
12. Madness
Aired 11 December 1979 • 60 min
Bed & Breakfast Man / Night Boat To Cairo
13. Mike Oldfield
Aired 20 December 1979 • 60 min
14. Blondie in concert
Aired 31 December 1979 • 60 min
15. Episode 15
Aired 8 January 1980 • 60 min
16. Pick of the Year
Aired 11 January 1980 • 60 min
17. Episode 17
Aired 15 January 1980 • 60 min
18. Episode 18
Aired 22 January 1980 • 60 min
19. Episode 19
Aired 29 January 1980 • 60 min
20. Episode 20
Aired 12 February 1980 • 60 min
21. Episode 21
Aired 19 February 1980 • 60 min
22. The Knack in concert
Aired 26 February 1980 • 60 min
23. Episode 23
Aired 4 March 1980 • 60 min
24. Fabulous Thunderbirds
Aired 11 March 1980 • 60 min
25. Episode 25
Aired 18 March 1980 • 60 min
26. Episode 26
Aired 25 March 1980 • 60 min
27. Rory Gallagher concert highlights
Aired 1 April 1980 • 60 min
28. Girl
Aired 8 April 1980 • 60 min
29. ZZ Top
Aired 15 April 1980 • 60 min
30. Episode 30
Aired 6 May 1980 • 60 min
31. Episode 31
Aired 13 May 1980 • 60 min
32. Episode 32
Aired 27 May 1980 • 60 min
33. Episode 33
Aired 6 June 1980 • 60 min
34. Genesis in concert
Aired 17 June 1980 • 60 min
Genesis in concert highlights at London’s Lyceum Ballroom 07/05/80. Behind the Lines / Duchess / Guideline / Medley: In the Cage/Slipperman solo / Afterglow / Dance on a Volcano / Los Endos