TV Show Details
Air Date:September 21st, 1971
Last Air Date:April 22nd, 1987
Network:BBC Two
Status:Ended
Original Language:English
Production Companies:BBC
The Old Grey Whistle Test on the Web:Official Website
The Old Grey Whistle Test (1971-1987)
BBC Two
Scripted
TV Series
Audience Score
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.
