The Old Grey Whistle Test
Season 5 Episode 4 - John Mayall
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 in Season 5
John Lennon interview in New York
60 min
Episode 2
60 min
Episode 3
60 min
John Mayall
60 min
Freddie King / Jack the Lad
60 min
Episode 6
60 min
Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert
60 min
Episode 8
60 min
Dr. Hook special
60 min
Episode 10
60 min
Episode 11
60 min
Ace / Strawbs
60 min
Queen in concert
60 min
Pick of the Year
60 min
Episode 15
60 min
Episode 16
60 min
Episode 17
60 min
Supertramp in Concert
60 min
Episode 19
60 min
Episode 20
60 min
Episode 21
60 min
Episode 22
60 min
Rory Gallagher
60 min
Episode 24
60 min
Return to Forever
60 min
Bonnie Raitt
60 min
Jim Capaldi & The Space Cadets
60 min
Episode 28
60 min
Episode 29
60 min
Ozark Mountain Daredevils
60 min
Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble
60 min
Episode 32
60 min
Episode 33
60 min
Daryl Hall & John Oates
60 min
Nils Lofgren & Band
60 min
