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 (31)
1. Long Ryders
Aired 1 October 1985 • 60 min
2. Episode 2
Aired 8 October 1985 • 60 min
3. Episode 3
Aired 15 October 1985 • 60 min
4. Episode 4
Aired 22 October 1985 • 60 min
5. Episode 5
Aired 29 October 1985 • 60 min
6. Episode 6
Aired 5 November 1985 • 60 min
7. Episode 7
Aired 12 November 1985 • 60 min
8. Episode 8
Aired 19 November 1985 • 60 min
9. Episode 9
Aired 26 November 1985 • 60 min
10. Episode 10
Aired 3 December 1985 • 60 min
11. Episode 11
Aired 10 December 1985 • 60 min
12. Episode 12
Aired 17 December 1985 • 60 min
13. 85 Whistle Test 86
Aired 31 December 1985 • 60 min
14. Meatloaf in concert
Aired 5 February 1986 • 60 min
15. Joni Mitchell in concert
Aired 1 April 1986 • 60 min
16. Bryan Ferry special
Aired 8 April 1986 • 60 min
17. Episode 17
Aired 29 April 1986 • 60 min
18. Episode 18
Aired 6 May 1986 • 60 min
19. Episode 19
Aired 13 May 1986 • 60 min
20. Episode 20
Aired 20 May 1986 • 60 min
21. Stevie Wonder special
Aired 23 May 1986 • 60 min
22. Episode 22
Aired 27 May 1986 • 60 min
23. Episode 23
Aired 3 June 1986 • 60 min
24. Episode 24
Aired 10 June 1986 • 60 min
25. Episode 25
Aired 17 June 1986 • 60 min
26. Episode 26
Aired 24 June 1986 • 60 min
27. Episode 27
Aired 1 July 1986 • 60 min
28. Episode 28
Aired 8 July 1986 • 60 min
29. Episode 29
Aired 15 July 1986 • 60 min
30. Big Country in concert
Aired 22 July 1986 • 60 min
31. Rolling Stones
Aired 23 August 1986 • 60 min