#OnThisDay 1971: Frank Zappa told Richard Williams about life on the road with The Mothers of Invention on The Old Grey Whistle Test, as reflected in his film 200 Motels. | BBC Archive

#OnThisDay 1975: John Lennon was asked the "inevitable" question about a Beatles reunion, on The Old Grey Whistle Test. | BBC Archive

"Badge" live in 1977 on 'The Old Grey Whistle Test.' According to presenter Bob Harris, the TV show 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. Any song the doormen could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test. | Eric Clapton

"I play a role, and that's the acting part that I play." Talking to @WhisperingBob Harris on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1974, Vincent Furnier talks about his infamous stage persona Alice Cooper and (maybe) playing golf with Bob Hope. | BBC Archive

Stir it up!! #mondaymoods 🎥 BBC’s The Old Grey Whistle Test, May 1973. | Bob Marley

Live at the Old Grey Whistle Test, 1979 – The Specials: A Message to You, Rudy Stop your messing around… One of the most iconic performances in ska history—The Specials live on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1979, performing “A Message to You, Rudy.” Timeless, urgent, and still relevant. ⸻ Formed in Coventry, England in 1977, The Specials fused Jamaican ska and rocksteady rhythms with punk attitude and sharp social commentary—sparking the 2 Tone movement that changed British music forever. ⸻ Origi