Monday, 26 July 2010 03:19 Written by  Mr. Scsi

Old Grey Whistle Test

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Old Grey Whistle Test

The show's focuson "serious" rock music rather than chart hits was emphasised by a lack of showbiz  glitter: bands would often perform their songs in front of either the bare studio walls or plain wooden boards (actually the backs of set walls from other programmes filmed in the same studio). As with many BBC productions, this was (initially at least) as much a matter of money as of style; other late night shows of the time, having only 'minority' appeal, also had to be content with spartan sets. Another factor was that the programme was originally made in a studio known as "Pres B", which had been originally intended for in-vision continuity. The studio was only 32x22 feet (a little under 10 x 7 metres) which left little room for a set once the cameras and band were in.

 

In December 1980 Nightingale faced the daunting task of presenting the show in the immediate aftermath of the shooting of John Lennon (who had himself appeared on the show in 1975). This particular episode consisted almost entirely of interviews with various people about Lennon's life and career.

In 1983, the programme was moved to a live mid-evening slot. The title was abridged to Whistle Test and the title credits and music were changed. The final show was broadcast at the end of 1987; material included "Hotel California" by The Eagles, live from 1977, and "Bat out of Hell" by Meat Loaf. The executive producer of the The Old Grey Whistle Test was Mike Appleton. Derek Burbidge and Kate Humphreys directed and videoed many of the artists. The audio was always of prime importance. Gregg Baily was the recordist for the show on location.

Although many assumed the bands were playing live, due to technical issues and the need to ensure performances were controlled, the bands often recorded the performance on the day of shooting prior to taping, and then mimed to this "live" track. Other directors and camera operators were Martin Pitts in the USA, and for England, John Metcalfe and Tim Pope and many others. Location shoots all over the world were an essential part of the programme.

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Mr. Scsi

Mr. Scsi

Some people collect baseball cards, I've spent 30 years collecting rare live concert footage, television performances and music videos.  When we became full-time RV'ers my wife put her foot down and told me I had to do something with my collection.  The result is this website, initially a place where I could enjoy my collection without having to physically access the media, and now a place that everybody can enjoy.

I do not advocate downloading these videos, although I can't stop you.  I also encourage everybody to take a look at the artists represented here and go out and purchase the footage for themselves since most of it is available in DVD format.

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