With the DVD market now saturated with more musical treats than we could ever have imagined, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to wade through the shelves and select the ones that genuinely offer what they say on the sleeve, and those that have been banged together for a quick buck, by someone who possesses more nerve than footage.

One series that has never disappointed and, likewise, should require little introduction, is the three-volume “Old Grey Whistle Test” set.

Released through the BBC’s own archives, it was home to some of the most scintillating live TV footage of the 1970s and 1980s. Indeed, it would be no exaggeration to describe it as one of the all-time crucial music television ventures, and the fact that it aired only in the U.K. does not detract from its importance. Enough of its content has leaked out elsewhere, across any number of individual artists’ retrospectives, that few music fans of the era have not seen at least one classic “Whistle Test” performance — and most wish they could see more.

Let’s dig deep into the vault to produce a not-quite complete episode guide to the show, but certainly the most complete yet published, for the halcyon years 1970-1977. The show went on for another decade, and we may look at that in the future. But this is where the key performances are, because for many years, “Whistle Test” was the only show that would give such bands a serious crack of the whip. Later, other shows competed for the deities’ favors. Before that, this was it.

Details from a few shows are missing from the list and more than a few of the songs performed. But every performance that is currently available on DVD is noted, together with a number that circulate on the collectors’ circuit. Use the list to catalog your own collection of “Whistle Test” clips, to complete a discography of your favorite band or as a time machine to whisk you back to the days when rock ’n’ roll television was something to be treasured. And now, without further ado, cue that old, familiar theme music… “Stone Fox Chase” by Area Code 615.

NOTE: Footage marked OGWT 1,2, 3 is available on the official BBC compilations of those titles; OGWT Years 1971-72 etc. was broadcast during the BBC-TV series of that title. Other material circulates among collectors, courtesy of sundry retrospective TV documentaries, Youtube and so forth, or it can be located on individual artist collections as noted.

Sept. 21,1971: Lesley Duncan, America

Sept. 28, 1971: Heads Hands & Feet (“Warming Up The Band” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Bridget St. John

Oct. 5, 1971: Cat Stevens, Jack Bruce Band

Oct. 12, 1971: Lindisfarne (“Fog On The Tyne”; “Meet Me On The Corner” on “OGWT Vol.  3”), Wishbone Ash (“Jailbait” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”)

Oct. 19, 1971: Stone The Crows, Loudon Wainwright III

Oct. 26, 1971: Buffy Sainte-Marie, Day Of Phoenix

Nov. 2, 1971: Ralph McTell, Family (“Spanish Tide”), Stoneground

Nov. 9, 1971: Gordon Giltrap, Alice Cooper (“Under My Wheels” on “OGWT Vol. 1”)

Nov. 16, 1971: Frank Zappa And The Mothers of Invention, Jean Luc Ponty

Nov. 23, 1971: Redwing, Alice Stuart

Nov. 30, 1971: Emitt Rhodes, The Move (“Ella James”)

Dec. 7, 1971: Elton John (“Tiny Dancer” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Fanny

Dec. 14, 1971: Uriah Heep, Colin Blunstone

Dec. 21, 1971: Alexis Korner, Gerry Rafferty

Dec. 28, 1971: Roy Young Band, Lesley Duncan

Jan. 4, 1972: David Ackles, Muddy Waters

Jan. 11, 1972: Fairport Convention (“The Hanging Song” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”),
Jimmy & Vella

Jan. 18, 1972: Bell & Arc, John Martyn

Jan. 25, 1972: Curtis Mayfield (“We Gotta Have Peace” on “OGWT Vol. 1”, “Keep On Keeping On” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”), Rock ’n’ Roll Allstars

Feb. 1, 1972: Poco (“Just For Me And You” on California Comes To The Whistle Test), Stevie Wonder

Feb. 8, 1972: David Bowie (“Oh You Pretty Things” on “OGWT Vol 3”; “Queen Bitch” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”; both plus “Five Years” on “Best Of Bowie” DVD)

Feb. 15, 1972: Jimmy and Vella, Mick Greenwood Band

Feb. 22, 1972: Rick Nelson, Hookfoot

Feb. 29, 1972: Franklyn Seals, Strawbs

Mar. 7, 1972: David Elliott, Plainsong

Mar. 14, 1972: Al Stewart, Paul Brett

Mar. 21, 1972: Judee Sill (“Jesus Was A Cross Maker,” “Enchanted Sky Machine”), Audience

Mar. 28, 1972: Randy Newman (“Political Science” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), John Dummer Band

Apr. 4, 1972: Kevin Ayers (“May I?” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Claire Hamill

Apr. 11, 1972: Vinegar Joe (“Rusty Red Armour”), Jonathan Kelly

Apr. 18, 1972: Manfred Mann’s Earthband, Linda Lewis

Apr. 25, 1972: Jerry Lee Lewis (“Chantilly Lace–Whole Lotta Shaking” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”), Country Joe MacDonald

May 2, 1972: Linda Hoyle, Jackson Browne (“Jamaica Say You Will” on “OGWT Vol. 3”)

May 9, 1972: Tom Paxton, The Doors

May 16, 1972: Beach Boys (“You Need A Mess Of Help” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”), Magna Carta

May 23, 1972: Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge (“Help Me Make It Through The Night” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Quiver

May 30, 1972: Focus, Don McLean

Jun. 6, 1972: Ashman Reynolds

Jun. 13, 1972: Sandy Denny, Richie Havens

Jun. 20, 1972: Roxy Music (“Ladytron” on OGWT Vol 2, “Remake Remodel” on “Bryan Ferry–Roxy Music Video Collection” DVD), Sutherland Brothers

Jun. 27, 1972: J. Geils Band, Natural Acoustic Band

Jul. 4, 1972: Impressions, Todd Rundgren

Jul. 11, 1972: Rolling Stones

Sep. 12, 1972: Frampton’s Camel, Loggins & Messina (“House At Pooh Corner” on “OGWT Vol. 2”)

Sep. 19, 1972: Everly Brothers, Jimmy Stevens

Sep. 26, 1972: Steppenwolf (“Born To Be Wild” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Linda Lewis

Oct. 3, 1972: Stone the Crows, Jim Croce (“… Working At The Car Wash Blues”)

Oct. 10, 1972: Home

Oct. 17, 1972: Plainsong, Mickey Newbury, Santana

Oct. 24, 1972: Birtha, Mike Hugg

Oct. 31, 1972: Ellis, Harry Chapin

Nov. 7, 1972: Stealers Wheel (“I Get By” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Bridget St. John

Nov. 15, 1972: Crowbar, Gladys Knight and the Pips

Nov. 21, 1972: Bill Withers (“Ain’t No Sunshine” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Sparks

Nov. 28, 1972: Babe Ruth, Philip Goodhand-Tait

Dec. 5, 1972: McKendree Spring, Ralph McTell

Dec. 12, 1972: Focus (“Tommy”, “The Bridge from Eruption” on “Focus: Masters From
The Vault” DVD); “Sylvia”, “Hocus Pocus” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Crickets (“Lovesick Blues” on “OGWT Years 1971-72”)

Dec. 19, 1972: Faces, Fumble

Dec. 26, 1972: Pick of the Year special

Jan. 9, 1973: J. Geils Band, Joan Armatrading, Barclay James Harvest (“Thank You” – promo film)

Jan. 23, 1973: Roberta Flack, Mike Absalom

Jan. 30, 1973: Who (“Relay” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Shawn Phillips

Feb. 6, 1973: Crazy Horse, Roy Harper

Feb. 13, 1973: Rory Gallagher (“Hands Off” on “OGWT Vol. 1,” “Walk On Hot Coals”), Duncan Browne

Feb. 20, 1973: Strawbs, Judee Sill (“The Kiss” on “OGWT Vol. 2,” “The Pearl”)

Feb. 27, 1973: Country Joe McDonald, Tassavalan Presidentti

Mar. 6, 1973: Argent (“God Gave Rock’n’Roll To You” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Shawn Phillips

Mar. 13, 1973: Roger Daltrey (“Giving It All Away” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), John Martyn (“May You Never” on “OGWT Vol. 1,” “I’D Rather Be The Devil” on “OGWT Years 1973-74”)

Mar. 20, 1973: Humble Pie (“Black Coffee” on “OGWT Vol. 3”)

Mar. 27, 1973: Ry Cooder (“Vigilante Man” on “OGWT Years 1973-74”); “Going To Brownsville” on California Comes To The Whistle Test)

Apr. 3, 1973: Roxy Music (“Do The Strand” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Allan Taylor

Apr. 10, 1973: Spirit, Gallagher and Lyle

Apr. 17, 1973: Fairport Convention (“Brilliancy Medley” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Tom Paxton

Apr. 24, 1973: John David Souther (“Doolin’ Dalton” on California Comes To The Whistle
Test), Birtha

May 1, 1973: The Wailers (“Concrete Jungle”; “Stir It Up” on OGWT Vol 1), Yes, Pete Atkin

May 8, 1973: Alquin, Jonathan Kelly

May 15, 1973: Roy Buchanan, Leon Russell, Jan Akkerman, B.B. King

May 22, 1973: Nazareth, Harvey Andrews

May 29, 1973: Golden Earring, Loudon Wainwright III

Jun. 5, 1973: Fanny, Sonny Terry-Brownie McGhee, Focus (live at the Rainbow)

Jun. 12, 1973: Rigor Mortis, Kevin Ayers

Jun. 19, 1973: Terry Reid, Del Shannon

Jul. 10, 1973: Average White Band (“Put It Where You Want It” on “OGWT Vol. 2”)

Jul. 17, 1973: Edgar Winter Group (“Frankenstein” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Sonny Terry-Brownie McGhee

Jul. 24, 1973: Peter Sinfield, the Drifters

Jul. 31, 1973: Freddie King (“Boogie Funk” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Steve Goodman, Eric Burdon


Sep. 25, 1973: Roger Chapman, Blue and reggae festival footage

Oct. 2, 1973: Leo Kottke, Country Gazette

Oct. 9, 1973: Don McLean, Leo Sayer

Oct. 16, 1973: Bloodstone, John Martyn

Oct. 23, 1973: Nektar, John Prine

Nov. 6, 1973: Brinsley Schwarz (“Surrender To The Rhythm” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Gallagher and Lyle

Nov. 20, 1973: Man, Bees Make Honey, Greenslade

Nov. 27, 1973: New York Dolls (“Jet Boy” on “OGWT Vol. 1,” “Looking For A Kiss”), Michael Chapman

Dec. 4, 1973: Hudson Ford, Gordon Giltrap

Dec. 11, 1973: Details unknown

Dec. 18, 1973: Sensational Alex Harvey Band (“Next”, “Faith Healer”)

Dec. 26, 1973: ELP On Tour documentary (“The Manticore Special” DVD)

Jan. 13, 1974: Details unknown

Jan. 20, 1974: Sutherland Brothers and Quiver, Ralph McTell

Feb. 10, 1974: Cockney Rebel, Pete Berryman

Feb. 17, 1974: Horslips, Roy Harper

Feb. 24, 1974: Babe Ruth, Cousin Joe, Loggins and Messina

Feb. 26, 1974: Canned Heat, Alquin, Van Morrison

Mar. 12, 1974: Chick Corea (“Space Circus” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”)

Mar. 19, 1974: Sassafras, Stefan Grossman

Mar. 26, 1974: Lindisfarne

Apr. 10, 1974: Strawbs, Judi Pulver

Apr. 17, 1974: Robin Trower (“A Little Bit Of Sympathy” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Jesse Colin Young

Apr. 24, 1974: Tassavalan Presidentti

May 1, 1974: Isaac Guillory, Manfred Mann

May 8, 1974: Beckett, Graham Nash (“On The Line on “OGWT Years 1974-75;”
“Another Sleep Song” on California Comes To The Whistle Test)

May 14, 1974: Nazareth, James Griffin

May 21, 1974: Montrose (“Bad Motor Scooter” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Tim Buckley (“Dolphins” on “OGWT Vol. 1”, “Honey Man” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”)

May 27, 1974: Van Morrison

Jun. 11, 1974: Butts Band, Bridget St. John

Jun. 18, 1974: Dory Previn, Captain Beefheart (“Upon The My Oh My” on “OGWT Vol. 1”; “This Is The Day” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”)

Jun. 25, 1974: details unknown

Jul. 2, 1974: details unknown

Jul. 9, 1974: Elton John, Dobie Gray (“Drift Away” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”), Stevie Wonder (“You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”)

Uncertain air date: Clifford T. Ward (“Scullery” on “OGWT Years 1973-74”)

Sep. 24, 1974: Loudon Wainwright III, Arlo Guthrie, Richard Digance, Planxty

Oct. 1, 1974: Wally

Oct. 8, 1974: Johnny Rivers, Andy Fairweather-Low

Oct. 15, 1974: Climax Blues Band, Barclay James Harvest (from Drury Lane live movie)

Oct. 22, 1974: Supertramp (“Dreamer” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Country Joe McDonald

Oct. 29, 1974: Johnny Winter (“Jumping Jack Flash” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Janis Ian (“At 17” on “OGWT Vol. 3”)

Nov. 5, 1974: Jess Roden, Kiki Dee

Nov. 12, 1974: Golden Earring, Little Feat, Snafu

Nov. 19, 1974: Joni Mitchell, Tom Scott and the L.A. Express

Nov. 26, 1974: Pretty Things, Jackie Lynton’s Grande

Dec. 3, 1974–Dec. 24, 1974: Details unknown

Jan. 1, 1975: Bad Company (“Feel Like Makin’ Love”), Leo Sayer

Jan. 8, 1975: Details unknown

Jan. 17, 1975: Bachman Turner Overdrive, John Martyn, Little Feat (“Rock ’n’ Roll Doctor” on OGWT Vol 1, “Fat Man In The Bathtub” on OGWT Years 1975-76), Robert Plant interview (on “Led Zeppelin” DVD)

Jan. 24, 1975: Bruce Johnston (“Disney Girls” on “OGWT Vol. 2”)

Jan. 31, 1975–Feb. 28, 1975: Details unknown

Mar. 7, 1975: Richard & Linda Thompson (“A Heart Needs A Home” on “OGWT Vol. 3”)

Mar. 14, 1975: Details unknown

Mar. 21, 1975: Dr. Feelgood (“She Does It Right”; “Roxette” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Barclay James Harvest (from Drury Lane live movie)

Mar. 28, 1975: Billy Cobham at the Rainbow

Apr. 11, 1975: Mick Ronson (“Angel No. 9”; “Play Don’t Worry”)

Apr. 18, 1975: John Lennon (“Stand By Me” on “OGWT Vol. 1,” “Slippin’ And Slidin’” on “OGWT Years 1975-76”)

Apr. 25, 1975: Raymond Froggatt

May 2, 1975: Dr. Hook, Joan Armatrading

May 9, 1975: Seals and Crofts (“Summer Breeze”), David Gates

May 30, 1975: Sensational Alex Harvey Band (“Give My Compliments To The Chef” on “OGWT Vol. 1”; “Delilah”), Rab Noakes

Jun. 6, 1975–Jun. 27, 1975: Details unknown

Jul. 5, 1975: Joni Sledge, Jimmy Castor Bunch, Ben E. King, Sister Sledge

Jul. 12, 1975: Details unknown

Jul. 19, 1975: Be Bop Deluxe (“Maid In Heaven” on “OGWT Vol. 2”)

Jul. 26, 1975: Yes concert (“Yes At QPR” VHS)

Uncertain airdate: Splinter — “Costa Fine Town” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”; Ducks Deluxe — “Coast To Coast” on “OGWT Years 1974-75”

Oct. 7, 1975: Druid, Sadistic Mika Band (“Time To Noodle”; “Suki, Suki, Suki”)

Oct. 14, 1975: Details unknown

Oct. 21, 1975: John Mayall, Jean Luc Ponty,

Oct. 28, 1975: Jack The Lad, UFO, Outlaws

Nov. 11, 1975: Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Free Bird” on “OGWT Vol. 1”; full concert broadcast on “Gimme Back My Bullets” expanded-edition bonus DVD)

Nov. 18, 1975–Nov. 25, 1975: Details unknown

Dec. 2, 1975: Richard Digance

Dec. 9, 1975: Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Philippe Catherine

Dec. 16, 1975: Strawbs, Ace

Dec. 24, 1975: Queen Christmas Concert

Jan. 1, 1976: Pick of the Year

Jan. 6, 1976: John Prine, Andy Fairweather-Low

Jan. 13, 1976: Be Bop Deluxe, Al Webber

Jan. 20, 1976: Country Joe McDonald, Barclay James Harvest (“Sweet Jesus”; “Hymn For The Children”)

Jan. 27, 1976: details unknown

Feb. 3, 1976: Small Faces, Pretty Things, Charlie, Elkie Brooks

Feb. 10, 1976: Emmylou Harris (“Amarillo” on “OGWT Vol. 1”), Streetwalkers

Feb. 17, 1976: Focus, Gil Scott Heron

Feb. 24, 1976: Widowmaker, Kraan

Mar. 2, 1976: Rory Gallagher

Mar. 9, 1976: Focus, Stackridge (“Dancing On Air”)

Mar. 23, 1976: Bonnie Raitt (“Too Long At The Fair” on “OGWT Vol. 1”; “Love Me Like A Man” on California Comes To The Whistle Test)

Mar. 30, 1976: Jim Capaldi

Apr. 6, 1976: Chieftains, Solution, Patrick Moraz

Apr. 13, 1976: PFM, Buffy Sainte-Marie

Apr. 20, 1976: Ozark Mountain Daredevils (concert)

Apr. 27, 1976: Rick Wakeman

May 4, 1976: Shanghai

May, 11, 1976: Patti Smith (Hey Joe”; “Land” on New York at the BBC), Jesse Winchester

May 18, 1976: Hall & Oates

May 25, 1976: Nils Lofgren (“Going Back” on OGWT Vol 2)

Uncertain airdate: Ronnie Lane — “C’est la Vie” on “OGWT Years 1975-76”; Billy Joel — “Piano Man” on “OGWT Years 1975-76”)


Oct. 5, 1976: Joan Armatrading (“Love & Affection” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), John Goldrosen

Oct. 12, 1976: Janis Ian

Oct. 26, 1976: Peter Frampton

Nov. 2, 1976: Cate Bros., Steve Hillage

Nov. 9, 1976: Ralph McTell

Nov. 16, 1976: Cajun Moon, Be Bop Deluxe

Nov. 23, 1976: Linda Ronstadt (concert)

Nov. 30, 1976: Al Stewart (“Year Of The Cat” on “OGWT Vol. 3”), Gordon Giltrap Band

Dec. 7, 1976: Jackson Browne (“For A Dancer” on California Comes To The Whistle Test), Warren Zevon and Jackson Browne (“Mohammed’s Radio” on California Comes To The Whistle Test)

Dec. 14, 1976: Racing Cars, Heart

Dec. 31, 1976: Pick of the Year

Jan. 4, 1977: Lone Star, Loudon Wainwright III

Jan. 11, 1977: Hall and Oates (“Rich Girl” ; “She’s Gone” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Ace

Jan. 18, 1977: Larry Coryell

Jan 25, 1977: Leon Redone, Sensational Alex Harvey Band Without Alex (“Pick It Up And Kick It”; “Smouldering”)

Feb. 1, 1977: Ry Cooder

Feb. 8, 1977: Average White Band

Feb. 15, 1977: Pat Travers Band, McGarrigle Sisters (“Be My Baby” )

Feb. 22, 1977: Manhattan Transfer

Mar. 1, 1977: Akkerman and Lux, John Martyn & Danny Thompson (“Couldn’t Love You More” on “OGWT Vol. 3”)

Mar. 8, 1977: Stephen Bishop, Charlie

Mar. 15, 1977: Andrew Gold

Mar. 29, 1977: Tiger, Roy Harper (“One of Those Days In England” on “OGWT Vol. 2”)

Apr. 5, 1977: Bandit, Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes (“The Fever”)

Apr. 12, 1977: Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band

Apr. 19, 1977: Atlanta Rhythm Section, John Stevens’ Away

Apr. 26, 1977: Kinks

May 3, 1977: Roger McGuinn’s Thunderbyrd, Tom Waits (“Tom Traubert’s Blues” on “OGWT Vol. 1”)

May 10, 1977: Nils Lofgren, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (“Fooled Again”)

May 17, 1977: Dory Previn

May 24, 1977: George Benson Udo Lindenberg

May 31, 1977: Small Faces, Television

June 7, 1977: Eric Clapton

Sep. 20, 1977: Rolling Stones

Sep. 27, 1977: Lone Star, Crawler

Oct. 4, 1977: Joan Armatrading, Sutherland Brothers and Quiver

Oct. 11, 1977: Sad Café, Stanley Clarke

Oct. 18, 1977: Dr. Hook, Otway and Barrett (“Really Free” on “OGWT Vol. 1,” “Cheryl’s Going Home”)

Oct. 25, 1977: Gordon Giltrap, Runaways

Nov. 1, 1977: Graham Parker and the Rumour, Louisiana Red, the Movies, James Taylor & Carly Simon (“You Can Close Your Eyes” — California Goes To The Test), Talking Heads

Nov. 8, 1977: Tubes (“White Punks On Dope”), Gary Boyle Band

Nov. 15, 1977: Gregg Allman and Cher, Bed Sidran

Nov. 22, 1977: Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes

Nov. 29, 1977: Don McLean, Tyla Gang

Dec. 6, 1977: Greg Kohn, Café Jacques

Dec. 13, 1977: Meal Ticket, Krazy Kat

Dec. 24, 1977: Kinks Christmas Concert

Jan. 5, 1978: Pick Of The Year

Jan. 12, 1978: Details unknown

Jan. 19, 1978: John Martyn

Jan. 17, 1978: Gallagher and Lyle, Cado Belle

Jan. 24 1978- Jan. 31, 1978: Details unknown

Feb. 7, 1978: Adverts (“Bored Teenagers” on “OGWT Vol. 2”; “Drowning men,” “Great British Mistake”), Jim Capaldi

Feb. 14, 1978: Details unknown

Feb. 21, 1978: Dickie Betts Band

Feb. 28, 1978: Eddie and the Hot Rods (“Life On The Line”), Richard Bebb

Mar. 7, 1978: Blondie, Hot Tuna

Mar. 14, 1978: Billy Joel

Mar. 21, 1978: Graham Parker (“Don’t Ask Me Questions”)

Mar. 28, 1978: Cheap Trick, Rubinoos

Apr. 4, 1978: Patti Smith (“Because The Night” on “OGWT Vol. 2”), Vibrators

May 9, 1978: Bethnal, Lake

May 16, 1978: Dire Straits, Chris Rea (“”Fires Of Spring” on “OGWT Vol. 3”)

May 23, 1978: Jam (“Billy Hunt,” “In The Street Today” on The Complete Jam), Gruppo
Sportivo

May 30, 1978: Meatloaf (“Paradise By The Dashboard Lights”), UFO

Jun. 6, 1978: Randy Newman

Jun. 13, 1978: Only Ones, Robert Gordon and Link Wray

Jun. 20, 1978: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers