#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 1971: The Old Grey Whistle Test took to the airwaves on BBC Two, intended as a regular outlet for non-chart music. By 1976, the show had become so influential they were able to bag an interview with US presidential candidate Jimmy Carter (sporting a Whistle Test badge). | BBC Archive

#OTD 1971 The Old Grey Whistle Test first began. If you'll pardon the pun, here is a whistle stop tour. | BBC Archive

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