Old Grey Whistle Test (Vol 1)

It’s almost unbelievable now that the original series of TOGWT went out open-ended so that any particularly successful live band sets or interviews could be featured i... more >

It’s almost unbelievable now that the original series of TOGWT went out open-ended so that any particularly successful live band sets or interviews could be featured in their entirety. This laid-back approach characterises much of what was good about the programme, which placed its emphasis firmly on the quality of the music, allowing those who would not normally be given a platform a chance to be introduced to a wider audience. The DVDs reflect this mix. Bigger names such as The Who, David Bowie and The Wailers take their place alongside singers who are often short-changed in official histories – Kevin Ayers, Judee Sill and John Martyn for starters. The discs also follow the programme through its prog-rock years to the arrival of punk. ‘At last the 1978 show’ proclaims the lead singer of The Adverts when they are finally invited on.

The quality of the music is uniformly high, and the presenters remark time and again how remarkable it was that the bands managed to create any atmosphere at all, playing as they did in a cold studio in front of three cardigan-wearing cameramen wearing headphones to keep the noise down.

As well as the music, the programme also offers 15 years of rock fashions and unwise hair choices for our delectation. In their audio commentaries, ex-presenters comment on such things with gleeful abandon. Great fun and great music.
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DVD Extras

• Two discs
• Artists' gallery
• Year by year selection
• Archive interviews
• Audio commentary by Mike Appleton
• Presenters' choice
• OGWT Museum
• Random choice.

Film Details

Cast

Bob Harris (Pres)

Technical Details