Some of the Greatest Guitar from the TV Show “The Old Grey Whistle Test” was a live music tv show from the BBC that ran on TV in the UK in the 70s and 80s a Golden era for many Guitar Greats.
The Runaways – Wasted Live at The Old Grey Whistle Test 1977
The Runaways made a memorable appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1977, where they delivered a raw and energetic performance of their song “Wasted.” This was a significant moment for the young, all-female rock band, showcasing their rebellious spirit and burgeoning talent to a UK audience. The performance, which also included their track “Schooldays,” captured the band’s powerful stage presence, with Joan Jett’s burgeoning frontwoman charisma and Lita Ford’s fiery guitar work particularly standing out. Their appearance on such a respected music program helped to further cement their image as a force to be reckoned with in the punk and rock scene.
Dire Straits At The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Dire Straits performed their song “Lions” during their debut appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test on May 15, 1978. This performance, which aired the following day, occurred alongside their breakthrough hit “Sultans of Swing.” “Lions,” featured on their self-titled debut album, showcased the band’s early blues-rock influences and Mark Knopfler’s distinctive guitar work. While “Sultans of Swing” became the immediate sensation, the performance of “Lions” on such a respected platform further highlighted the depth and musicality of the emerging band to the show’s discerning audience.
GARY MOORE – Back On The Streets Old Grey Whistle Test
Gary Moore’s performance of “Back on the Streets” on The Old Grey Whistle Test is a highly regarded moment in his career. This appearance, which took place on October 18, 1978, came shortly after he had temporarily rejoined Thin Lizzy for a tour and contributed to their Blackrose: A Rock Legend album. However, “Back on the Streets” was the title track of his second solo album, released in the same year, and his performance on the show likely served to promote this solo work. The rendition on The Old Grey Whistle Test typically highlighted Moore’s exceptional guitar skills, blending rock energy with bluesy undertones, which became his signature style. It captured a pivotal time in his musical journey as he transitioned between band affiliations and further established himself as a formidable solo artist. The performance remains a favorite among fans, showcasing his raw talent and the power of the song.
Rory Gallagher BullFrog Blues The Old Grey Whistle Test
Rory Gallagher’s performance of “Bullfrog Blues” on The Old Grey Whistle Test is a quintessential example of his raw and electrifying stage presence. While he appeared on the show multiple times throughout the 1970s, his rendition of this classic blues number, often associated with his energetic live sets, would have been a standout moment. Gallagher’s passionate guitar playing, filled with intense slide work and powerful riffs, combined with his gritty vocals, made “Bullfrog Blues” a signature tune for him. His appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test were crucial in showcasing his immense talent to a wider audience, capturing the intensity and authenticity of his blues-rock style in a relatively intimate television setting. His performance of “Bullfrog Blues” likely left a lasting impression, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest guitarists of his generation.
Budgie – Who Do You Want for Your Love ? Live on The Old Grey Whistle Test
Budgie’s appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test featuring “Who Do You Want for Your Love?” would have been a powerful showcase of their heavy rock sound. While specific dates for all their performances on the show might vary in readily available records, Budgie were known to have appeared on the program, bringing their energetic and riff-heavy music to the television audience. “Who Do You Want for Your Love?” from their 1975 album Bandolier, is a prime example of their signature style, blending hard rock with elements of blues and progressive rock. Their live rendition on The Old Grey Whistle Test would have highlighted Burke Shelley’s distinctive vocals and the band’s tight instrumental work, further solidifying their reputation as an influential band within the burgeoning heavy metal scene.
Eric Clapton – Badge Live at The Old Grey Whistle Test
Eric Clapton’s performance of “Badge” on The Old Grey Whistle Test would have been a significant moment, given the song’s history with Cream and its iconic status. While Cream had disbanded before The Old Grey Whistle Test began airing in 1971, Clapton did appear on the show as a solo artist. He performed on June 7, 1977, and while the setlist for that specific appearance might need further verification to confirm “Badge,” it’s plausible he would have included such a well-regarded song in his repertoire. Any live performance of “Badge” by Clapton on the show would have highlighted his masterful guitar playing and the song’s unique harmonic structure, likely delivered with the understated yet powerful style he was known for in his solo career during that period.
