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The Old Grey Whistle Test is to Return

The Legendary Bob Harris tells Matt Everitt all about this exciting one off special show

In the history of live music on telly, there's some important names. The Tube. Ready Steady Go, Soul Train. Later With Jules, but one show, which ran from 1971 to 1988 showcased maybe more iconic bands performing live - than any other, that's The Old Grey Whistle Test.

Bands would often perform in a bare studio, but there was a realness and authenticity that you could feel. As for who played? the list is staggering - they hosted the first British TV performance of Bob Marley and the Wailers, John Lennon,New York Dolls, Pati Smith, Elton John , The Ramones. Tom Petty. PIL, The Smiths, Tom Waits.

445 episodes... But now it'll be 446

As Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four is hosting Old Grey Whistle Test Live: For One Night Only on Friday 23 February

Hosted by Bob Harris - one of the original presenters who fronted the series from 1972-1978 - this is a live three hour show filmed at the Whistle Test's original home of Television Centre in White City London with music, special guests and rare archive to mark 30 years since the series was last broadcast.

There will be music from Peter Frampton, Richard Thompson, and Albert Lee - who all performed on the show. Bob will be speaking to them and other guests, including Dave Stewart, Joan Armatrading, Ian Anderson, Kiki Dee, Chris Difford and Danny Baker, plus singer Mollie Marriott and Mike Appleton who produced the original series.

Former presenters - including Annie Nightingale, Richard Williams, David Hepworth and Andy Kershaw - will feature too and Bob joins 6 Music Breakfast's Matt Everitt to tell us all about it.

Release date:

Duration:

5 minutes